Star Wars Celebration

Coming to Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida: 'From World War to Star Wars'

The Second World War not only changed the world in which we live; it shaped and defined the Star Wars universe we love. From World War to Star Wars explores the interesting and unexpected ways that "a long time ago" influenced George Lucas' "galaxy far, far away."  

Join historian Cole Horton and Star Wars illustrators Chris Reiff & Chris Trevas as they give fans a rare look into the in-universe parallels and real-world connections between the Second World War and the Star Wars Universe. This one-hour presentation and Q&A in the Star Wars University Room will feature unparalleled insight into the rise of two empires, how the war built the Millennium Falcon, the story of how Alec Guinness became an unlikely war hero, and how World War II relics were used to build the Star Wars galaxy. 

Star Wars fans and history buffs alike won't want to miss this unique, family-friendly presentation.  The presentation will be held on Saturday at 6:30 PM in the Star Wars University Room (W300).  For tickets and travel information for Star Wars Celebration VI, head on over to http://www.starwarscelebration.com/.  Follow Cole, Chris and Chris on twitter: @ColeHorton, @Chris_Reiff, and @ChrisTrevas

From World War to Star Wars is coming to Star Wars Celebration VI
with Cole Horton, Chris Trevas, and Chris Reiff.  Artwork by Chris Reiff.

Update August 26 2012 - 

From World War to Star Wars was a blockbuster success! I am incredibly humbled by the amazing fan reaction to this special project. After two years of quiet research, I was floored by the turnout and engagement from a very diverse audience. Fans of all ages and backgrounds turned out for the hour-long Star Wars University class hosted by myself, Chris Reiff, and Chris Trevas. Sharing my passion for history and Star Wars with such an amazing group of fans was the high point of my Celebration.

The class opened with a story: of a crumbling republic where an unlikely politician rises to power amidst chaos, occupation, and a separatist threat. Thanks to a vote of no confidence, he becomes chancellor but he uses his new position to play on the fears of the people. He attains emergency powers and builds his military. With unlimited power, he would purge his own military leaders, build secret armies, and disband a senate. He would declare a new order and empire, build super weapons, and eventually be brought down by an alliance. Of course, this isn’t just the story of Star Wars – it’s also the story of the Second World War.

Cole Horton shares a story about The Millennium Falcon's most famous

passenger, Sir Alec Guinness.  Guinness served for two and a half

years during World War II

There are hundreds of connections between World War II and Star Wars, but this class focused on one major topic: The Millennium Falcon. We talked about battles in Karellia, how WWII airplane sounds were used for the Falcon’s engines, looked at World War II tanks that made up the Millennium Falcon models, and heard about the wartime hijinks & heroics of the Falcon’s most famous passenger: Sir Alec Guinness.

Finally, special guests Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas joined me on stage to talk about just a few of the WWII relics that made their way into the Star Wars Universe. Whether it is the Meteor jet aircraft engine or stormtrooper blasters, the Star Wars universe was filled with props originally used in the 1940’s.

The line before the panel stretches around the third floor.

From World War to Star Wars was the most attended

Star Wars University panel of the convention

Given the amazing turnout and interest, I hope there is opportunity in the future for more From World War to Star Wars presentations.  If you would like to see more, please leave a comment or tweet me @ColeHorton.

A wrap-up of the event was given a brief highlight in the November 2012 Star Wars Insider Bantha Tracks feature edited by Mary Franklin.  

The From World War to Star Wars highlight is in Star Wars Insider Issue 137 (November/December 2012).  Also, don't miss this issue's well-researched article on the links between Indiana Jones and Star Wars.