Empire Strikes Back, The (1980)

Scarce Studio-issued 1980 US One Sheet, Gone With the Wind Style A poster. Recalled early in the film's release and replaced with the style B poster because it omitted to show some of the main characters (Billy Dee Williams). Art by Roger Kastel. 

Even though its films take place in a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars franchise has connected with audiences since the original film's release in 1977. 20th Century Fox had no idea that the film would resonate so much with fans, so when George Lucas agreed to pass up a $500,000 directing bonus to attain merchandising rights, it seemed safe for the studio to do. However, Lucas, who had seen the merchandising blitz that came with his good friend Steven Spielberg's Jaws, knew well the power that films had on consumers. George Lucas' imagination led to a licensing goldmine of action figures, play sets, posters, board games, books, trading cards, costumes, and more. It's been 45 years since Star Wars hit the screen, and the franchise has raked in over $29 billion in merchandise sales alone. Much more than the Joseph Campbell hero's journey set in a space opera, the retail and promotional items made in conjunction with this multi-faceted property have brought tremendous joy to fans worldwide and remain coveted among collectors. 

In this Oscar winning "Star Wars" sequel, considered by many to be the best in the series, the battle to save the galaxy from the evil Darth Vader rages on. Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca are tested in a devastating attack by the Imperial army and its AT-AT Walkers. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (seeks out the ancient Yoda to learn the secrets of the Jedi... secrets Luke will need when the Dark Side of the Force beckons him in a destiny-defining duel with Darth Vader. Art by Roger Kastel. 

• Year: 1980
• Nationality: United States
• Condition: Linen-backed
• Type: Original One Sheet
• Size: 27 X 41 Inches
• Product Code: W4631