'Star Wars': An epic is born
The original 1977 "Star Wars" starred Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as the swashbuckling Han Solo. Almost 40 years later, Disney has announced that an anthology film about Solo's origins -- a solo Han Solo film, so to speak -- is in the works and will be overseen by "Lego Movie" directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. Click through the gallery to see the growth of the "Star Wars" universe.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Luke attempts to master the lightsaber, from the original "Star Wars." The young Luke was encouraged to "use the Force" to improve his feel with the weapon.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
The Jedi Temple was located on the planet Coruscant and served as the training facility for the Jedi Order. It was later destroyed and rebuilt in cycles indicating the changing politics of the universe.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
"Star Wars" was a phenomenon upon release in May 1977, with lines around the block (in the days when theaters were largely located on city blocks). Here, people line up in New York to see the film, which soon became the highest-grossing film of all time -- a record it held until "E.T." took its place five years later.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Much of the original "Star Wars" played like a throwback to old pulp flicks, with Han Solo and Princess Leia providing the witty repartee. Chewbacca the Wookiee and android C-3PO were along for the ride.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Film editor Marcia Lucas with her then-husband, director George Lucas, editing "Star Wars." The film gave George Lucas the power to call shots in Hollywood -- influence he used to do everything from market video games to produce films for one of his heroes, Japanese director Akira Kurosawa.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Myth scholar Joseph Campbell's book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" inspired George Lucas in creating the "Star Wars" universe.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Alec Guinness in "Star Wars," was the noble warrior who helped guide young Luke Skywalker.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Darth Vader, the villain of "Star Wars," and Obi-Wan Kenobi battle in the original film. Vader's life is explored in the second "Star Wars" trilogy, starting with 1999's "The Phantom Menace."
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Yoda, here seen in "The Empire Strikes Back," is a wise and powerful Jedi Master who takes over Luke Skywalker's training. His voice was provided by Muppet great Frank Oz.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
C-3PO, left, and R2-D2 are the loyal droids who serve as companions to various "Star Wars" characters. They're somewhat based on two characters from Kurosawa's film "The Hidden Fortress," a key "Star Wars" influence.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Members of the "Star Wars" fan club celebrate May 4 ("Star Wars Day") in front of the Colosseum in central Rome. Why May 4? It's related to a pun on "May the Force be with you" -- "May the Fourth be with you."
'Star Wars': An epic is born
"Star Wars" creator and filmmaker George Lucas at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Lucas sold his Lucasfilm empire to Disney in 2012 for $4 billion.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
The newest "Star Wars" film -- "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" -- is due at the end of 2015.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Both Harrison Ford, as Han Solo, and Peter Mayhew, as Chewbacca, are returning for "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens."
'Star Wars': An epic is born
"The Force Awakens" cast, along with droids, executive producer Kathleen Kennedy and director J.J. Abrams, appeared at the Star Wars Celebration fan convention in April.
'Star Wars': An epic is born
Fans gathered at the official Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, California, in April.
