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'{{Redirect|Star Wars VI|the sixth film released|Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith}} {{Redirect|The Battle of Endor|the television film|Ewoks: The Battle for Endor}} {{short description|1983 American epic space-opera film directed by Richard Marquand}} {{Use American English|date=September 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox film | name = Return of the Jedi | image = ReturnOfTheJediPoster1983.jpg | alt = <!-- The spacing and punctuation in this alt text is intended to assist screen readers. Please test in at least three screen readers before making changes. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BEGINNING PERIOD INSERTS A PAUSE BETWEEN THE READING OF THE INFOBOX HEADER AND THE START OF THE SENTENCE-->. This poster shows a montage of characters from the movie. In the background, Darth Vader stands tall and dark in front of a reconstructed Death Star; before him stands Luke Skywalker wielding a lightsaber, Han Solo aiming a blaster, and Princess Leia wearing a slave outfit. To the right are an Ewok and Lando Calrissian, while miscellaneous villains fill out the left. | caption = Theatrical release poster by Kazuhiko Sano | director = [[Richard Marquand]] | producer = [[Howard Kazanjian]] | screenplay = {{Plainlist| * [[Lawrence Kasdan]] * [[George Lucas]] }} | story = George Lucas | starring = {{Plainlist|<!-- PER BILLING BLOCK--> * [[Mark Hamill]] * [[Harrison Ford]] * [[Carrie Fisher]] * [[Billy Dee Williams]] * [[Anthony Daniels]] * [[David Prowse]] * [[Kenny Baker (English actor)|Kenny Baker]] * [[Peter Mayhew]] * [[Frank Oz]]}} | music = [[John Williams]] | cinematography = [[Alan Hume]] | editing = {{Plainlist| * Sean Barton * [[Marcia Lucas]] * [[Duwayne Dunham]] }} | studio = [[Lucasfilm Ltd.]] | distributor = [[20th Century Fox]] | released = {{Film date|1983|5|25|United States}} | runtime = 132 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 131:33--><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/star-wars-episode-vi-return-jedi-1970-1 |title=''STAR WARS EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI'' (U) |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |date=May 12, 1983 |access-date=May 4, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061010/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/star-wars-episode-vi-return-jedi-1970-1 | archive-date=May 5, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> | country = United States | language = English | budget = $32.5 million<ref>Aubrey Solomon, ''Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History'', Scarecrow Press, 1989 p260</ref><ref>J.W. Rinzler, ''The Making of Return of the Jedi'', Aurum Press, {{ISBN|978 1 78131 076 2}}, 2013 p336</ref> | gross = $475.3 million<ref name="mojo"/><ref name="numbers"/> }} '''''Return of the Jedi''''' (also known as '''''Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi'''''{{space+parenthesis}} <!-- DO NOT CHANGE THIS TITLE or the AKA. It was agreed to in long discussions in January and November 2014. --> is a 1983 American [[Epic film|epic]] [[space opera]] film directed by [[Richard Marquand]]. The screenplay is by [[Lawrence Kasdan]] and [[George Lucas]] from a story by Lucas, who was also the executive producer. It is the third<!-- Do NOT add "and final", that should be obvious for the third installment of a trilogy--> installment in the [[Star Wars Trilogy|original ''Star Wars'' trilogy]], the third film to be produced, and the sixth film in the "[[List of Star Wars films#Skywalker saga|Star Wars saga]]". It takes place one year after ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starwars.com/movies/episode-vi/ |title=Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi |publisher=[[Lucasfilm]] |access-date=March 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212102456/http://www.starwars.com/movies/episode-vi/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref> The film stars [[Mark Hamill]], [[Harrison Ford]], [[Carrie Fisher]], [[Billy Dee Williams]], [[Anthony Daniels]], [[David Prowse]], [[Kenny Baker (English actor)|Kenny Baker]], [[Peter Mayhew]] and [[Frank Oz]]. In the film, the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]], under the direction of the ruthless [[Palpatine|Emperor]], is constructing a second [[Death Star]] in order to crush the [[Rebel Alliance]] once and for all. Since the Emperor plans to personally oversee the final stages of its construction, the Rebel Fleet launches a full-scale attack on the Death Star in order to prevent its completion and kill the Emperor, effectively bringing an end to his hold over the galaxy. Meanwhile, [[Luke Skywalker]], now a [[Jedi|Jedi Knight]], struggles to bring his father [[Darth Vader]] back to the light side of [[the Force]]. [[Steven Spielberg]], [[David Lynch]] and [[David Cronenberg]] were considered to direct the project before Marquand signed on as director. The production team relied on Lucas' storyboards during pre-production. While writing the shooting script, Lucas, Kasdan, Marquand, and producer Howard Kazanjian spent two weeks in conference discussing ideas to construct it. Kazanjian's schedule pushed shooting to begin a few weeks early to allow [[Industrial Light & Magic]] more time to work on the film's effects in post-production. Filming took place in England, California, and Arizona from January to {{Start date|1982|5}}. Strict secrecy surrounded the production. The film was released in theaters on May 25, 1983, six years to the day of the release of the first film, receiving mostly positive reviews. It grossed $374 million during its initial theatrical run, becoming the [[1983 in film#Highest-grossing films|highest-grossing film of 1983]]. Several re-releases and revisions to the film have followed over the decades, which has also brought its total gross to $475 million. ==Plot== <!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries in film articles should be 400-700 words. --> A year after [[Han Solo]]'s capture,{{efn|As depicted in the 1980 film ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]''.|name=|group=}} [[C-3PO]] and [[R2-D2]] are sent to crime lord [[Jabba the Hutt]]'s palace on [[Tatooine]] in a trade bargain made by [[Luke Skywalker]] to rescue Han. Disguised as the [[bounty hunter]] Boushh, [[Princess Leia]] infiltrates the palace under the pretense of collecting the bounty on [[Chewbacca]] and unfreezes Han, but is caught and enslaved. Luke soon arrives to bargain for his friends' release, but Jabba drops him through a trapdoor to be eaten by a [[rancor]]. After Luke kills it, Jabba sentences him, Han, and Chewbacca to death by being fed to the [[Sarlacc]], a huge, [[carnivorous plant]]-like desert beast. Having hidden his new [[lightsaber]] inside {{nowrap|R2-D2}}, Luke frees himself and his friends, and they battle Jabba's men. During the chaos, [[Boba Fett]] falls into the Sarlacc after Han inadvertently damages his [[Jet pack|jetpack]], and Leia strangles Jabba to death with her chains. The group then destroy Jabba's sail barge and escape before it explodes. As the others rendezvous with the [[Rebel Alliance]], Luke returns to [[Dagobah]] to complete his [[Jedi]] training with [[Yoda]], whom he discovers is dying. Yoda confirms that [[Darth Vader]], once known as Anakin Skywalker, is Luke's father, before dying and becoming one with [[Force (Star Wars)|the Force]]. [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]'s [[Force Ghost|Force ghost]] then reveals that Leia is Luke's twin sister, and tells him that he must face Vader again to finish his training <!--becoming a "full-fledged Jedi Knight" per A Guide to the Star Wars Universe--> and defeat the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Empire]]. The Alliance learns that the Empire has been constructing a [[second Death Star]] under the supervision of [[Palpatine|the Emperor]] himself. As the station is protected by an energy shield, Han leads a strike team which includes Luke, Leia and Chewbacca to destroy the shield generator on the forest moon of [[Endor (Star Wars)|Endor]]; doing so will allow the Rebel Fleet to destroy the Death Star. The team uses a stolen Imperial shuttle to arrive undetected, and encounters a tribe of [[Ewok]]s, gaining their trust after an initial conflict. Later, Luke tells Leia that she is his sister, Vader is their father, and that he must confront him. Surrendering to Imperial troops, he is brought before Vader, and fails to convince his father to reject the dark side of the Force. Vader takes Luke to meet the Emperor, who intends to turn him to the dark side, and reveals that his friends and the Rebel Fleet are headed into a trap. On Endor, Han's team is captured by Imperial forces, but a counterattack by the Ewoks allows the Rebels to infiltrate the shield generator. Meanwhile, [[Lando Calrissian]] in the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' and [[Admiral Ackbar]] lead the rebel assault on the second Death Star, only to find its shield still active, and the Imperial fleet waiting for them. The Emperor reveals to Luke that the Death Star is fully operational and orders the firing of its massive superlaser, destroying a Rebel starship. He then tempts Luke to give in to his anger. Luke attempts to attack him, but Vader intervenes and the two engage in a lightsaber duel. Vader senses that Luke has a sister and threatens to turn her to the dark side. Enraged, Luke defeats Vader, severing his [[Prosthesis|prosthetic]] hand. The Emperor entreats Luke to kill Vader and take his place, but Luke refuses, declaring himself a Jedi like his father before him. Furious, the Emperor tortures Luke with [[Force lightning]]. Unwilling to let his son die, Vader betrays the Emperor and throws him down a reactor shaft to his death,<!