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May the 4th Be With You: The History, Culture, and Celebration of Star Wars Day

Posted on April 29, 2025 by ljcool110

Last month, we answered the question, why is May 4th called Star Wars Day? , fans across the galaxy unite to celebrate one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history—Star Wars. What began as a clever pun has evolved into a global holiday marked by lightsaber battles, exclusive merchandise, streaming premieres, and major franchise announcements. Here’s a comprehensive look into the history and evolution of Star Wars Day.

The Origins of May the 4th

The phrase “May the 4th be with you” is a play on the franchise’s most famous line, “May the Force be with you.” Its first known use in pop culture dates back to May 4, 1979, when The London Evening News published a congratulatory ad placed by the Conservative Party for newly elected Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which read:

“May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

Though this usage had no direct link to Lucasfilm or Star Wars fandom at the time, the pun gradually gained traction among fans in the early 2000s. As online forums and social media grew, so did the popularity of May 4th as an unofficial day of celebration.

Lucasfilm’s Embrace

Lucasfilm officially began recognizing May 4th in 2011, organizing events, trivia games, and fan content. Since then, May the 4th has transformed into a major pop-cultural event, with companies, streaming platforms, and fans worldwide celebrating in unison.

Merchandise Deals and Exclusive Collectibles

One of the most anticipated parts of Star Wars Day is the unveiling of exclusive merchandise and limited-time deals. Major retailers like LEGO, Hasbro, Funko, and Disney release special items every year.

Popular Merchandise Highlights:

  • LEGO Star Wars sets: Often include May 4th exclusive builds or gifts-with-purchase like a mini Death Star or collectible minifigs.

  • Lightsabers and prop replicas: Companies like Hasbro’s Black Series release elite lightsabers with upgraded sound and effects.

  • Funko Pops: Limited-edition vinyl figures featuring rare characters or scene-specific variants.

  • Apparel and Homeware: Loungefly, BoxLunch, and Uniqlo offer Star Wars-themed fashion, while Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma have sold themed home items.

Annual Deals

  • ShopDisney frequently launches free shipping, exclusive pin sets, and pre-orders on the latest Star Wars merchandise.

  • Amazon, Best Buy, and Target often hold flash sales on movies, books, and toys.

  • Digital platforms like Steam and PlayStation Store offer deep discounts on Star Wars games such as Jedi: Survivor, Battlefront II, and Knights of the Old Republic.

Lucasfilm Announcements and Show Releases

May the 4th has increasingly become a strategic date for Lucasfilm and Disney to roll out updates and debut new projects.

Major Announcements:

  • 2020: First look at The Mandalorian: Season 2 behind-the-scenes with the Disney Gallery documentary series.

  • 2021: Premiere of The Bad Batch animated series on Disney+.

  • 2022: Trailer drops for Obi-Wan Kenobi, featuring Ewan McGregor’s return.

  • 2023: First footage of Ahsoka series revealed, plus casting news for The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew.

  • 2024: Teasers for The Mandalorian & Grogu film project and updates on Dave Filoni’s crossover event movie.

Exclusive Premieres on May 4th:

  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars – The Final Season (2020)

  • The Bad Batch (2021)

  • Obi-Wan Kenobi featurette (2022)

  • Visions Volume 2 (2023) — featuring international animation studios

  • Tales of the Empire (2024) — a follow-up to Tales of the Jedi

Disney+ has become the de facto stage for all Star Wars content releases on May the 4th, making it a global streaming celebration.

Fan Celebrations and Events

From cosplay gatherings to virtual watch parties, fans celebrate May the 4th in countless ways:

Online Events

  • Hasbro Pulse livestreams to unveil new collectibles

  • Star Wars trivia nights on Twitch and YouTube

  • Charity fundraisers organized by the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion cosplay groups

Theme Park Events

  • Disneyland and Walt Disney World offer limited-time food items, parades, character meet-and-greets, and merchandise drops at Galaxy’s Edge.

  • In 2023, Disney debuted the “May the 4th Fireworks Spectacular” at Disneyland Paris.

Expanded Universe Celebrations

Star Wars Day isn’t just about movies and shows—it also shines a spotlight on the Expanded Universe, now rebranded as Legends, and canon books.

Book and Comic Releases:

  • Del Rey and Marvel often time new Star Wars book or comic releases around May.

  • Popular releases on past May 4ths include:

    • Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy by Timothy Zahn

    • Brotherhood by Mike Chen

    • Marvel’s Star Wars: Darth Vader and Doctor Aphra series tie-ins

Audiobooks, e-books, and graphic novels frequently go on sale as part of the celebration.

The Impact on the Galactic Empire

What began as a playful pun has evolved into an internationally recognized day of appreciation for the Star Wars universe. It’s not just a fandom holiday—May the 4th has become a marketing powerhouse and cultural phenomenon. It bridges generations, unites fans across borders, and provides a platform for storytelling, creativity, and nostalgia.

Looking Ahead: May the 4th, 2025 and Beyond

As the Star Wars franchise continues to expand with upcoming films, shows, and interactive experiences like Andor, Season 2, The Mandalorian and Grogu and Ahsoka, Season 2, as well as future Disney+ series, May the 4th will remain the central axis for celebration and news. Expect even more immersive fan experiences, digital innovations, and surprise reveals.

So whether you’re rewatching the Original Trilogy, building your next LEGO X-Wing, or wielding your lightsaber at a park, May the 4th is more than just a date—it’s a declaration of fandom.

May the Force (and the Fourth) Be With You. Always.

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