1. STAR WARS
The Early Years

2. Creator and Inspiration
Star Wars was
Created by George
Lucas.
Inspired by:
Flash Gordon
Childhood Westerns
Samurai

3. In the Works
Star Wars was a
“Brain Toy”, as
Lucas went through
College, and filmed
American Graffiti,
and THX 1138.
Lucas finally decided
to create it after
losing Apocalypse

4. Finally Casting

5. Fan Reaction
“Instant Hit”- both Sci-Fi
fans, average
moviegoers, and
serious moviegoers
loved it.
Only people who
disliked it: Hollywood
executives, and

6. Contagious Diffusion

7. Silence on the Front
From the mid 1980’s verry little Star Wars
material was produced, and it became more
cult like.
1999 The Phantom Menace was released,
causing it to explode back into pop culture

8. The Prequels
The Prequel saga saw
a rift form between
George Lucas and his
fan base as the Star
Wars culture
underwent
Commodification.

9. Examples of this Pop Culture
Jedi Census Phenomenon-2001
Ronald Reagan's Star Wars Defense System
Parodies- Weird Al, Spaceballs, Chad Vader,
Robot Chicken.
Olympics bid
Enron Scandal
501st Legion