-- Lucas, McDiarmid, and The Rise of Skywalker's opening crawl all confirm he died. --> but is mortally electrocuted in the process. At his father's last request, Luke removes his mask, and the redeemed Anakin Skywalker dies in his son's arms. After the strike team destroys the shield generator, Lando leads a group of Rebel fighters into the Death Star's core. While the Rebel fleet destroys the [[Super Star Destroyer]] ''Executor'', Lando and [[X-wing fighter]] pilot [[Wedge Antilles]] destroy the Death Star's main reactor, escaping from the station's infrastructure before it explodes. Luke also escapes in a shuttle with his father's body. On Endor, Leia reveals to Han that Luke is her brother, and they kiss. Luke later cremates his father's body on a [[pyre]] before reuniting with his friends. As the Rebels and the galaxy celebrate the Empire's defeat, Luke sees the spirits of Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Anakin watching over him. ==Cast== {{see also|List of Star Wars characters|List of Star Wars cast members}} * [[Mark Hamill]] as [[Luke Skywalker]], one of the last living [[Jedi]] Knights, trained by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda; Leia's twin brother, Han's friend and Darth Vader's son who is also a skilled [[X-wing fighter]] pilot in the Rebellion. * [[Harrison Ford]] as [[Han Solo]], a rogue smuggler and captain of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' who has become a General in the Rebellion; Luke's friend, and Leia's love interest. * [[Carrie Fisher]] as [[Leia Organa]], the former princess of the destroyed planet [[Alderaan]], who is a leader of the Rebellion, Luke's twin sister, and Han's love interest. * [[Billy Dee Williams]] as [[Lando Calrissian]], the former Administrator of Cloud City who has become a General in the Rebellion; Han's old friend and the previous owner of the ''Millennium Falcon''. * [[Anthony Daniels]] as [[C-3PO]], a humanoid protocol droid in the service of the Rebellion and longtime companion of R2-D2. * [[Peter Mayhew]] as [[Chewbacca]], a [[Wookiee]] smuggler who is Han's longtime friend, co-pilot of the ''Millennium Falcon'', and part of the Rebellion. * [[Kenny Baker (English actor)|Kenny Baker]] as ** [[R2-D2]], an astromech droid in the service of the Rebellion, friend of Luke, and longtime companion of C-3PO. ** [[Paploo]], an Ewok who distracts Scout troopers by hijacking a speeder bike. * [[Ian McDiarmid]] as [[Palpatine|The Emperor]], the founder and supreme ruler of the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]], and Darth Vader's [[Sith]] master. * [[Frank Oz]] as [[Yoda]], a wise, centuries-old Jedi Master of an unknown alien species, who lives in exile on Dagobah and trained Luke. * [[David Prowse]] as [[Darth Vader]], a powerful Sith Lord, the Emperor's apprentice, and second-in-command of the Empire; Luke and Leia's father. ** [[James Earl Jones]] as the voice of Darth Vader. ** [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] portrays the unmasked Anakin Skywalker, as well as the character's Force ghost, seen at the end of the film.<ref name="Force-ghost-explanation">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2017/01/06/star-wars-jedi-force-ghosts-appearing-in-sequels-makes-perfect-sense/#6bb970d2215d |title='Star Wars' Jedi Force-Ghosts Appearing Young In Sequels Makes Perfect Sense |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=January 6, 2017 |work=Forbes |access-date=November 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107032747/https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2017/01/06/star-wars-jedi-force-ghosts-appearing-in-sequels-makes-perfect-sense/#6bb970d2215d|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Alec Guinness]] as [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]], the deceased Jedi mentor of Luke, and of his father before him, who continues to guide Luke in his journey as a Force ghost. [[Denis Lawson]] reprises his role as [[Wedge Antilles]], a X-wing pilot in the Rebellion, from the previous two films. [[Kenneth Colley]] and [[Jeremy Bulloch]] reprise their roles from ''The Empire Strikes Back'' as [[Admiral Piett]], the commander of Darth Vader's flagship, ''[[Executor (Star Wars)|Executor]]'', and [[bounty hunter]] [[Boba Fett]], respectively. [[Michael Pennington]] portrays [[Moff Jerjerrod]], the commander of the second Death Star. [[Warwick Davis]] appears as [[Wicket W. Warrick]], an Ewok who befriends Leia and leads her and her friends to the Ewok tribe. Baker was originally cast as Wicket, but was replaced by Davis after falling ill with [[Foodborne illness|food poisoning]] on the morning of the shoot. Davis had no previous acting experience and was cast only after his grandmother had discovered an open call for [[dwarfism|dwarfs]] for the new ''Star Wars'' film.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams" /> [[Caroline Blakiston]] portrays [[List of Star Wars characters#Mon Mothma|Mon Mothma]], a co-founder and leader of the Rebel Alliance. [[Michael Carter (actor)|Michael Carter]] plays Jabba the Hutt's aide, [[Bib Fortuna]] (voiced by [[Erik Bauersfeld]]), while [[Femi Taylor]] and [[Claire Davenport]] appear as Jabba's original slave dancers. To portray the numerous alien species featured in the film a multitude of puppeteers, voice actors, and stunt performers were employed. [[Admiral Ackbar]], the commander of the Rebel Fleet during the Battle of Endor, was performed by puppeteer [[Timothy D. Rose|Tim Rose]], with his voice provided by Erik Bauersfeld. [[Nien Nunb]], who co-pilots the ''Millennium Falcon'' alongside Lando in the film, was portrayed by [[Richard Bonehill]] in costume for full body shots, while he was otherwise a puppet operated by [[Mike Quinn (puppeteer)|Mike Quinn]] and his voice was provided by [[Bill Kipsang Rotich|Kipsang Rotich]]. Rose also operated [[Salacious Crumb|Salacious B. Crumb]], whose voice was provided by Mark Dodson. Quinn also played [[Ree-Yees]] and [[Wol Cabbashite]]. Sy Snootles was a marionette operated by Rose and Quinn, while her voice was provided by Annie Arbogast. Others included Simon J. Williamson as [[Max Rebo]], a [[Gamorrean|Gamorrean Guard]] and a [[Mon Calamari (fictional race)|Mon Calamari]]; [[Deep Roy]] as [[Droopy McCool]]; [[Ailsa Berk]] as [[Amanaman]]; Paul Springer as [[Ree-Yees]], Gamorrean Guard and a Mon Calamari; Hugh Spight as a Gamorrean Guard, [[Elom (fictional race)|Elom]] and a Mon Calamari; Swee Lim as Attark the Hoover; [[Richard Robinson (puppeteer)|Richard Robinson]] as a [[Yuzzum]]; [[Gerald Home]] as [[Tessek]] and a Mon Calamari officer; [[Philip Herbert (actor)|Phil Herbert]] as Hermi Odle; [[Tik and Tok]] ([[Tim Dry]] and Sean Crawford) as [[Whiphid]] and Yak-Face; [[Phil Tippett]] as the [[Rancor]] with Michael McCormick; and [[Pat Welsh (actress)|Pat Welsh]] as the voice of Boushh. [[Jabba the Hutt]] was operated by [[Toby Philpott]], [[David Barclay (puppeteer)|David Barclay]] and [[Mike Edmonds]] (who also portrays the Ewok Logray) operated the tail. [[Larry Ward (voice actor)|Larry Ward]] portrays the Huttese language voice with Quinn, among other roles, controlling the eyes. ==Production== ===Development=== As with the previous film, Lucas personally financed ''Return of the Jedi''. Lucas also chose not to direct ''Return of the Jedi'' himself, and started searching for a director.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams">''Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy'' Star Wars Trilogy Box Set DVD documentary, [2004]</ref> Although Lucas' first choice was [[Steven Spielberg]], their separate feuds with the [[Directors Guild of America|Director's Guild]] led to his being banned from directing the film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/a-look-back-at-steven-spielberg-at-the-height-of-his-powers/ |title=A Look Back at Steven Spielberg at the Height of His Powers |work=Grantland |last=Witzke |first=Sean |date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008174948/http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/a-look-back-at-steven-spielberg-at-the-height-of-his-powers/|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Lucas approached [[David Lynch]], who had been nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Director]] for ''[[The Elephant Man (film)|The Elephant Man]]'' in 1980, to helm ''Return of the Jedi'', but Lynch declined, saying that he had "next door to zero interest".<ref>{{cite web |title=David Lynch Meets George Lucas |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJQ4vCu-S0U |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911060947/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJQ4vCu-S0U|archive-date=September 11, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[David Cronenberg]] was also offered the chance to direct, but he declined the offer to make ''[[Videodrome]]'' and ''[[The Dead Zone (film)|The Dead Zone]]''.<ref>Shawn Adler (September 20, 2007). [http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/09/20/cronenbergs-aborted-job-offer-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-directors-chair/ "Cronenberg's Aborted Job Offer: ''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'' Director's Chair?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317131218/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/09/20/cronenbergs-aborted-job-offer-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-directors-chair/ |date=March 17, 2010 }}. MTV Movies Blog</ref> [[Lamont Johnson]], director of ''[[Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone]]'', was also considered.