Take a peek behind the scenes of this classic series.

11. The Ewok’s anthem has a classic rock connection

11. The Ewok’s anthem has a classic rock connection
Wikipedia

The final victory song sung by the Ewoks at the end of Jedi was written by the same dude who wrote “Africa”:

Joseph Williams, lead singer of Toto and son of legendary composer John Williams.

I guess it rains down in Eeeendoooooore…

Bonus fact: In other surprising composition news, the Cantina music featured in The Force Awakens was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda – the creator and star of Broadway smash hit Hamilton.

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12. Notable noises: bears, walruses and Alcatraz

12. Notable noises: bears, walruses and Alcatraz
Wikipedia

Kids should thank sound designer Ben Burtt for some of the most memorable noises of their childhood.

Want to know how he did it? The sound of Darth Vader’s breathing was recorded by putting a microphone inside a scuba tank regulator; Chewbacca’s signature Wookie gargle is a combination of bear, walrus, lion and badger sounds.

The sound of Vader’s pod door closing in Empire is reportedly the sound of a whole block of Alcatraz cell doors slamming shut.

13. George Lucas lost a US$40 million bet to Spielberg

13. George Lucas lost a US$40 million bet to Spielberg
Wikipedia

In the late ‘70s, Lucas was working on A New Hope at the same time his buddy Steven Spielberg was working on Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Visiting the Close Encounters set one day, Lucas reportedly fell into a panic, Spielberg says: “He said, ‘Oh my God, your movie is going to be so much more successful than Star Wars! This is gonna be the biggest hit of all time. I can’t believe this set.’

He said, ‘All right, I’ll tell you what. I’ll trade some points with you. I’ll give you 2.5 percent of Star Wars if you give me 2.5 percent of Close Encounters.’ So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll gamble with that.’”

Gamble is right.

Star Wars made $775 million at the global box office compared with Close Encounters’ $304 million.

Adjusted for inflation, TIME reports, “Spielberg’s edge could come out to as much as $40 million.” The kicker? Lucas actually made good on his bet. (Doesn’t hurt when you’re a billionaire.)

May the Force be with you.

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