The Empire Strikes Back
1980 film directed by Irvin Kershner · Released 1980
The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. The sequel to Star Wars (1977), it is the second film in the Star Wars film series and the fifth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set three years after the events of Star Wars, the film recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire, led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. As the Empire goes on the offensive, Luke trains to master the Force so he can confront the Emperor's powerful disciple, Darth Vader.
Cast ages when filming began (March 13, 1979)
- Harrison Ford, as Han Solo: 36
- Carrie Fisher, as Leia Organa: 22
- David Prowse, as Darth Vader: 43
- Mark Hamill, as Luke Skywalker: 27
- Billy Dee Williams, as Lando Calrissian: 41
- Anthony Daniels: 33
- Kenny Baker, as R2-D2: 44
- Peter Mayhew, as Chewbacca: 34
- Alec Guinness: 64
- Denis Lawson: 31
- Jeremy Bulloch: 34
- Julian Glover: 43
- Christopher Malcolm: 32
- John Ratzenberger: 31
- Kenneth Colley: 41
- Michael Sheard: 40
- Marjorie Eaton: 77
- Frank Oz, as Yoda: 34
- Ian McDiarmid: 34
- John Hollis: 48
- Clive Revill: 48
- Michael Culver: 40
- John Morton: 31