It’s a date that will live in cinematic history: May 25, 1977. Many may have long forgotten this day and how important it is to the movie-going culture of the world. It was the date when the epic science fiction movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” was released.

It was the first in a mega franchise that would change the movie industry forever. George Lucas, the film’s writer and director, went on to create two more films that broke box-office records. Beyond that, he spearheaded another three films in the “Star Wars” franchise. Lucas also kept a close ear to the media and consulted on many games, specials, and helped create and write a TV adaptation of the “Clone Wars” saga which became wildly successful and got a whole new generation hooked on galactic adventures.

The first three “Star Wars” movies – “New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi” – made more money than the famed Harry Potter series. “Star Wars” set the standard for blockbuster movies and established some of the most influential quotes, scenes, and effects in cinematic history.

With the monumental success of the first three films, George Lucas tried his hand again at making a trilogy of prequels that would both tie in and explain the origin of the characters in the first three movies. The Prequel Saga included “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace,” “Episode 2: Attack of the Clones” and “Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.” The films follow the story of Anakin Skywalker as he grew from a sensitive boy to his induction into the Jedi order as a young knight. The prequels also follow Anakin’s climactic battle with his former master. It’s these clashes that scar him and turn him into Darth Vader, one of the most recognizable villains of all time.

After “The Phantom Menace” received poor reviews, George Lucas surprised audiences with “Attack of the Clones” which had an opening week of $100 million in box office revenue. Reviews soared with “Attack of the Clones” and audiences were ready for the third and final installment. “Revenge of the Sith” had an opening week of $300 million in box office receipts and ranked highest at the box office for nearly a month. With the Prequel Saga over and no news about any future films in the works, many “Star Wars” fans began to ask if there would be any films that would pick up where “Return of the Jedi” left off?

Their prayers and questions were all answered in the form of one of the most legendary business deals in the past decade. On October 30, 2012 Walt Disney Pictures bought the rights to Star Wars and in conjunction to the production studio LucasFilm for a record-setting $4 billion. An announcement was also made that visionary director J.J. Abrams would be directing the saga’s next three installments. George Lucas was also brought on as a consultant for both the films and a wide variety of other projects. Most recently at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, fans and critics alike were treated to a special appearance by J.J. Abrams who stated “I know many of you have had your doubts the new films. Well I am here to tell you that it is a true honor to take you back to that galaxy far, far away.”

After these words, the lights dimmed and a trailer began which made the entire stadium shake with the roars of thousands of fans. Finally, we are going home. We are going back to the characters, the hero’s, the villains, the good, the bad, and the wookies. We are finally going back to that galaxy far, far away, and it has been too long.