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Joal |title=The 'Return of the Jedi' That Could Have Been |work=[[Yahoo!]] |date=May 24, 2013 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/bp/return-jedi-could-202622407.html |access-date=February 22, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170223042053/https://www.yahoo.com/movies/bp/return-jedi-could-202622407.html | archive-date = February 23, 2017 | url-status = live}}</ref> Lucas eventually chose [[Richard Marquand]]. Lucas may have directed some of the [[second unit]] work personally as the shooting threatened to go over schedule; this is a function Lucas had willingly performed on previous occasions when he had only officially been producing a film (e.g. ''[[More American Graffiti]]'', ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''). Lucas did operate the B camera on the set a few times.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Skywalking: The Life and Films of George Lucas |author=Dale Pollock |publisher=Da Capo |year=1999 |isbn=0-573-60606-4}}</ref> Lucas himself has admitted to being on the set frequently because of Marquand's relative inexperience with special effects.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> Lucas praised Marquand as a "very nice person who worked well with actors".<ref name="DVDcom">''Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'' [[audio commentary|DVD commentary]] featuring George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren and Carrie Fisher. [[20th Century Fox|Fox Home Entertainment]], 2004</ref> Marquand did note that Lucas kept a conspicuous presence on set, joking, "It is rather like trying to direct ''[[King Lear]]'' – with [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] in the next room!"<ref name="hearn">{{Cite book |author=Marcus Hearn |title=The Cinema of George Lucas |publisher=Harry N. Abrams Inc |year=2005 |location=New York City |pages=140–1 |chapter=Cliffhanging |isbn=0-8109-4968-7}}</ref> [[File:Vaderdies.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] as the unmasked Darth Vader]] The [[screenplay]] was written by [[Lawrence Kasdan]] and Lucas (with uncredited contributions by [[David Peoples]] and Marquand), based on Lucas' story. Kasdan claims he told Lucas that ''Return of the Jedi'' was "a weak title", and Lucas later decided to name the film '''''Revenge of the Jedi'''''.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> The screenplay itself was not finished until rather late in [[pre-production]], well after a [[production schedule]] and [[budget]] had been created by Kazanjian and Marquand had been hired, which was unusual for a film. Instead, the [[production team]] relied on Lucas' story and rough draft in order to commence work with the [[art department]]. When it came time to formally write a [[shooting script]], Lucas, Kasdan, Marquand and Kazanjian spent two weeks in conference discussing ideas; Kasdan used tape transcripts of these meetings to then construct the script.<ref name="ProdDir3">{{Cite journal |author=Richard Patterson |date=June 1983 |title=Return of the Jedi: Production and Direction, p. 3 |journal=[[American Cinematographer]] |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg3.htm |access-date=August 19, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184715/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg3.htm| archive-date=September 30, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> The issue of whether [[Harrison Ford]] would return for the final film arose during pre-production. Unlike the other stars of the first film, Ford had not contracted to do two sequels, and ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' had made him an even bigger star. ''Return of the Jedi'' producer [[Howard Kazanjian]] (who also produced ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'') convinced Ford to return: <blockquote>I played a very important part in bringing Harrison back for ''Return of the Jedi.'' Harrison, unlike Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill signed only a two picture contract. That is why he was frozen in carbonite in ''The Empire Strikes Back''. When I suggested to George we should bring him back, I distinctly remember him saying that Harrison would never return. I said what if I convinced him to return. George simply replied that we would then write him in to ''Jedi''. I had just recently negotiated his deal for ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' with Phil Gersh of the Gersh Agency. I called Phil who said he would speak with Harrison. When I called back again, Phil was on vacation. David, his son, took the call and we negotiated Harrison's deal. When Phil returned to the office several weeks later he called me back and said I had taken advantage of his son in the negotiations. I had not. But agents are agents.<ref>Howard Kazanjian interview, "[http://starwarsinterviews1.blogspot.com/2010/01/howard-kazanjian-interview.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207142202/http://starwarsinterviews1.blogspot.com/2010/01/howard-kazanjian-interview.html |date=February 7, 2016 }}.</ref></blockquote> Ford suggested that Han Solo be killed through self-sacrifice. Kasdan concurred, saying it should happen near the beginning of the third act to instill doubt as to whether the others would survive, but Lucas was vehemently against it and rejected the concept.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> [[Gary Kurtz]], who produced ''Star Wars'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back'' but was replaced as producer for ''Return of the Jedi'' by Kazanjian, said in 2010 that the ongoing success with ''Star Wars'' merchandise and toys led George Lucas to reject the idea of killing off Han Solo in the middle part of the film during a raid on an Imperial base. Luke Skywalker was also to have walked off alone and exhausted like the hero in a [[Spaghetti Western]] but, according to Kurtz, Lucas opted for a happier ending to encourage higher merchandise sales.<ref name="LostEnding">Geoff Boucher (August 12, 2010). [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/star-wars-was-born-a-long-time-ago-but-not-all-that-far-far-away-in-1972-filmmakers-george-lucas-and-gary-kurtz-wer.html "Did ''Star Wars'' become a toy story? Producer Gary Kurtz looks back"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816054750/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/star-wars-was-born-a-long-time-ago-but-not-all-that-far-far-away-in-1972-filmmakers-george-lucas-and-gary-kurtz-wer.html |date=August 16, 2010 }}. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', Calendar section</ref> Harrison Ford himself has agreed with this sentiment, saying that Lucas "didn't see any future in dead Han toys."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaR3KDt_no |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725025340/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaR3KDt_no |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Yoda was originally not meant to appear in the film, but Marquand strongly felt that returning to [[Dagobah]] was essential to resolve the dilemma raised by the previous film.<ref name="ProdDir3"/> The inclusion led Lucas to insert a scene in which Yoda confirms that Darth Vader is Luke's father because, after a discussion with a [[Developmental psychology|children's psychologist]], he did not want younger moviegoers to dismiss Vader's claim as a lie.<ref name="DVDcom"/> Many ideas from the original script were left out or changed. For instance, the Ewoks were going to be [[Wookiee]]s<ref>''Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'' DVD commentary featuring George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, and Roger Guyett. [[20th Century Fox|Fox Home Entertainment]], 2005</ref> and the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' would be used in the arrival at the [[Endor (Star Wars)|forest moon of Endor]]. Following the defeat of the Emperor, the film was originally intended to end with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda returning to life from their spectral existence in [[the Force]], along with Anakin Skywalker, thanks to Yoda being able to prevent him from becoming one with the Force. They would then join the rest of the characters in their celebration on Endor.<ref name="Revengescript">{{cite web |author=George Lucas |title=Star Wars&nbsp;— Episode VI: "Revenge of the Jedi" Revised Rough Draft |date=June 12, 1981 |publisher=Starkiller |url=http://www.starwarz.com/starkiller/scripts/revenge_revised_rough_draft.htm |access-date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203075748/http://www.starwarz.com/starkiller/scripts/revenge_revised_rough_draft.htm |archive-date=February 3, 2007}}</ref> ===Filming=== [[File:Redwood slope.jpg|thumb|Redwood forests on private land near [[Smith's River, California]], and at the Chetham Grove section of [[Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park]]<ref name="film">{{cite web|title=Map of the Movies|publisher=Humboldt - Del Norte Film Commission|url=http://filmhumboldtdelnorte.org/sites/default/files/map-of-the-movies_0.pdf|access-date=2019-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210213635/http://filmhumboldtdelnorte.org/sites/default/files/map-of-the-movies_0.pdf|archive-date=December 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> were used to film the forests of [[Endor (Star Wars)|Endor]] in ''Return of the Jedi''.]] [[Principal photography|Filming]] began on January 11, 1982, and lasted through May 20, 1982, a schedule six weeks shorter than ''The Empire Strikes Back''. Kazanjian's schedule pushed shooting as early as possible in order to give [[Industrial Light & Magic]] (ILM) as much time as possible to work on effects, and left some crew members dubious of their ability to be fully prepared for the shoot.