How to Become a Star Wars Fan: 13 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Star Wars has intrigued and fascinated millions of people since the release of the first film on May 25, 1977. Nowadays, fans are scattered around the globe, collecting, cosplaying and sharing their passion online.. If you feel like joining the community, the following article will suggest several ideas that will help you enter this amazing world.

The best day to start becoming a Star Wars fan is May 4th, officially known as “Star Wars Day”. Why was it chosen? Because it can be used for a play on words (in English) that resembles the famous phrase May the Force be with you, “May the 4th be with you”.

Steps

Step 1. Get copies of all movies

They are available on DVD for a reasonable price, so you have no excuse to skip this step if your goal is to become a true Star Wars fan. See them all if you don't even know one. While watching, write down what interests you, such as quotes, costumes, favorite characters, etc. All this will affect your choices to understand which part of the fandom to dedicate yourself in particular.

• Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between movies. What are the aspects that attract your attention the most? What did you notice?
• Watch The Clone Wars on TV or DVD. This recent cartoon reworks several Star Wars stories through computer graphics animation. It is broadcast on children's and young people's channels.
• After watching the movies, you may want to watch fan-made videos as well. There are many very pleasant ones, among other things some are of excellent quality. You can even find rankings online to find out which ones are the most popular. They are easily found on the web, for example on YouTube.

Step 2. Learn the philosophy and other relevant aspects of Star Wars movies

By looking at them, you will assimilate important messages. Also, when you find yourself defending your passion for this universe, having a good understanding of the philosophical core will undoubtedly come in handy. Indeed, analyzing the themes behind the films will improve your experience as a fan and encourage you to continue in the fight against evil. You may or may not agree with the following suggestions regarding the topics covered in Star Wars, but they will still serve you to reflect and come to your own conclusions:

• Anti-bullying theme. It is a very important topic in Star Wars. The bad guys are punished, as it should be. Good dictates evil and true friends will always be by your side, no matter what happens.
• The inability to control one's own destiny and the direction this gives to the life of each individual.
• The usefulness of living based on a code of conduct.
• Self-destruction caused by a thirst for power or a life lived in fear, anger, hatred and selfishness.
• The power of knowledge.
• The importance of maintaining some self-discipline despite the power of emotions, including love. Anakin loved deeply, but failed to discipline this part of himself, and so he lost control and went to the dark side.
• The reality that good and evil are not absolute: there is a gray area and they can overlap. Nothing is as it seems, and we must continue to work hard to improve ourselves and not make erroneous guesses about how the world works.
• The power of technology changes according to who uses it: it can be a neutral tool, and it is the person who uses it who decides what to do with it.
• George Lucas studied mythology. Learn about his training and discover the myths that have influenced his thinking.

Step 3. Learn everything you can about Star Wars characters, from the most famous to the ones that appear for a very short time

They all play a role and some are clearly more interesting than others. What are your favorites and which ones do you like least? As part of the study, spend time on the different family trees, timelines, and various events relevant to each story.

• Wikipedia has a list of all the characters of Star Wars:
• The 100 main characters of Star Wars can be seen by clicking on the following link, where you will also find photos:

Step 4. Memorize the most famous lines from the Star Wars movies, especially the ones you'd like to repeat when you meet other fans

Don't use the lesser-known ones with people who don't understand this universe that much, though. Here are some examples:

• "The Force is with you".
• "May the force be with you".
• "Use the Force, Luke."
• "The ability to speak does not make you an intelligent being."
• "I find your lack of faith unbearable."
• “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are my only hope”.
• "The Force is powerful in you."
• “I suggest a new strategy, R2. Let's let the Wookiees win”.
• "Don't call me the brainless philosopher, pile of lube":
• "Be careful what you say, boy, or you'll find yourself floating home."
• "Aren't you a little short to belong to the shock troops?"
• “In the moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their strength”.
• "It's a trap!".

Step 5. Use the different quirky languages of Star Wars

In addition to learning movie quotes, you can also improve your daily speech by using the same expressions as the characters, which are certainly not very common. Learn Yoda's grammar and diction to express yourself like him. Move your hand like a Jedi when you want someone to do something and say “Today Not you will mark me homework”,“You will give me a higher allowance”,“Me you will offer lunch , etc.

Observe the characters and imitate their language and posture. This way, your interpretation will be more effective and enjoyable

Step 6. Search for Star Wars sites online

You will be surprised by the amount of official sites, pages opened by fans, blogs written by fans and many other spaces related to the films. It will take some time to discover them and find the ones you like best. There are so many that it is impossible to list them, but here are some that you may want to visit since you are just starting out (you will find the links in the "Sources and Citations" section):

• Lucas Film Ltd. This site is about the director of Star Wars, a true icon of this world, and you will find a filmography and other relevant information about this universe.
• Star Wars official site, which has several sections, including an online store for those who want to collect items related to this world.
• There are several Italian sites, including this one.
• Star Wars family tree.
• Star Wars duck guide: you'll find lots of bloopers, mistakes and other curiosities straight from the movies.
• Wookieepedia: A wiki site on which you can intervene yourself to add or change information.
• Then there are many blogs and fan sites. Why don't you open one too?

