“May the 4th be with you.” It’s the famous Star Wars pun that launched a holiday, and for good reason. It’s clever, it’s catchy, and everyone loves Star Wars. But just how did that clever turn of phrase turn into a bona fide Star Wars holiday that fans celebrate on the fourth of May?
The unlikely origins of Star Wars Day
The phrase “May the Fourth be with you, Maggie” originated in England’s conservative party, the Tories, after Margaret Thatcher won the election to become the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom.
- While the pun stuck and became popular with Star Wars fans, it didn’t cross over into mainstream pop culture for another 20 years
- It wasn’t until the early 2000s that fans were using it constantly on social media
What’s next for Star Wars
There are a slew of new Star Wars movies and TV shows slated for the very near future, but the only one slated for May 4th this year is the behind-the-scenes special Disney Gallery: The Book of Boba Fett
- Other 2022 highlights include Andor, a Disney+ prequel series to Rogue One that follows rebel spy and future hero Cassian Andor.
- Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson as Anakin’s former Padawan, who’s looking for an evil grand admiral and a missing young Jedi
- The Acolyte, which delves into the burgeoning Dark Side toward the end of the High Republic era
- Obi-Wan, starring Ewan McGregor, which will premiere on May 27
- Another aspect that has fans thrilled is Hayden Christensen returning as Darth Vader
- They’re all TV series
- Television is the future for the franchise
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, helmed by Patty Jenkins, won’t be out until at least 2023
When Star Wars Day became an actual holiday
In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise, so it made sense for them to embrace May 4th as a public holiday.
- It began as an unofficial holiday and was more of an unofficial recognition of the franchise than an official holiday until the California legislature voted in 2019 to officially make it a holiday.
How fans celebrate May the 4th
Star Wars parties, themed food, movie marathons, and charity events
- The 501st Legion, Darth Vader and stormtroopers from the 501st make appearances at children’s hospitals
- Merchandise is sold and important to the success of the franchise
- Ask Alexa to use the Force