<ref name="ProdDir4">{{Cite journal |author=Richard Patterson |date=June 1983 |title=Return of the Jedi: Production and Direction, p. 4 |journal=[[American Cinematographer]] |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg4.htm |access-date=August 19, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185150/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg4.htm | archive-date=September 30, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref> Working on a budget of $32.5 million,<ref name="ProdDir1">{{Cite journal |author=Richard Patterson |date=June 1983 |title=Return of the Jedi: Production and Direction, p. 1 |journal=[[American Cinematographer]] |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg1.htm |access-date=August 19, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185039/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg1.htm | archive-date=September 30, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref> Lucas was determined to avoid going over budget as had happened with ''The Empire Strikes Back''. Producer [[Howard Kazanjian]] estimated that using ILM (owned wholly by Lucasfilm) for special effects saved the production approximately $18 million.<ref name="ProdDir1"/> However, the fact that Lucasfilm was a non-union company made acquiring shooting locations more difficult and more expensive, even though ''Star Wars'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back'' had been big hits.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> The project was given the [[working title]] ''Blue Harvest'' with a tagline of "Horror Beyond Imagination." This disguised what the production crew was really filming from fans and the press, and also prevented [[price gouging]] by service providers.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> The first stage of production started with 78 days at [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)|Elstree Studios]] in England,<ref name="ProdDir4"/> where the film occupied all nine stages. The shoot commenced with a scene later deleted from the finished film where the heroes get caught in a sandstorm as they leave Tatooine.<ref name="hearn"/> (This was the only major sequence cut from the film during editing.)<ref name="ProdDir3"/> While attempting to film Luke Skywalker's battle with the [[rancor]] beast, Lucas insisted on trying to create the scene in the same style as [[Toho]]'s ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' films by using a stunt performer inside a suit. The production team made several attempts, but were unable to create an adequate result. Lucas eventually relented and decided to film the rancor as a high-speed puppet.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> In April, the crew moved to the [[Yuma Desert]] in [[Arizona]] for two weeks of Tatooine exteriors.<ref name="hearn"/> Production then moved to the [[Sequoia sempervirens|redwood]] forests of northern California<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hesseltine |first1=Cassandra |title=Complete Filmography of Humboldt County |url=http://humboldt.filmhumboldtdelnorte.org/filmography |website=Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission |publisher=Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission |access-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013206/http://humboldt.filmhumboldtdelnorte.org/filmography|archive-date=October 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> near [[Crescent City, California|Crescent City]] where two weeks were spent shooting the Endor forest exteriors, and then concluded at ILM in [[San Rafael, California]] for about ten days of [[Chroma key|bluescreen]] shots. One of two "skeletal" post-production units shooting background matte plates spent a day in [[Death Valley]].<ref name="ProdDir4"/> The other was a special [[Steadicam]] unit shooting forest backgrounds from June 15–17, 1982, for the speeder chase near the middle of the film.<ref name="Steadi3">{{Cite journal |title=Return of the Jedi: Steadicam Plates, p. 3 |journal=[[American Cinematographer]] |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/stcm/pg3.htm |access-date=August 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010949/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/stcm/pg3.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> Steadicam inventor [[Garrett Brown]] personally operated these shots as he walked through a disguised path inside the forest shooting at less than one [[Frame rate|frame per second]]. By walking at about {{convert|5|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|0}} and projecting the footage at 24 frame/s, the motion seen in the film appeared as if it were moving at around {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams"/> Harrison Ford altered some scenes during the shoot, causing Billy Dee Williams to forget some of his lines, which was a source of frustration for Marquand. Marquand and Anthony Daniels also clashed somewhat, leading to the latter recording his [[Dubbing (filmmaking)#ADR/post-sync|ADR]] with Lucas instead.<ref>{{cite book |last=Daniels |first=Anthony |title=I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story |date=2019 |publisher=DK |isbn=9781465492562}}</ref> ===Music=== {{Main|Return of the Jedi (soundtrack)}} [[John Williams]] composed and conducted the film's musical score with performances by the [[London Symphony Orchestra]]. Orchestration credits also include [[Thomas Newman]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/10/17/449417429/composer-thomas-newman-teams-with-spielberg-for-bridge-of-spies |title=When John Williams Can't Go, Whom Does Spielberg Call? Thomas Newman |date=October 17, 2015 |work=NPR.org|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130092741/https://www.npr.org/2015/10/17/449417429/composer-thomas-newman-teams-with-spielberg-for-bridge-of-spies|archive-date=January 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The initial release of the film's soundtrack was on the [[RSO Records]] label in the United States. [[Sony Classical Records]] acquired the rights to the classic trilogy scores in 2004 after gaining the rights to release the second trilogy soundtracks (''The Phantom Menace'' and ''Attack of the Clones''). In the same year, Sony Classical re-pressed the 1997 RCA Victor release of ''Return of the Jedi'' along with the other two films in the trilogy. The set was released with the new artwork mirroring the first DVD release of the film. Despite the Sony digital re-mastering, which minimally improved the sound heard only on high-end stereos, this 2004 release is essentially the same as the 1997 RCA Victor release.<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars / The Empire Strikes Back / Return of the Jedi (Original Soundtracks&nbsp;– 2004 reissue) |url=http://www.musicweb-international.com/film/2004/Sep04/star_wars.html |access-date=January 20, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061127164125/http://www.musicweb-international.com/film/2004/Sep04/star_wars.html| archive-date=November 27, 2006| url-status=live}}</ref> ===Post-production=== Meanwhile, [[special effect]]s work at ILM quickly stretched the company to its operational limits. While the R&D work and experience gained from the previous two films in the trilogy allowed for increased efficiency, this was offset by the desire to have the closing film raise the bar set by each of these films.<ref name="ProdDir1"/> A compounding factor was the intention of several departments of ILM to either take on other film work or decrease staff during slow cycles. Instead, as soon as production began, the entire company found it necessary to remain running 20&nbsp;hours a day on six-day weeks in order to meet their goals by April 1, 1983. Of about 900 special effects shots,<ref name="ProdDir4"/> all [[VistaVision]] [[Compositing|optical effects]] remained in-house, since ILM was the only company capable of using the format, while about 400 [[negative pulldown|4-perf]] opticals were subcontracted to outside effects houses.<ref name="ProdDir2">{{cite web |title=Return of the Jedi: Production and Direction, p. 2 |work=American Cinematographer |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg2.htm |access-date=August 19, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184927/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/jedi/pdir/pg2.htm| archive-date=September 30, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> Progress on the opticals was severely delayed for a time when ILM rejected about {{convert|100000|ft|m|disp=flip}} of film when the [[film perforations]] failed image registration and steadiness tests.<ref name="ProdDir4"/> ==Release== [[File:RevengeOTJedi.jpg|thumb|upright|The teaser poster titled ''Revenge of the Jedi'' by [[Drew Struzan]]]] ''Return of the Jedi''{{'}}s theatrical release took place on May 25, 1983. It was originally slated to be May 27, but was subsequently changed to coincide with the date of the 1977 release of the original ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' film.<ref name="ProdDir1" /> With a massive worldwide marketing campaign, illustrator Tim Reamer created the image for the movie poster and other advertising. At the time of its release, the film was advertised on posters and merchandise as simply ''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'', despite its on-screen "Episode VI" distinction. The original film was later re-released to theaters in 1985. In 1997, for the 20th anniversary of the release of ''Star Wars'' (re-titled ''Episode IV: A New Hope''), Lucas released the ''Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition''. Along with the two other films in the original trilogy, ''Return of the Jedi'' was re-released on March 7, 1997, with a number of [[Changes in Star Wars re-releases|changes and additions]], which included the insertion of several alien band members and a different song in Jabba's throne room, the modification of the Sarlacc to include a beak, the replacement of music at the closing scene, and a montage of different alien worlds celebrating the fall of the Empire.