Return of the Jedi

A closer look at the story

Return of the Jedi opens with Luke Skywalker heading a daring operation to free his friend Han Solo, who is being held by Jabba the Hutt. Across the galaxy the stakes have never been higher. The Emperor is readying a new Death Star, far more formidable than the first, with which he intends to wipe out the Rebellion once and for all. In response, the Rebel fleet gathers for an all-out assault on the battle station. While the fate of the war is decided among the stars, Luke faces a far more personal trial: a last, decisive confrontation with Darth Vader, staged in front of the sinister Emperor himself. Richard Marquand directed this 132-minute science-fiction adventure from 1983, scripted by Lawrence Kasdan together with George Lucas. Mark Hamill returns as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, joined by Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO.