Star Wars is one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. In recent years, it has also proven popular on TV, as The Mandalorian continues to smash records for Disney Plus.
Each year, there is one day that Star Wars fans look forward to more than any other- May 4, or May the Fourth.
Known as Star Wars Day, this unofficial event continues to become more and more popular as it celebrates one of cinema’s most successful franchises.
This year it comes just before the release of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, a show that is highly anticipated for even casual fans of the series.
What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars day is the annual date for all things from a galaxy far, far away.
Disney usually makes various announcements for the mega-franchise on May 4, either new trailers, release date confirmations or surprise instalments.
This year, the Obi-Wan Kenobi show expected to dominate the date, as it is only a few short weeks away. A final trailer will likely drop, though this is unconfirmed.
Fans around the world will be hoping for news of new shows and films down the road, as details on the future of Star Wars beyond Obi-Wan remains vague.
Disney has confirmed release date for three unknown upcoming movies so far – December 22, 2023, December 19, 2025 and December 17, 2027.
There is also an upcoming film titled Star Wars: Rogue Squadron in the works with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins in the director’s chair.
Taika Waititi, the director of Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder is attached to another upcoming Star Wars project, but this doesn’t even have a title.
Way back in 2017, before the release of Star Wars episode VIII: The Last Jedi, director Rian Johnson was confirmed to helm his own trilogy.
This has since gone dark, with the filmmaker working with Netflix on his Knives Out sequels in the meantime.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s overlord Kevin Feige is also reportedly overseeing a Star Wars project, but this is similarly vague.
JD Dillard is also reportedly directing a project, which the filmmaker behind best known for the Marvel series, Luke Cage and Agents of SHIELD.
Any of the above could be teased on May 4, or future video games, comics, books, shows and theme parks.
Why is Star Wars day on May 4?
The origin of the date has everything to do with a very famous phrase from the films.
“May the force be with you,” is uttered by many characters across all six original films, the sequel trilogy, Rogue One, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, and beyond.
It's a saying Jedi say to people they care about and wish to protect – a form of saying good luck.
May 4 was chosen for Star Wars day simply because the date sounds similar to the phrase when spoken, “May the 4th be with you.”
How is Star Wars day celebrated?
As May 4 is still considered an unofficial date, though one that is heavily endorsed by Disney, celebrations can change year on year.
Observances of the day stretch right back to 1978, just one year after the original film released and changed cinema forever.
Many fans choose to dress up as their favourite characters, watch the films together or share their favourite moments online.
As usual, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill has kicked off celebrations early on Twitter by joking: “May The First Not Be The Worst With You.”
He also shared a tongue in cheek image of Luke looking directly down the barrel of a lightsaber as it is activated.
What is the release date of the Obi-Wan Kenobi show?
Despite millions of Star Wars fans predicting May 4, 2022, would be the release date of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, it is actually missing this day by a few weeks.
It will premiere on May 27 exclusively on Disney Plus, with the first two episodes being available from that date.
Originally, it was aiming to hit a May 25 release date, which is the original premiere date of Star Wars: A New Hope from 1977, however Disney moved it from the Wednesday to a Friday.
The show is bringing back Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christiansen as Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker, respectively.
Most of the show is being kept under wraps, but it is known that the series will take place 10 years after the events of Star Wars episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
The official plot synopsis reads: “Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi watches over young Luke Skywalker and evades the Empire's elite Jedi hunters during his exile on the desert planet Tatooine.”