<ref name="Changes">{{cite web |publisher=StarWars.com |title=Episode VI: What Has Changed? |url=http://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/release/video/f20060908/index.html |date=September 8, 2006 |access-date=March 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229064256/http://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/release/video/f20060908/index.html |archive-date=February 29, 2008}}</ref> ===Title change=== The original [[Trailer (promotion)|teaser trailer]] for the film carried the name ''Revenge of the Jedi''.<ref>''Revenge of the Jedi'' Trailer from Star Wars Trilogy Box Set DVD Bonus Disc, [2004]</ref> In December 1982, Lucas decided that "Revenge" was not appropriate as Jedi should not seek revenge and returned to his original title. By that time thousands of "Revenge" teaser posters (with artwork by [[Drew Struzan]]) had been printed and distributed. Lucasfilm stopped the shipping of the posters and sold the remaining stock of 6,800 posters to ''Star Wars'' fan club members for $9.50.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sansweet & Vilmur |title=The Star Wars Poster Book |year=2004 |publisher=Chronicle Books |page=124}}</ref> ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]'', released in 2005 as part of the prequel trilogy, later alluded to the dismissed title ''Revenge of the Jedi''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Greg Dean Schmitz |title=Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith&nbsp;— Greg's Preview |publisher=Yahoo! Movies |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/preview/1808406060 |access-date=March 5, 2007 |author-link=Greg Dean Schmitz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219022835/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/preview/1808406060 <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=February 19, 2007}}</ref> ===Home media=== {{Anchor|Home video|Video|DVD}} {{More citations needed section|date=May 2017}}[[File:Return of the Jedi (1997 re-release poster).jpg|upright|thumb|The 1997 theatrical release poster of the new ''Special Edition'' version of the film (art by [[Drew Struzan]])]] The original theatrical version of ''Return of the Jedi'' was released on VHS and [[Laserdisc]] several times between 1986 and 1995,<ref name="video timeline">{{cite web |publisher=davisdvd.com |title=Star Wars Home Video Timeline: Return of the Jedi |url=http://www.davisdvd.com/misc/starwars/ep6.htm |access-date=June 23, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710215456/http://www.davisdvd.com/misc/starwars/ep6.htm |archive-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> followed by releases of the Special Edition in the same formats between 1997 and 2000. Some of these releases contained featurettes; some were individual releases of just this film, while others were boxed sets of all three original films. On September 21, 2004, all three original films were released in a boxed set on DVD with [[Changes in Star Wars re-releases|additional changes]] made by George Lucas. The films were digitally restored and remastered, and the DVD also featured English subtitles, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX surround sound, and commentaries by George Lucas, [[Ben Burtt]], [[Dennis Muren]], and [[Carrie Fisher]]. The bonus disc included documentaries including ''[[Empire of Dreams|Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy]]'' and several featurettes including "The Characters of Star Wars", "The Birth of the Lightsaber", and "The Legacy of Star Wars". Also included were teasers, trailers, TV spots, still galleries, and a demo for ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]''. With the release of ''Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'', which depicts how and why Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side of the Force, Lucas once again altered ''Return of the Jedi'' to bolster the relationship between the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy. The original and 1997 Special Edition versions of ''Return of the Jedi'' featured British theater actor [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] playing both the dying Anakin Skywalker and his ghost. In the 2004 DVD, Shaw's portrayal of Anakin's ghost is replaced by [[Hayden Christensen]], who portrayed Anakin in ''[[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones|Attack of the Clones]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]''. All three films in the original unaltered ''Star Wars'' trilogy were later released, individually, on DVD on September 12, 2006. These versions were originally slated to be available only until December 31, 2006, although they remained in print until May 2011 and were packaged with the 2004 versions again in a new box set on November 4, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starwars.com/movies/saga/20080826news.html |title=Star Wars Saga Repacked in Trilogy Sets on DVD |access-date=November 8, 2008 |work=Lucasfilm |publisher=StarWars.com |date=August 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026032957/http://www.starwars.com/movies/saga/20080826news.html <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=October 26, 2008}}</ref> Although the 2004 versions in these sets each feature an audio commentary, no other extra special features were included to commemorate the original cuts. The runtime of the 1997 Special Edition of the film and all subsequent releases is approximately five minutes longer than the original theatrical version. A [[Blu-ray|Blu-ray Disc]] version of the ''Star Wars'' saga was announced for release in 2011 during [[Star Wars Celebration]] V. Several deleted scenes from ''Return of the Jedi'' were included for the Blu-ray version, including a sandstorm sequence following the Battle at the Sarlacc Pit, a scene featuring Moff Jerjerrod and Death Star officers during the Battle of Endor, and a scene where Darth Vader communicates with Luke via the Force as Skywalker is assembling his new lightsaber before he infiltrates Jabba's palace.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starwars.com/themovies/saga/mebd/bluray/index.html |title=George Lucas Announces Star Wars on Blu-Ray at Celebration V |access-date=August 15, 2010 |work=Lucasfilm |publisher=StarWars.com |date=August 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816235346/http://www.starwars.com/themovies/saga/mebd/bluray/index.html <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=August 16, 2010}}</ref> On January 6, 2011, [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]] announced the Blu-ray release for September 2011 in three different editions and the cover art was unveiled in May. On April 7, 2015, [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|Walt Disney Studios]], 20th Century Fox, and Lucasfilm jointly announced the [[Digital distribution|digital releases]] of the six released ''Star Wars'' films. ''Return of the Jedi'' was released through the [[iTunes Store]], [[Amazon Video]], [[Vudu]], [[Google Play]], and [[Disney Movies Anywhere]] on April 10, 2015.<ref name="digital download">{{cite news |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |title='Star Wars' Movie Franchise Headed to Digital HD |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-movie-franchise-headed-786673 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410030917/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-movie-franchise-headed-786673|archive-date=April 10, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment]] reissued ''Return of the Jedi'' on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download on September 22, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/2019/08/09/star-wars-saga-bluray-rereleases-artwork-covers/#10|title=Newest Star Wars Saga Blu-rays Get Matching Artwork|last=Bonomolo|first=Cameron|date=August 8, 2019|website=Comicbook.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926042851/https://comicbook.com/starwars/2019/08/09/star-wars-saga-bluray-rereleases-artwork-covers/#10|archive-date=September 26, 2019|access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> Additionally, all six films were available for [[4K resolution|4K]] [[High-dynamic-range video|HDR]] and [[Dolby Atmos]] streaming on [[Disney+]] upon the service's launch on November 12, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/star-wars-franchise-coming-to-disney-within-first-year-after-launch-1202594388|title=Entire 'Star Wars' Franchise Will Be On Disney+ Within Its First Year|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=April 11, 2019|website=Deadline|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414084638/https://deadline.com/2019/04/star-wars-franchise-coming-to-disney-within-first-year-after-launch-1202594388/|archive-date=April 14, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> This version of the film was released by Disney on [[4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]] box set on March 31, 2020.<ref name="filmstories.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmstories.co.uk/news/star-wars-skywalker-saga-27-disc-ultra-hd-4k-blu-ray-set-now-up-for-preorder/|title=Star Wars: Skywalker Saga 27-disc Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray set now up for preorder|date=2020-01-07|website=Film Stories|language=en|access-date=2020-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113153302/https://www.filmstories.co.uk/news/star-wars-skywalker-saga-27-disc-ultra-hd-4k-blu-ray-set-now-up-for-preorder/|archive-date=January 13, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Reception== ===Box office=== {{Anchor|Critical response|Box office}} [[File:University Theatre 1983.jpg|thumb|''Return of the Jedi'' showing at the [[University Theatre (Toronto)|University Theatre]] in [[Toronto]]; the marquee reads, "The Smash of 83"]] ''Return of the Jedi'' grossed $309.