Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Resources

Websites

StarWars.com

There are a lot of Star Wars sites out there—like, a lot a lot—but this one is the real deal. If you're on the hunt for news about the movies, TV shows, video games, or any of the people who make them, this is the site for you, young Padawan.

Wookieepedia

Got several hundred hours to kill? Want to know how tall Admiral Ackbar is? Peep this extremely thorough Star Wars wiki.

TheForce.Net

A robust fan site for all things Star Wars. Come for your daily dose of Star Wars news, stay for the bustling fan forums.

The Star Wars Underworld

Don't let the ominous name scare you off: This massive, family-friendly network of articles, op-ed pieces, podcasts, fan fic, and interviews is created for fans, by fans.

Books

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi by James Kahn (May 12, 1983)

There are shelves' worth of Jedi books out there, but this is the official novelization of the movie.

Aftermath: Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens (September 4, 2015)

Dying to know what happened after the Rebellion saved the galaxy? Check out this colon-heavy New York Times bestseller by Chuck Wendig that fills in the blanks.

Marvel's Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (November 10, 2015)

Prefer your books with pictures? Then this graphic novel adaptation is for you, pal.

TV

Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)

This totally '80s TV movie finds the Ewoks helping a pair of shipwrecked kids find their parents. They may be primitive and like to eat people, but that doesn't mean they're not upstanding citizens.

Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)

If you thought the Ewoks were done fighting after they helped the Rebellion squash the Empire, think again.

Ewoks (1985-1987)

Wicket and his buddies get the animated treatment in this short-lived TV series that focuses on their adventures before Jedi's Battle of Endor.

Articles and Interviews

"The Triumphant Return of the Jedi" (May 25, 1983)

Kick it old school with Ernest Leogrande's opening day review of Return of the Jedi.

Interview with Richard Marquand (June 1983)

There's a Jabba-sized glut of behind-the-scenes Jedi info in this reprint of a long-lost Starlog magazine interview with the movie's director.

"Carrie Fisher Talks Feminism and Gold Bikinis…" (July/August 1983)

Princess Leia dishes the dirt on her infamous wardrobe in this vintage article reprinted from Rolling Stone.

Roger Ebert's Return of the Jedi (Special Edition) Review (March 14, 1997)

It's not his fave Star Wars flick, but he still digs it.

"Return of the Jedi is the Best Star Wars Movie of All Time" (March 3, 2012)

We're going to give it to you straight: Kevin Drum's opinion isn't a popular one—but that doesn't stop him from pleading his case.

"Star Wars' Emperor recalls his first day on the job" (May 1, 2013)

Says actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays the Emperor: "It seemed to me that he should sound like a disgusting old toad." Mission accomplished, Ian.

Video

Film Clip: Darth Vader Checks in on the Death Star

And you thought your boss was tough.

Film Clip: The Rebels Approach Endor

The gang's all here, and they're about to pull a fast one on the Empire. Or is it the other way around?

Film Clip: Speeder Bike Chase

We are so asking for a speeder bike for our next birthday.

Film Clip: Luke Confronts Darth Vader

There will be absolutely no hugging in this father-son reunion.

Film Clip: He's My Brother

Leia tells Han that Luke is her brother, and Han is so relieved that he's actually nice to the Ewoks for once.

The Original Theatrical Trailer (1982)

This was the first teaser to feature the movie's new title. Previously, the movie had been called Revenge of the Jedi. Revenge? Not very Jedi-like.

The Today Show Covers Jedi Fever (1983)

The video quality isn't great, but there's a lot to enjoy in this clip, including interviews with producer Howard Kazhanian, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, star Harrison Ford (Han), and a boatload of excited fans.

Gene Siskel Reviews Return of the Jedi for CBS Chicago (1983)

Among other things, Siskel addresses complaints about the Star Wars saga's lack of racial and gender diversity, interviews Mark Hamill (Luke) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and geeks out over how good the door to Jabba's palace sounds.

Maria Shriver Interviews Mark Hamill (1983)

In this Jedi sneak peek for PM Magazine, Hamill laughs off the possibility of reprising his role as Luke in the future, specifically in 2004. Maybe that's because, deep down, he knew he'd be doing it in 2015.

Leonard Maltin Interviews George Lucas (circa 1995)

The Star Wars mastermind dishes the dirt on Jabba's roots, how the Ewoks were originally supposed to be Wookiees, and the importance of earth tones.

Ian McDiarmid Discusses Playing Emperor Palpatine (2005)

"I really didn't get any information about him except he was extremely old and he ran the universe and this man, Darth Vader, worked for him."

Audio

The Return of the Jedi soundtrack on YouTube

We like to fire this playlist up when we're watering the lawn. Then we pretend our garden hose is a lightsaber. Then our neighbors slowly retreat into their houses and draw the curtains.

Images

The official Return of the Jedi poster

This baby graced many a dorm room wall in 1983.

No, that's not the real Darth Vader

Crowds queue up early for Return of the Jedi's opening day, May 25, 1983.

Concept art for The Max Rebo Band

Max Rebo, Droopy McCool, and Sy Snootles: These are the dudes who keep the party going in Jabba's palace. No, really. Those are their names.

Concept art for the Gorax Attack

Don't remember the Gorax attack? That's because the scene didn't make the final cut for Return of the Jedi. Instead, the Gorax made their debut in the 1984 made-for-TV movie Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure.

It's Getting Hot in Here

It's no wonder why Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) look so much more tired than Carrie Fisher (Leia) and Harrison Ford (Han).

Now, that's what we call a forehead!

The Emperor lets his hood down between takes.

Harrison Ford and George Lucas take five in the forest

"It's the camera! I'm going to put my hands in my pocket." "Okay, I'll just do my thumbs then."

Ian McDiarmid, Mark Hamill, and Denis Lawson ham it up on set

The Emperor, Luke, and Wedge Antilles are just one bro short of a barbershop quartet.

Mark Hamill relaxes in the Emperor's throne

Another gem from Hamill's personal collection of Jedi pics.