Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back will be screened at the 16th TCM Classic Film Festival on April 24, presented by George Lucas.
Via Deadline, The Empire Strikes Back will be screened on opening night for the film's 45th Anniversary, as part of the festival's theme of “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film.”
The festival's host, Ben Mankiewicz says, "Empire not only dazzled and delighted Star Wars fans, it pushed the boundaries of moviemaking, further deepening its characters and expanding the most popular cinematic universe of all time."
The Empire Strikes Back is directed by Irvin Kershner and stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Jeremy Bulloch, James Earl Jones, and Alec Guinness, to name a few. It remains one of the most popular Star Wars films to date and includes what could be the greatest plot twists in cinema history. However, the film is known for much more, including setting a standard for all franchises. It proved that a sequel could be better than its predecessor, adding unexpected layers of depth to each character and deepening Star Wars lore.
Episode V further expanded the Star Wars fanbase and continues mesmerizing fans of the original trilogy. Recently, Galaxy's Edge revealed The Mandalorian adventure for the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, which features a familiar location from The Empire Strikes Back. Cloud City, Bespin has not been seen in live-action since Episode V will be one of the key locations for the ride. Despite dozens of new worlds to Star Wars canon, Bespin remains a fan favorite.
The Empire Strikes Back features an iconic soundtrack by John Williams and many memorable quotes, including the unforgettable, "I am your father." The movie is remembered for the duel between Luke and his father, Darth Vader, Han Solo's imprisonment, the Millennium Falcon's flight through an asteroid field, and the attack on the Rebel Alliance's base on Hoth. It is also remembered for taking the franchise in a darker direction, and the movie ends on a bleak note, with the only glimmers of hope being Luke and Leia.
Following Episode V's 45th Anniversary, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith will celebrate its 20th Anniversary this May. There's no news yet if George Lucas, who directed Episode III, will attend the Star Wars Celebration next month and for a panel celebrating the film.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on Disney+.