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $166 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $475.3 million, against a production budget of about $32.5 million.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |title=Return of the Jedi |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=IMDB |url= https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0086190/ |access-date=December 21, 2019| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191114042942/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0086190/ | archive-date=November 14, 2019| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="numbers">{{cite web |year=2015 |title=Return of the Jedi |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |publisher=Nash Information Services |url=https://the-numbers.com/movie/Star-Wars-Ep-VI-Return-of-the-Jedi#tab=summary |access-date=June 1, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501135215/http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Star-Wars-Ep-VI-Return-of-the-Jedi#tab=summary| archive-date=May 1, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> The film made $23 million from 1,002 theaters in its opening weekend and grossed a record $45.3 million in its opening week.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|date=June 1, 1989|page=1|title=Par's 'Last' Sets Another First|last=McBride|first=Joseph}}</ref> It finished first at the box office for six of its first seven weeks of release, only coming in second once behind ''[[Superman III]]'' in its fourth weekend.<ref name="numbers"/> [[Box Office Mojo]] estimates that the film sold over 80 million tickets in the US in its initial theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=May 31, 2016 |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=starwars6.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm |title=Return of the Jedi (1983) |website=Box Office Mojo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804215940/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=starwars6.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|archive-date=August 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> When it was re-released in 1985, it made $11.2 million,<ref name="mojo2"/> which totaled its initial theatrical gross to $385.8 million worldwide.<ref name="mojo2">{{cite web |title=Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr638341637/ |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229141154/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr638341637/ |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Critical response=== According to the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 82% of critics have given the film a positive review with an [[average rating]] of 7.25/10, based on 94 reviews from critics. The site's critics consensus reads: "Though failing to reach the cinematic heights of its predecessors, ''Return of the Jedi'' remains an entertaining sci-fi adventure and a fitting end to the classic trilogy."<ref name="Rotten">{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_wars_episode_vi_return_of_the_jedi |title=Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]] |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011055840/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_wars_episode_vi_return_of_the_jedi/ |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 58 out of 100 based on 24 reviews from mainstream critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/star-wars-episode-vi---return-of-the-jedi |title=Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512174551/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/star-wars-episode-vi---return-of-the-jedi |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1983, film critic [[Roger Ebert]] gave the film four stars out of four, calling it "a complete entertainment, a feast for the eyes and a delight for the fancy. It's a little amazing how Lucas and his associates keep topping themselves."<ref>{{cite web |last=Ebert |first=Roger |date=May 25, 1983 |title=Return of the Jedi |publisher=RogerEbert.com |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/return-of-the-jedi-1983 |access-date=March 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622173225/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/return-of-the-jedi-1983 | archive-date=June 22, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gene Siskel]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' also gave the film four stars out of four and wrote, "From the moment that the familiar 'Star Wars' introductory words begin to crawl up the screen, 'Return of the Jedi' is a childlike delight. It's the best video game around. And for the professional moviegoers, it is particularly enjoyable to watch every facet of filmmaking at its best."<ref>Siskel, Gene (May 25, 1983). "'Return of the Jedi': Another quality toy in 'Star Wars' line". ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. Section 4, p. 1.</ref> James Harwood of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called the film "a visual treat throughout," but thought that "Hamill is not enough of a dramatic actor to carry the plot load here" and Harrison Ford "is present more in body than in spirit this time, given little to do but react to special effects. And it can't be said that either Carrie Fisher or Billy Dee Williams rise to previous efforts. But Lucas and director Richard Marquand have overwhelmed these performer flaws with a truly amazing array of creatures, old and new, plus the familiar space hardware."<ref>Harwood, James (May 18, 1983). [https://variety.com/1983/film/reviews/return-of-the-jedi-1200425674/ "Film Reviews: Return Of The Jedi".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811093221/https://variety.com/1983/film/reviews/return-of-the-jedi-1200425674/ |date=August 11, 2019 }} ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. 14.</ref> [[Sheila Benson]] of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that the film "is fully ''satisfying,'' it gives honest value to all the hopes of its believers. With this last of the central 'Star Wars' cycle, there is the sense of the closing of a circle, of leaving behind real friends. It is accomplished with a weight and a new maturity that seem entirely fitting, yet the movie has lost none of its sense of fun; it bursts with new inventiveness."<ref>Benson, Sheila (May 25, 1983). "'Star Wars' Continues with an Inventive 'Jedi'". ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. Part VI, p. 1.</ref> Gary Arnold of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' said, "'Return of the Jedi,' a feat of mass enchantment, puts the happy finishing touches on George Lucas' 'Star Wars' saga. It was worth the wait, and the work is now an imposing landmark in contemporary popular culture—a three-part, 6¼-hour science-fiction epic of unabashed heroic proclivities."<ref>Arnold, Gary (May 22, 1983). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/review97/returnofthejediarnold.htm "Both Magical & Monstrous, the 'Star Wars' Finale Is a Triumph".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007070047/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/review97/returnofthejediarnold.htm |date=October 7, 2018 }} ''[[The Washington Post]]''. G1.</ref> The film was also featured on the May 23, 1983, ''[[Time (magazine)|TIME magazine]]'' cover issue (where it was labeled "Star Wars III"),<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 1983 |title=Star Wars III: Return of the Jedi |work=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,1101830523,00.html?internalid=AC |access-date=March 10, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323005658/http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,1101830523,00.html?internalid=AC| archive-date=March 23, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> where the reviewer Gerald Clarke said that while it was not as exciting as the first ''Star Wars'' film, it was "better and more satisfying" than ''The Empire Strikes Back'', now considered by many as the best of the original trilogy.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Clarke, Gerald |title=Great Galloping Galaxies |work=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,953915,00.html?internalid=ACA |access-date=March 12, 2007 |date=May 23, 1983| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124043907/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,953915,00.html?internalid=ACA| archive-date=November 24, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vincent Canby]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' was negative, calling ''Return of the Jedi'' "by far the dimmest adventure of the lot"<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/film/052583jedi.html |title=Lucas Returns With the 'Jedi' |last=Canby |first=Vincent |work=The New York Times |date=May 25, 1983 |access-date=March 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424081513/http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/052583jedi.html|archive-date=April 24, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> and declaring, "The joys of watching space battles as envisioned by wizards in studios and laboratories are not inexhaustible."<ref>Canby, Vincent (May 29, 1983). [https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/29/movies/film-view-the-force-is-with-them-but-the-magic-is-gone.html "The Force Is With Them, But the Magic Is Gone".