Hello there.
There has been an awakening... have you felt it? I sure have! Along with millions of Star Wars fans across the galaxy, I am transforming May the 4th into May the 4th be with you for Star Wars Day! This is to celebrate the impact of Star Wars on not only ourselves, but also on pop culture as a whole! There are 365 days in the year and yet somehow one day is dedicated to a franchise about spacewizards? Yep, that's right and we're all here for it.
In case you've been stuck in the mines of Crait, Star Wars has been entertaining fans for more than 45 years, pushing the limits of technology in films and television. It cemented itself in pop culture and our lives. Even without seeing Star Wars, you know who Luke Skywalker's father is. Are you telling me you've never used the Force to open automatic doors? Star Wars is everywhere covering all kinds of media, even being featured or parodied in other franchises such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, Phineas and Ferb - and so many more!
Of course Star Wars is known for totally not being controversial and is universally praised (OK maybe not) and Star Wars always makes complete sense (three Death Stars?) but that's the beauty of it - Star Wars has something for EVERYONE. You want something light-hearted and fun? The Original trilogy delivers. You want something dark and gritty? Give Andor a try. You like racing? Star Wars Resistance is for you, and I will personally fly the Fireball into battle for this show.
How to celebrate Star Wars Day
SpongeWars
So. Much. Content. Where do you even start?
As someone who is part of a lot of fandoms, my suggestion? Crossovers! The best franchise to be paired with Star Wars is, of course, SpongeBob SquarePants. Why? Why not? What can be better than me spending Star Wars Day as a kid making a mashup of an iconic Star Wars poster and the best animated character in television? SpongeWars, a movie we all need!
Building LEGO is certainly a close second. Watching Return of the Jedi for the 63rd time and building an AT-ST (and then subsequently taking it apart again as I get to step 65 and find I've missed a bit on step 12) is one of my favourite memories of May 4th. Think it's time for a rewatch tonight!
But if I could suggest one thing though? Watch Star Wars with someone who’s never seen it before. Trust me, seeing their reaction will be worth the price of admission alone and you will get the chance to enlighten or frustrate them with your Star Wars knowledge (-cough- sorry Lostris -cough-)
Fancy being creative? Create some fan art, write some fanfic, or make something truly epic! This is what Mandy and Mike from Fandom did once again with a brand new trading card deck!
Star Wars: Return of the Trading Cards*
Officially to celebrate Star Wars Day, though in reality just an excuse for us to create more trading cards, it was a no-brainer to build on the success of our Women's History Month Final Girls trading card series with these shiny Star Wars cards!
Where the many official trading card games have provided unique lore to the galaxy and were a driving force behind providing a name and backstory for nearly every character ever seen on screen, these cards present you with a selection of iconic characters and their statistics: year of debut, number of films or episodes they have appeared in, how many battles they have been in, and how many enemies (or droids, or creatures, or resurrected Emperors) they have killed. These legends from both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force are each strengthened with two special abilities that reflect their skillset displayed in the franchise. Will you be a rebel, fighting for freedom and dedicated to destroying tyranny? Or will you be an enforcer of the Dark Side of the Force bringing the universe to heel under your rule? Whichever side you choose, you will hold the power of heroes and villains in the palm of your hand and decide the fate of the galaxy!
*Disclaimer: This game still isn't actually playable. Like the Final Girls deck, this game is completely unplayable and is for fun only. We continue to await the arrival of the Chosen One to unite all the playing card decks with the creation of a solid gameplay and fairish rules, so one day Sarah Connor may end up protecting Grogu while Gale Weathers stands side-by-side with Leia Organa Solo as they attack the a Death Star. Until then, just look how beautiful they are!
With a final, IMMENSE SHOUTOUT to the vital work of the List of Deaths Wiki community, without which the death count on the cards would've been impossible, we proudly encourage you to take a look at all the heroes and villains below! Did we get your favourite Star Wars character?
Community advice
Now that I've shared mine and Fandom's ways to celebrate, this blog wouldn't be complete without bringing in the community from the number one Star Wars fansite - Wookieepedia! With the encyclopedic knowledge of Jocasta Nu, these editors are here to help YOU get started with Star Wars and celebrate on Star Wars Day. Let’s dive in!
