Since the first film released in 1977, the franchise has spawned three prequels, two sequels, several comic books, television series and countless toys. This fan-generated holiday gives all of us a legitimate excuse to talk about Star Wars; here are some bits of trivia about the franchise:

When the filming began, the movie was titled ‘Adventures of Luke StarKiller as Taken from the Journal of the Whills, Saga I : the Star Wars’. The name eventually got chopped down to Star Wars and Luke’s name was changed to Luke Skywalker.

The success of the film was unprecedented. In July 1973, George Lucas approached Universal Studios to see if they were interested in producing Star Wars, but was turned down. Also, David Prowse was so convinced the film would be a flop, he refused to allow his name in the original credits.

The phrase “May the fourth be with you’ comes from the phrase “May the force be with you’ which is commonly used in the Star Wars films. This is why, May 4th is celebrated as Star Wars Day.

Sir Alec Guinness made a ton of money from the film having recognized its potential success and negotiating a deal for two per cent of box office takings.

The merchandise for the film was not ready to accommodate the demand after the film's release. Lucas Which is why they came up with a novel idea of introducing the early bird certificate boxes. These were basically empty boxes that promised the receiver they would get the figures once they had been made. They sold for $16 at the time and the actual figures arrived two months later.

The Millenium Falcon was inspired by the shape of a hamburger with an olive on the side. . The Wookiee Chewbacca was inspired by George Lucas' beloved dog Indiana - an Alaskan malamute. Also, R2 D2 is named after a piece of editor’s jargon. It means Reel 2, Dialog 2.

Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, previously worked as a hospital orderly in London before he was cast as Wookiee. He once said that he got into character by copying the mannerisms of animals he visited at the zoo. 

Happy Star Wars Day and May the Fourth always be with you!