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524143431/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/29/movies/film-view-the-force-is-with-them-but-the-magic-is-gone.html |date=May 24, 2015 }} ''[[The New York Times]]''. H15.</ref> [[Pauline Kael]] of ''[[The New Yorker]]'' was also negative, beginning her review with the words: "Some of the trick effects might seem miraculous if the imagery had any lustre, but 'Return of the Jedi' is an impersonal and rather junky piece of moviemaking."<ref>Kael, Pauline (May 30, 1983). "The Current Cinema: Fun Machines". ''[[The New Yorker]]''. 88.</ref> Christopher John reviewed ''The Return of the Jedi'' in ''[[Ares (magazine)|Ares Magazine]]'' #15 and commented that "''Star Wars'' may not be dead, but ''Return of the Jedi'' is a failure, and is a cheap and tarnished crown for the series which shook the world of film when it started out . . . a long time ago, in that galaxy far, far away."<ref name="Ares">{{cite journal | last=John | first=Christopher | title=Film | journal=[[Ares (magazine)|Ares Magazine]] | publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]] | date=Fall 1983| issue=15 | pages=10–11}}</ref> James Kendrick of Q Network Film Desk, reviewing the 1997 special edition re-release, assessed ''Return of the Jedi'' as "the least of the three" original films, but "still a magnificent experience in its own right. Its main problem is that it tends to lean too much on the slick commercialism generated by the first two installments."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qnetwork.com/?page=review&id=669 |first=James |last=Kendrick |title=Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi: Special Edition Review of "Return" |publisher=Q Network |access-date=March 10, 2008|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207082448/http://www.qnetwork.com/?page=review&id=669 |archive-date=February 7, 2008}}</ref> ReelViews.net's [[James Berardinelli]] wrote about the special edition re-release that: {{quote|Although it was great fun re-watching ''Star Wars'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back'' again on the big screen, ''Return of the Jedi'' doesn't generate the same sense of enjoyment. And, while Lucas worked diligently to re-invigorate each entry into the trilogy, ''Jedi'' needs more than the patches of improved sound, cleaned-up visuals, and a few new scenes. Still, despite the flaws, this is still ''Star Wars'', and, as such, represents a couple of lightly-entertaining hours spent with characters we have gotten to know and love over the years. ''Return of the Jedi'' is easily the weakest of the series, but its position as the conclusion makes it a must-see for anyone who has enjoyed its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/s/sw3.html |title=Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi - Reelviews Movie Reviews |last=Berardinelli |first=James |work=Reelviews Movie Reviews}}</ref>}} While the Sarlacc battle sequence, the speeder bike chase, the space battle, and Luke's duel against Vader are all well-regarded, the battle between Ewoks and [[Imperial stormtrooper|stormtroopers]] remains controversial.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The best – and worst – movie battle scenes |publisher=CNN |date=March 30, 2007 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/29/movie.battles/index.html |access-date=April 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408081844/http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/29/movie.battles/index.html |archive-date=April 8, 2007}}</ref> Fans are divided on the likelihood of Ewoks (being a primitive race of small creatures) defeating an armed ground force comprising the Empire's "best troops". Lucas has defended the scenario, saying that the Ewoks' purpose was to distract the Imperial troops and they did not really win.<ref name="DVDcom" /> His inspiration for the Ewoks' victory came from the [[Vietnam War]], where the indigenous Vietcong forces prevailed against the technologically superior United States.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi |url=https://archive.org/details/makingofstarwars0000rinz|url-access=registration }}</ref> ===Accolades=== {{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}} At the [[56th Academy Awards]] in 1984, [[Richard Edlund]], [[Dennis Muren]], [[Ken Ralston]], and [[Phil Tippett]] received the "Special Achievement Award for [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Visual Effects]]." [[Norman Reynolds]], [[Fred Hole]], [[James L. Schoppe]], and [[Michael D. Ford|Michael Ford]] were nominated for "Best Art Direction/Set Decoration". [[Ben Burtt]] received a nomination for "Best Sound Effects Editing". [[John Williams]] received the nomination for "Best Music, Original Score". Burtt, [[Gary Summers]], [[Randy Thom]] and [[Tony Dawe]] all received the nominations for "Best Sound".<ref name="Oscars1984">{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1984 |title=The 56th Academy Awards (1984) Nominees and Winners |access-date=October 9, 2011 |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402004202/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1984 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> At the 1984 [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|BAFTA Awards]], Edlund, Muren, Ralston, and [[Kit West]] won for "Best Special Visual Effects". Tippett and [[Stuart Freeborn]] were also nominated for "Best Makeup". Reynolds received a nomination for "Best Production Design/Art Direction". Burtt, Dawe, and Summers also received nominations for "Best Sound". Williams was also nominated "Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special". The film also won for "[[Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation|Best Dramatic Presentation]]", the older award for science fiction and fantasy in film, at the 1984 [[Hugo Award]]s.<ref name="awards">{{cite web |title=Awards for Star Wars: Episode VI&nbsp;— Return of the Jedi (1983) |publisher=Internet Movie Database |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086190/awards |access-date=March 12, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326061002/http://imdb.com/title/tt0086190/awards| archive-date=March 26, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> ; [[American Film Institute]] Lists : [[AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies]] – Nominated<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/movies400.pdf |title=AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies Nominees |format=PDF |access-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026011242/http://afi.com/Docs/100Years/movies400.pdf |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> : [[AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Thrills]] – Nominated<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/thrills400.pdf |title=AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Thrills Nominees |format=PDF |access-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706070532/http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/thrills400.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" border="1" |- ! Year ! Organization ! Award ! Result |- | rowspan="14" | [[56th Academy Awards|Academy Awards]] | [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]] | [[John Williams]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="4" | [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Best Art Direction]] | [[Norman Reynolds]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Fred Hole]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[James L. Schoppe]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Michael D. Ford]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Academy Award for Best Sound Editing|Best Sound Effects Editing]] | [[Ben Burtt]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="4" | [[Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing|Best Sound]] | [[Ben Burtt]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Gary Summers]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Randy Thom]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Tony Dawe]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="4" | [[Special Achievement Academy Award]] | [[Richard Edlund]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Dennis Muren]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Ken Ralston]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Phil Tippett]] | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="10" | [[37th British Academy Film Awards|British Academy Film Awards]] | rowspan="2" | [[BAFTA Award for Best Makeup and Hair|Best Makeup and Hair]] | [[Phil Tippett]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Stuart Freeborn]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[BAFTA Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]] | [[Norman Reynolds]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="3" | [[BAFTA Award for Best Sound|Best Sound]] | [[Ben Burtt]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Tony Dawe]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Gary Summers]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="4" | [[BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects|Best Special Visual Effects]] | [[Richard Edlund]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Dennis Muren]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Ken Ralston]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Kit West]] | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="15" | [[11th Saturn Awards|Saturn Awards]] | [[Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film|Best Science Fiction Film]] | [[Howard Kazanjian]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Director|Best Director]] | [[Richard Marquand]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] | [[Mark Hamill]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] | [[Carrie Fisher]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] | [[Billy Dee Williams]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="2" | [[Saturn Award for Best Writing|Best Writing]] | [[Lawrence Kasdan]] | {{Nominated}} |- | [[George Lucas]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="2" | [[Saturn Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]] | Aggie Guerard Rodgers | {{Won}} |- | Nilo Rodis-Jamero | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="2" | [[Saturn Award for Best Make-up|Best Make-up]] | [[Phil Tippett]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Stuart Freeborn]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Music|Best Music]] | [[John Williams]] | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan="3" | [[Saturn Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] | [[Richard Edlund]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Dennis Muren]] | {{Won}} |- | [[Ken Ralston]] | {{Won}} |} ==Marketing== {{more citations needed section|date=October 2015}} ===Novelization=== {{Main|Return of the Jedi (novel)}} The novelization of ''Return of the Jedi'' was written by [[James Kahn]] and was released on May 12, 1983, thirteen days before the film's release.