Star Wars

Star Wars is the epic six-film saga created by George Lucas. However, the title can also refer to the original name of the first film which came out in 1977. There are several connections between Star Wars and the Muppets.


 * In 1980, several cast members from Star Wars guest-starred on an episode of the Muppet Show. While all of the actors were in-character for the show, Mark Hamill also appeared as himself (claiming to be Luke Skywalker's cousin). The show also featured plenty of Star Wars parody, including Gonzo as Derth Nader.


 * Another connection involves the casting of Yoda for The Empire Strikes Back. George Lucas said:


 * "I went to Jim (Henson) and said, 'Do you want to do this?' And he said, 'Well, I'm busy, I'm doing this, and doing that, I'm making a movie and all that -- I really can't, but -- How about Frank Oz? You know, Frank's the other half of me.' And I said, 'Well, that'd be fantastic.'::

Oz went on to play Yoda in the four subsequent Star Wars films.


 * Several puppeteers who worked with the Muppets and on Henson's fantasy films also worked on Lucas' Return of the Jedi. These include Frank Oz, Tim Rose, Mike Quinn, Toby Philpott, and Mike Edmonds, among others.


 * In 1986, Lucas served as an executive producer on Henson's The Labyrinth.


 * There are many usages of Star Wars footage on Muppet Babies, as well as plenty of spoofing.


 * In Muppets from Space, the Cosmic Fish bid farewell to Gonzo saying "May the Fish be with you!"


 * In It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, there is a gag featuring a Yoda Muppet. He was played by Eric Jacobson.


 * In a TV spot made for the Oddessy Channel, several Muppets (including Kermit, Fozzie, Bobo, Pepe, and Animal) "auditioned" for the role of Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back.


 * Similarly, in an episode of Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony, Bobo auditions for a role in Revenge of the Sith.