Uncover the Dark Secrets of Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi (1983)! From behind-the-scenes drama to 13 shocking facts, prepare to have your mind blown!"
The Ewoks were originally intended to be Wookiees, but George Lucas changed them to small, bear-like creatures to appeal to children and sell more toys.
The Jabba the Hutt puppet weighed over 2,000 pounds and required several puppeteers to operate, making it one of the largest and most complex puppets in film history.
Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was forced to lose weight for the role, leading to speculation about her appearance in the iconic gold bikini.
The scene where Leia strangles Jabba with her chain was added to give her character a moment of empowerment, showcasing her strength and resilience.
The forest moon of Endor scenes were filmed in the Redwood National and State Parks in California, giving the film a visually stunning backdrop.
The speeder bike chase scene was filmed using a combination of miniatures, full-scale props, and high-speed cameras, resulting in one of the most thrilling sequences in the film.
The character of Emperor Palpatine was played by Ian McDiarmid, who reprised his role from the original trilogy in the prequel trilogy as well.
The film's original title was "Revenge of the Jedi," but George Lucas changed it shortly before release, feeling that Jedi would not seek revenge.
Return of the Jedi was the first film to use THX sound technology, providing audiences with a more immersive audio experience.
The final lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader was filmed in a studio in front of a blue screen, with the iconic Emperor's throne room added in post-production.
The Sarlacc pit scene was filmed in the Yuma Desert in Arizona, where temperatures reached over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, causing discomfort for the cast and crew.
The original ending featured a celebration scene on Endor without the ghosts of Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Yoda appearing. They were added in the Special Edition re-release in 1997.
Despite mixed critical reviews upon release, Return of the Jedi became the highest-grossing film of 1983 and remains a beloved classic in the Star Wars saga.