Part 15/20:
The film’s success unequivocally sparked a franchise. In 1977, Lucas announced a sequel, The Empire Strikes Back. Despite a tight schedule and budget pressures, the production began in 1978. Director Irvin Kershner was chosen to craft a darker, more character-driven story. Mark Hamill recovered from a car accident and returned, along with Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. The film introduced Yoda, the dangerous bounty hunter Boba Fett, and new planets like Hoth and Dagobah, pushing visual effects even further.