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Star Wars, Episode VI&nbsp;— Return of the Jedi (Mass Market Paperback) |publisher=Amazon.com |isbn=0345307674}}</ref> ===Radio drama=== {{Main|Star Wars (radio)}} A radio drama adaptation of the film was written by [[Brian Daley]] with additional material contributed by John Whitman and was produced for and broadcast on [[National Public Radio]] in 1996. It was based on characters and situations created by George Lucas and on the screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas. The first two ''Star Wars'' films were similarly adapted for National Public Radio in the early 1980s, but it was not until 1996 that a radio version of ''Return of the Jedi'' was heard. Anthony Daniels returned as C-3PO, but [[Mark Hamill]] and [[Billy Dee Williams]] did not reprise their roles as they had for the first two radio dramas. They were replaced by newcomer Joshua Fardon as [[Luke Skywalker]] and character actor [[Arye Gross]] as [[Lando Calrissian]]. [[John Lithgow]] voiced Yoda, whose voice actor in the films has always been [[Frank Oz]]. Bernard Behrens returned as [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] and [[Brock Peters]] reprised his role as [[Darth Vader]]. Veteran character actor [[Ed Begley, Jr.]] played [[Boba Fett]]. [[Edward Asner]] also guest-starred speaking only in grunts as the voice of Jabba the Hutt. The radio drama had a running time of three hours.<ref>{{cite web |work=HighBridge Audio |title=Return of the Jedi Produced by NPR |url=http://www.highbridgeaudio.com/returnofjedi.html |access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105043650/http://www.highbridgeaudio.com/returnofjedi.html |archive-date=November 5, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Principal production of the show was completed on February 11, 1996. Only hours after celebrating its completion with the cast and crew of the show, Daley died of [[pancreatic cancer]]. The show is dedicated to his memory.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} The cast and crew recorded a get-well message for Daley, but the author never got the chance to hear it. The message is included as part of the [[Star Wars Trilogy]] collector's edition box set.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} ===Comic book adaptation=== <!-- [[Return of the Jedi (comic)]] redirects here. --> [[Marvel Comics]] published a comic book adaptation of the film by writer [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]] and artists [[Al Williamson]], Carlos Garzon, [[Tom Palmer (comics)|Tom Palmer]], and [[Ron Frenz]]. The adaptation appeared in ''[[Marvel Comics Super Special|Marvel Super Special]]'' #27<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comics.org/issue/36999/ |title=GCD :: Issue :: Marvel Super Special #27 |publisher=comics.org|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225083503/http://www.comics.org/issue/36999/|archive-date=February 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and as a four-issue [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/2765/ ''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225081042/http://www.comics.org/series/2765/ |date=February 25, 2013 }} at the Grand Comics Database</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Edwards |first=Ted |title=The Unauthorized Star Wars Compendium |chapter=Adventures in the Comics |publisher=[[Little, Brown and Company]] |year=1999 |page=[https://archive.org/details/unauthorizedstar00edwa/page/87 87] |isbn=9780316329293 |quote=The adaptation of ''Return of the Jedi'' was published in ''Marvel Super Special'' #27 and in a separate miniseries, once again penciled by Al Williamson and inked by Carlos Garzon. |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/unauthorizedstar00edwa/page/87 }}</ref> It was later reprinted in a mass market paperback.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/543230/ ''The Marvel Comics Illustrated Version of Star Wars Return of the Jedi''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223135828/http://www.comics.org/issue/543230/ |date=February 23, 2013 }} at the Grand Comics Database</ref> ===Book-and-record set=== Lucasfilm adapted the story for a children's [[book-and-record set]]. Released in 1983, the 24-page ''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'' read-along book was accompanied by a 33⅓ rpm {{convert|7|in|cm|adj=on|disp=flip}} [[Phonograph record|gramophone record]]. Each page of the book contained a cropped [[Film frame|frame]] from the film with an abridged and condensed version of the story. The record was produced by [[Walt Disney Records|Buena Vista Records]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-the-uk-read-along-adventures |title=Star Wars In The UK: Read Along Adventures |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120071755/http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-the-uk-read-along-adventures|archive-date=January 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Prequels and sequels== A [[prequel trilogy]] began with ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]'', released in 1999, and set three decades before the original trilogy. A [[sequel trilogy]] began with ''[[Episode VII – The Force Awakens]]'' in 2015, set 30 years after ''Return of the Jedi''. ==See also== {{Portal|Speculative fiction|Film|1980s|United States|Science fiction}} * [[List of films featuring extraterrestrials]] * [[List of films featuring space stations]] * [[List of Star Wars films|List of ''Star Wars'' films]] * [[List of Star Wars television series|List of ''Star Wars'' television series]] * [[Princess Leia's bikini]] ==References== '''Footnotes'''{{notelist}}'''Citations'''{{Reflist}} === Sources === {{refbegin}} Arnold, Alan. ''Once Upon a Galaxy: A Journal of Making the Empire Strikes Back''. Sphere Books, London. 1980. {{ISBN|978-0-345-29075-5}}. {{refend}} ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} * {{Official website|https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-vi-return-of-the-jedi}} at {{URL|http://www.starwars.com|StarWars.com}} * {{Official website|https://www.lucasfilm.com/productions/episode-vi/}} at {{URL|http://lucasfilm.com/|Lucasfilm.com}} * {{Wookieepedia|Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi}} * {{IMDb title|86190}} * {{Tcmdb title|88074}} * {{Amg title|41093}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes|star_wars_episode_vi_return_of_the_jedi}} * {{mojo title|starwars6}} * {{metacritic film|star-wars-episode-vi---return-of-the-jedi}} * [https://the-numbers.com/movie/Star-Wars-Ep-VI-Return-of-the-Jedi ''Return of the Jedi''] at The Numbers * {{AFI film|58057}} {{S-start}} {{S-ach}} {{s-bef|before = ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]''}} {{s-ttl|title = [[Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film]]|years = 1983}} {{s-aft|after = ''[[The Terminator]]''}} {{S-end}} {{Richard Marquand}} {{Star Wars|state=collapsed}} {{George Lucas}} {{Lawrence Kasdan}} {{Lucasfilm}} {{Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film}} {{Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation 1981–2002}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Return of the Jedi| ]] [[Category:1980s science fiction action films]] [[Category:1983 films]] [[Category:1983 science fiction films]] [[Category:American films]] [[Category:American science fiction war films]] [[Category:American sequel films]] [[Category:BAFTA winners (films)]] [[Category:Cyborg films]] [[Category:Family in fiction]] [[Category:Fiction about regicide]] [[Category:Films about orphans]] [[Category:Films about twins]] [[Category:Films directed by Richard Marquand]] [[Category:Films featuring puppetry]] [[Category:Films produced by Howard Kazanjian]] [[Category:Films scored by John Williams]] [[Category:Films set in forests]] [[Category:Films shot at Elstree Studios]] [[Category:Films shot in Arizona]] [[Category:Films shot in California]] [[Category:Films shot in England]] [[Category:Films shot in Hertfordshire]] [[Category:Films using stop-motion animation]] [[Category:Films with screenplays by George Lucas]] [[Category:Guerrilla warfare in film]] [[Category:Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation winning works]] [[Category:Jedi]] [[Category:Prosthetics in fiction]] [[Category:Rebellions in fiction]] [[Category:Star Wars Skywalker Saga films]]'