Original artwork, not a still
May the Force be with you.
— Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope • 1977
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A pilot's send-off before a suicide run became the saga's blessing, farewell and brand, passed from character to character through the films. Outside the story it is the series' greeting among fans and the root of Star Wars Day on 4 May, a pun on 'May the Fourth be with you' that goes back at least to a 1979 newspaper advert for Margaret Thatcher's party. AFI ranks it eighth among movie quotes.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeShow the scene
In Star Wars (1977, later retitled A New Hope), the Rebel Alliance has found the Death Star's weakness and has only hours before it reaches Yavin 4. In the briefing room at the Rebel base, General Jan Dodonna (Alex McCrindle) walks the assembled pilots through the plan to destroy the battle station, then sends them off to their fighters with this blessing. The line is passed around the cast: Han Solo says it to Luke before leaving Yavin 4, and Obi-Wan tells Luke the Force will be with him always during the battle.
Sources (3)
- Wookieepedia: May the Force be with youUses in the Battle of YavinReference checked
- Wikipedia: Star Wars (film)Cast; LegacyReference checked
- Wikipedia: Star Wars DayLead and HistoryReference checked
Context reviewed
