Star Wars Day Returns To Tampa Theatre For 2024
Tampa Theatre added a special opportunity to see classic “Star Wars” films on “Star Wars Day” in 2023. Now that they’ve created a new tradition, the details are now available for 2024.
For those who didn’t know that May 4 is “Star Wars Day,” here’s the explanation: It’s “May the Fourth,” as in “May the Fourth be with you.” (If you’re new to this, it’s a play on the line “May the Force be with you.”)
The three movies they are showing on Saturday, May 4, are the films that got it all started. There’s little that compares to watching these classics on the big screen. It’s even more amazing when it’s in the beautiful, historic Tampa Theatre.
The first three releases came out a long, long time ago… 1977, 1980 and 1983. They’ll be shown, of course, in the order in which they were released.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) PG
1:15 p.m.
This is the one that introduced us to the franchise. Originally just known as “Star Wars,” we learn about the battle between The Force and The Empire. We’re also introduced to Luke, Han, Leia, Obi Wan, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Darth Vader. Whoops, we almost forgot Chewbacca. That would not have turned out well if he knew. It was the first time we saw the ‘Death Star,’ x-wing fighters, tie fighters and the Millenium Falcon. Special effects from Industrial Light and Magic provided the flights across galaxies, droids and lightsabers.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) PG
4:30 p.m.
Welcome to the second release in the Star Wars saga. The dark side is still trying to beat the Jedi. We’ll meet additional characters including Lando, Yoda and Boba Fett. Young Luke continues his training to become a Jedi, but he still rushes off before he is ready. He knows a good hand guy if you want one. Han and Leia become closer.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) PG
7:45 p.m.
Three years later, Return of the Jedi was released. It’s time to meet Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor and a batch of Ewoks. The Empire is rebuilding the ‘Death Star,’ and Luke is closer to becoming a Jedi. Spoiler alert: C-3PO speaks Ewok.
For those who have seen these movies over and over, which is most people, you don’t really need the descriptions. That doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy seeing them again on this special event day at the Tampa Theatre.
If you’re interested in joining in for the fun, you can click here for more details and tickets.