A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope” was released May 25, 1977, inspiring critical and fan acclaim. Since then, generations have come together to bond over the films.
“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” the newest film to the franchise, is slated to arrive Dec. 18 and is anticipated by millions of fans, including many students, parents and faculty at California Baptist University.
Josh Hoefling, junior theatre major, noted his excitement with the film.
“The story was wrapped up in the end (of the original trilogy,)” Hoefling said. “A whole new storyline is waiting just ahead of us.”
Hoefling elaborated on the multi-generational impact of the new film.
“The (‘Star Wars’) universe is beloved by people that are old, that are my age and people that are young,” Hoefling said. “There is something about it that is magical.”
“Star Wars: Episode VII” costumes are already available for puchase in advance of the film’s premiere. Hoefling, like many others, said he intends on dressing up as one of the characters from the film during the premiere.
“(My friend) is going to be a stormtrooper while I decided to go (to the premiere) as a mandalorian,” Hoefling said.
Some CBU faculty also look forward to the new Star Wars film. Leontine Armstrong, English professor, said she is a loyal fan who is excited for “Star Wars Episode: VII.” She explained her love for the Star Wars franchise developed as she grew up.
“I grew up watching the first three episodes and they captured me,” Armstrong said. “In high school they came out with the second trilogy and that reaffirmed the fact that I loved the series.”
She explained the films have been a part of her whole life, spanning multiple decades, installments and even trilogies of series.
“It was established in my youth and reestablished in my adolescence,” Armstrong said. “Now it will be reestablished in my adulthood. It traced my personal history and brings back a lot of nostalgia.”
Sarah Carol Hughes, junior theatre major, said “Star Wars” is one of the first things that she remembers loving as a child, allowing her to bond with her father. Even at a young age, she responded to certain aspects of the movies.
“The film has a little bit of everything: action, romance, mystery, tragedy and humor,” Hughes said.
Hughes said her dad saw “Star Wars” when it came out when he was young and intends on seeing the newest film with him, bridging the generations together.
Kyle Johnston, graduate student, said that he plans on seeing the film with his wife and two-year-old daughter – officially forging the memories of a brand new “Star Wars” fan.