Step 7. Try the Star Wars games

If you have this hobby, the choice will not be lacking, from board games to video games. You can search auction sites to find original or vintage ones from Atari; online there are ones that you can play on the web, and you can also visit toy or video game stores to buy your favorite. There are also miniature games, card games and more, all based on Star Wars. If you are a creative, you can make one yourself.

Step 8. Try cosplay

There are plenty of opportunities to dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and spend time with fellow fans at trade shows. You can buy the costumes in stores or online, as they are available on many sites, otherwise try to sew them yourself. Attend science fiction conventions or even just those focused solely on Star Wars, preparing the look in advance. You can go there with your friends, and it would be ideal if you can agree on how to dress.

Step 9. Use Star Wars inspired clothing and accessories

There are tons of t-shirts featuring themes, characters, quotes and logos. Just pop on the internet: you will find more things than you can ever carry in the rest of your life. Choose the ones you like best, such as sweaters, belt buckles, badges, costume jewelery items, etc.

There are tons of online stores selling Star Wars-inspired clothing and accessories, and you can even give auction sites a try. Forbidden Planet is a good seller, offering a little bit of everything: keychains, stickers, signed reproductions of movie items

Step 10. Start collecting Star Wars items

The merchandising connected to these films is practically endless. Show everyone your devotion (or, at least, your slight obsession) towards this universe. While it can be a pastime that will take away a lot of time and money (and the collection is never completed), for many fans it is essential to collect certain items in order to be considered as such. The possibilities are many, including items related to movies, figurines, Legos, puppets, Pez dispensers, costumes, swords, etc. Plastic figurines (those from the 1970s are particularly valuable) and lightsaber imitations are some of the best items you can find.

• You could even collect coins and medallions dedicated to Star Wars.

  

• A collection of posters is just as cool. You can display them wherever you like.

  

• You can try collecting movie-inspired props and playbills if you have the space.

  

• If you like models, look for ones you can build yourself. You can try spaceships or robots, or maybe try to make them from scratch.

  

• Bring the figurines to work and arrange them in your office or space for others to see. Just be careful not to get them stolen.

  

• Search auction sites like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist to buy items, rare or not. Don't forget thrift sales and flea markets either (you can often find vintage items). In fact, collectors can find the best pieces in the strangest places. And many toy and antique shops (if you are looking for old items) are ideal in this regard.

  

Step 11. Visit the places where the movies were shot

There are several that you can see, and they are located in Los Angeles, England, Italy, Tunisia and so on. Search online for more information and tour schedules. You could even plan an entire vacation to go there. Click on the site dedicated to the locations of Star Wars to find all the details on the visits.

If you already shoot various videos and movies at home, you could make your own tribute to the Star Wars movies

Step 12. Get in the kitchen to prepare dishes inspired by the Star Wars saga

There are many specialties that you can try at home, all tasty. Here are a few:

• Star Wars cookies. There are molds available in several places, otherwise you can make them yourself. If you can find them and don't want to miss them, try Williams-Sonoma stencils, often sold in a set with a spatula depicting Darth Vader.

  

• Star Wars cakes. What fan wouldn't want one for their birthday?

  

• Star Wars cupcake. Everyone loves cupcakes, but those inspired by this universe will be perfect for you!

  

Step 13. Try out crafts

Craft items are also great for demonstrating your passion for Star Wars. You can really do everything from knitting logo sweaters to making models of spaceships from scratch.

• Create R2D2 and CP30 by knitting or crocheting them.

  

• Knit Princess Leia's wig.

  

• Knit a helmet of the assault troops.

  

• Sew a Yoda costume for your pooch.

  

• Sew a hat for your little girl inspired by Princess Leia's hair.

  

• Make lots of Star Wars-inspired designs and display them on a cork board.

  

Advice

• If you really want to acquire more technical knowledge, you can learn more about Jedi culture and how the lightsaber works. Just as with all other weapons, handling it is an art form, it is not enough to aim it at an enemy. There are books and websites that explain what you should do and how you could use it accurately. If you want, you can also study the art of sword handling in general or sign up for a fencing course.
• Learn about the Star Wars galaxy. Knowing almost all habitable planets is a good place to start. Find out about the technology and what inspired it. Study as much as possible.
• A fanfiction, if done well, is an excellent way to show your passion for Star Wars. If, on the other hand, you write boring texts, no one will take them into consideration. Discover the universe before creating a story.
• Create home videos dedicated to Star Wars.
• Listen to movie soundtracks. You can buy CDs or download them from sites like iTunes.

Warnings

• There are many formal Star Wars-inspired disguise organizations internationally. You don't need to join one to put on a costume, but if these groups have a significant presence in your area, you may be confused with one of their members. Don't lie by saying you belong to these associations if it wasn't true.
• Cosplay must be reserved for fairs and masquerades. Take advantage of Halloween to show off a costume. Wearing Star Wars-inspired clothing in your daily life could expose you to nasty comments. Play the look of Xizor or Leila on the right occasions.