A long time ago in a production studio far away, George Lucas had released A New Hope on May 25, 1977, starting a universe which would capture the hearts of both fantasy and science fiction aficionados for over 40 years. Since then, the franchise became accessible to all types of fans who dabbled in a collection of films, shows, books and video games growing up.
Star Wars became a lifestyle for fans around the world, who’ve kept a closer eye on the latest pieces of canon and Legends content since the franchise saw a resurgence in 2015 as Disney released The Force Awakens. Its sequel trilogy also reminded fans of the highs (and lows) for being lost in a galaxy while being caught up against a war between scrappy rebels and an all-powerful galactic empire. The conflicts are ultimately powered by a struggle of light and dark forces.
These add magic to Star Wars, as an entity which surrounds pop culture and binds generations of fans together.
It’s hard to imagine staples such as Darth Vader, The Force and Lightsabers as unrecognizable. In some degree, seeing these reminds many about an escapable world. Annually, May the Fourth embodies its pun by giving fans a chance to celebrate their love for the franchise. CGMagazine is taking the tradition a step further in 2020 by stretching the holiday across a week, starting with Star Wars Day (which just so happens to start on a Monday). We’ve also factored-in daily time to make sure fans can also work and be human.
May the Force be with you with this plan to fit Star Wars into each day. Of course, you can so use these suggestions to build your own week with other forms of Star Wars media.
Monday (May 4, 2020)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Episode IV: A New Hope (Double Feature)
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series
There’s no better way to start celebrating Star Wars than jumping into the film that started it all. Of course, we found it fitting to mix Rogue One and add a modern breath of air before exploring Luke Skywalker’s journey immediately after. Disney’s presentation with George Lucas’ original vision also makes Star Wars Day palatable for old and new fans at home together. The variety is paired with a serving of immersion through an option of two Jedi simulators to make fans really feel like a Jedi on their special day. The combination of cinematic throwback and action-packed lightsaber dosage can also be spread out to prevent an overload of Star Wars in one day. But the fun is just getting started.
Tuesday (May 5, 2020)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars Battlefront II (2016) or Star Wars Battlefront II (2005)
Set a course for the Hoth system. The series’ most revered film is on the viewing block for Day Two and continues Luke’s Jedi training at full speed while soaking in some of pop culture’s most iconic lines across two hours. Empire Strikes Back is also a step up from the original film while fans regard it as a high bar for any installment to reach for its darker yet exciting balance of storytelling and effects-driven action. John William’s Imperial March and Battle of Hoth soundtracks also send some chills as rebels are decimated by the Empire.
Empire‘s war-driven tone is also a mood setter for fans to be a part of the action through Battlefront II. We’ve given fans the choice between the latest Star Wars game made by EA, or an older (but more sandbox) version which captures the large-scale battles just as well in 2020.
Wednesday (May 6, 2020)
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace or Episode II: Attack of the Clones (or both as a Double Feature)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007)
Following Darth Vader’s shocking twist to Luke in their fight at Bespin, it becomes an opportunity to revisit how Anakin Skywalker died. We do this through the so-called “Machete Order” which reorders the series for even more dramatic flair and narrative cohesiveness. Veteran Star Wars viewers get to see the series in a different way while understanding deeper details hidden in the prequels. Fresh viewers get to have their questions in Empire answered while bringing their knowledge to a full circle by the Sequel trilogy.
The choice is yours in watching the arguably campier but action-packed Episode I or competent Episode II, which sees Anakin at the start of his inner conflict. Ultimately, it’s the fan’s own pull between watching nearly all the movies or having the time to watch one. This movie-driven Star Wars Day is topped off with a session of LEGO Star Wars to end things with a nostalgic smile before taking a break.
Thursday (May 7, 2020)
- The Mandalorian: Season One
- Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005)
No Star Wars movies or lightsabers today. Instead, fans get to explore the results of George Lucas’ vision and how it expanded into a variety of other works. The entirety of The Mandalorian can be streamed on Disney+ while it’s a faithful effort in bringing Star Wars in bite-sized TV pieces. Stormtroopers, The Force and some more of what you loved about the Fetts are in full motion here. The show also works as a standalone title which can be watched anytime as a water cooler from the films.
In an unexpected but welcome surprise, players can head back into The Clone Wars as Delta Squad. Republic Commando is renowned for its ability to go all-in on team-based action under the Star Wars setting. Its Rainbow Six vibes work well in a story set right at the start of Clone Troopers touching down on Geonosis in Episode II. Players also get to explore different locales in The Outer Rim while doubling down on the laser-flying carnage seen in The Mandalorian.
Friday (May 8, 2020)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (Double Feature)
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
We return to Star Wars with a conclusion to both the Prequel and Original Trilogy in unique ways. The Machete Order explores the inner machinations of Darth Vader during his biggest moment. As fans explore Anakin’s full transformation into a Sith Lord, they also understand the impact behind Luke’s discovery.
Watching Order 66 unfold and a Younger Obi Wan duelling his apprentice appropriately set up the events of Return of the Jedi. Luke’s acceptance of Anakin from Revenge of the Sith help him remember that no one’s truly gone. The endings for both films also bring George Lucas’ original plot to a full circle and paves the way for Rey’s story 30 years later. On a Friday, the double-feature works with added time while opening a late-night Star Wars viewing with others.
Gamers can wreck the galaxy as Starkiller in The Force Unleashed, which focuses heavily on Force abilities for devastating attacks against big foes. The game mixes platforming with satisfying hack-and-slash lightsaber combat while adding a fun spin to being a Sith and Jedi altogether. Choices can also be made to play KOTOR, which was regarded by fans as one of the best Star Wars games ever made.
Developed by BioWare Its RPG elements and dialogue tree seen in Mass Effect are strong with the force. Players also navigate through their own adventure across The Outer Rim without tying itself to canon lore. The new perspective also offers a refreshing take to the Star Wars franchise long after the Empire fell in Return of the Jedi.
Saturday (May 9, 2020)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (Double Feature)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Skywalker Saga isn’t done yet. Fans and viewers are thrown into a brave new world from Disney through the Sequel Trilogy. The First Order has risen to hunt for Skywalker while a new set of characters start an exciting galaxy-trotting adventure. J.J. Abrams makes it known that The Force Awakens is a member of the Star Wars family and brings a few people you’ve seen back. Their roles also pass the torch for a new cast by revisiting what made the series exciting. It’s callbacks galore.
We’ve taken the liberty of filling Saturday with more of the Sequel Trilogy through The Last Jedi. Instead of waiting, it’s best to pick up where Episode VII left off by continuing Rey’s training. Along the way, she discovers Luke’s own inner demons gained after he confronted Vader. Far down the family tree, conflicts come to Kylo Ren after meeting Rey. The connection between the two are what also hold this double-feature together in a new canon Star Wars tale.
Players can start to become familiar with The Sequel Trilogy through LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which adds new lore on top of its action-packed movie adaptation. It’s also a nice opportunity for recapturing the excitement of Episode VII in a different lens. Movie-accurate visuals are also combined with added voice lines from the cast to give players a relaxing and enjoyable retread.
Sunday (May 10, 2020)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
The celebration of the Star Wars franchise ends as it did in 2019 – with a final film which wraps up Rey’s story and the Skywalker Saga. A week of consuming franchise media has led up to this. Though divisive, The Rise of Skywalker does what it can in putting up a fight before the entire cast can rest. It also makes an effort in recognizing over 40 years of storytelling to set things straight before starting a new chapter through future projects set up by Disney. At the end of the week, Episode IX brings both new and current fans up to speed on Star Wars.
