For the fortieth anniversary of the film, The Return of the Jedi was screened for two sessions at the Grand Rex in Paris on Tuesday. Fans of the George Lucas saga rushed to see the last part of the first trilogy, released in 1983 and remastered for the occasion. The day felt like a pilgrimage for anyone who swears by Jedi Knights, young and old. From the sidewalk, extras in costume animated the queue. Everyone wanted to have their picture taken with Luke Skywalker or a detachment of stormtroopers. As often, the prize for the costume goes to Darth Vader, one of the most requested characters for photos. Something to whet your appetite, against a background of music from the film, before you even enter the room. Some took the opportunity to debate once again the comparative merits of the different trilogies, the direction that the franchise is taking and their expectations.
Among the spectators, some did not hesitate to drive several hours to be there. Élisa, 22, came from Nantes especially for the occasion. “I’ve been a Star Wars fan since I was little, of course, I never saw the first films in the cinema, so I’m so happy to be able to watch Return of the Jedi today in these conditions,” s’ she enthuses. Further on, two men, two generations. “The first time I saw Star Wars was at the cinema, I grew up with this saga and today I share this moment with my son, explains the delighted father. I saw the movie at the cinema when I was 10, I’ve always been a fan.” By his side, his 22-year-old son shares his joy: “I can’t wait, I fell into the pot when I was little and being able to watch this film on the screen at sea, it’s going to be great”
For some, the session is a great moment of nostalgia. Like this early fan who came to seek out the emotions he felt when he was a kid. “I’m crazy about this trilogy… for me Star Wars is that, Vader, Luke, I’m a real purist and I never miss any event like this when they’re organised.”
For the most fanatics, Disney has announced that three new films are in development. Among the details that have leaked, we learn that James Mangold (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) will pilot a production taking place thousands of years before the Skywalker saga. Something to satisfy new generations of fans.