Why do you love Star Wars?
“Star Wars was a huge part of my childhood. It has always been one of my biggest common interests with my father and many of my friends, and has as such been instrumental in bonding with them.” - TheMaster3888
“It's an escape for me, another world just waiting to be explored. Also, the amount of lore and details! Bonus point: Ship and armor & weapon designs.” - Mastergrande
“I relate to the escapist effects of Star Wars, but I think that's only half the picture for me. What about the re-entry? Once you're done with whatever piece of Star Wars you've just experienced, what do you take away from it, and why does it matter outside just the story? Those questions really get to me, probably just because Star Wars is so mind-blowingly cool to me that there's just as much fun in figuring out why.” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
What is your best Star Wars experience?
“Probably when I was a kid and The Force Awakens came out. I was sitting around watching TV when a trailer came on and I realized my friend hadn't been lying when he said there was going to be a new Star Wars movie. I watched every second of the trailer in awe and then ran to my Dad to tell him every detail." - TheMaster3888
“The Force Awakens opening night, I might not be the biggest fan of the film, but that was my first SW film to ever watch in a movie theater. Felt so unreal.” - Bonzane10
“December 15, 2017 was the first time I ever watched a Star Wars film on opening night. I took a bunch of friends to see The Last Jedi together, and it was such a kinetic, feel-good experience. We crossed paths with other friends and family throughout the night before and after we actually hit the theater, and everyone we saw made an effort to hype us and each other up. It was worth every minute.” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
Why should someone get into Star Wars?
“Because it could be many things. Sure it's a fantasy in space, but the stories that have been told and the varying genres it has makes it very open for people to jump in.” - Bonzane10
“Because there is something for everyone! You like romance? Lost Stars! You have kids? Rebels! You like politics? Andor!” - LotusGreenleaf23
“Can I say it's basically a social obligation to get into Star Wars? It's like a macro for a huge part of the world's culture ever since it first started.” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
For new fans of the franchise, where is a good place for them to start their Star Wars journey and why?
“Nothing beats just sitting down and watching A New Hope. Chronological order is best on a first watch, imo.” -TheMaster3888
“Can never go wrong with the one that started it all, the Original trilogy.” - Bonzane10
“I'm a purist when it comes to watching the Original trilogy first. It's the first of many answers to why Star Wars is so relevant and appreciated, and I think starting with it is the best way to fully take in that historical impact in 1977 when people saw it for the first time.” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
For those who do cosplay, what advice do you have for fans who want to make a costume for cosplay on Star Wars Day?
“I've never cosplayed formally, but I have worn Star Wars costumes on Halloween when I was younger. It doesn't have to be anything professional, as long as you like what you've got, it's good!” - TheMaster3888
“The most I have is a spare set of black Jedi robes in case I need to go off and do Jedi things, but I know a big part of cosplay involves making sure the costume is low-maintenance between when you put it on and take it off. Oh, and make yourself new pockets if a costume covers them!” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
What are great things to do on Star Wars Day?
“Immerse yourself in as much Star Wars as you can! Watch the movies and shows! Play the games! Get a Star Wars costume, make Star Wars food, read Star Wars books, listen to Star Wars music, and of course, say May the Fourth be with you to everyone you can.” - TheMaster3888
“Bingewatch! Say Star Wars phrases to your friends, listen to the beautiful scores, and most importantly celebrate your Star Wars journey.” - Mastergrande
“Watch Star Wars, or talk to a friend about Star Wars. People will usually text me when May 4 hits their time zones, like it's my birthday or something. I probably enjoy it more than on my actual birthday.” - Jedi Sarith LeKit
Happy Star Wars Day, folks! What are you doing on Star Wars Day? Do you have any favourite franchises Star Wars has been featured in? Comment below! Remember celebrations continue into "May the 5th" for "Revenge of the 5th"!
May the Force be with you.
Click here to follow the Fandom staff blog.
Click here to sign up for the From the Desk of Community email newsletter.
Join our Official Discord server for registered editors!