In 1983, a massive marketing campaign was launched for the third episode of the Star Wars trilogy. The Return of the Jedi poster was distributed around the world as anticipation for the movie grew.
Some of the most recognizable movie posters ever created helped launch the Star Wars trilogy to box office records.
Revenge of the Jedi
George Lucas, the Star Wars series creator, originally named the third episode “Revenge of the Jedi.” Just months before the movie was to open worldwide, Lucas changed the original title, deciding that it was not appropriate.
Lucas concluded that a Jedi has a peaceful nature and does not seek revenge, so the title was changed to “Return of the Jedi.”
6,000 Movie Posters Printed
By the time the title was changed, over 6,000 movie posters were created featuring the “Revenge” phrasing. Artist Drew Struzan created the original Revenge of the Jedi poster, featuring the head of Darth Vader.
Many were destroyed and not distributed, but some were sold to Star Wars fan club members for $9.50 each, creating some of the most desirable and valuable collector’s items from the trilogy.
Revenge of the Jedi Posters
Sales of the original Revenge of the Jedi posters are rare and difficult to find in good condition.
This Revenge of the Jedi original movie poster listing on eBay is just one of maybe a dozen printer’s proofs that were pulled from the Gore Graphics press.
Another Revenge of the Jedi movie poster created by Drew Struzan sold at a Sotheby’s auction recently for nearly $4,000.
The first batch of posters sent to movie theaters worldwide was printed without a release date on the bottom.
Coming to Your Galaxy
The second group of “Revenge” titled posters included the release date on the bottom of the poster reading, “Coming May 25, 1983 to your galaxy.”
These very limited posters were printed as test posters before the large quantity printing would occur.
The color bar chart remains on the side of the poster, indicating it was a test printing. This unframed poster shown below was rolled rather than folded, keeping it in excellent condition by preventing fold lines.
Star Wars Return of the Jedi Original Movie Poster
George Lucas changed the title to “Return of the Jedi” just months before the movie would be released worldwide in May of 1983.
The film, directed by Richard Marquand, made $23 million from over one thousand theaters on its opening weekend and took in $45 million during the first week.
Just three years after The Empire Strikes Back, and six years after the original Star Wars, a New Hope, Lucas had his third smash hit Star Wars movie, and the amazing original trilogy was complete.
Return of the Jedi Poster, Style A
Paykos Phior designed the ‘Style A’ Return of the Jedi movie poster with art by Tim Reamer. Two hands gripping a blue lightsaber are featured in this simple but memorable version.
The poster was supposedly going to replace the ‘Revenge’ poster, which was pulled when the movie title changed, but this poster wasn’t ready in time to be the advanced poster.
Instead, it was used as the first poster of the regular worldwide marketing campaign.
There are two versions of this poster, a domestic version for the United States and an international version.
Printed in various sizes, originals can be purchased on eBay for a few hundred dollars, depending on the condition.
Return of the Jedi Poster, Style B
The most famous Return of the Jedi movie poster is the “Style B” edition, featuring artwork by Kazuhiko Sano. Art direction and design by Christopher Werner.
The Style B poster can be found in three different versions. One with ‘Return of the Jedi Style B One Sheet’ printed in the lower right corner of the poster.
A second version was created with the addition of the NSS number ‘830013’. And a third special edition version of the Style B poster is the international version without a white border.
Authentic and Original Star Wars Return of the Jedi Posters
There are multiple ways to identify fake and reproduced Return of the Jedi movie posters claiming to be original.
The size should be the first indicator of a fake. Expert movie poster inspectors know the exact sizes the original posters were printed, so the poster’s dimensions should first be verified.
Certain logos in the corners of the Return of the Jedi posters can become cloudy when re-printed. Also, fold lines might appear in the re-printing, which would be a clear indication that someone has copied an original.
Finally, the weight of the paper is an important distinction when inspecting movie posters.
Return of the Jedi Cast
Star Wars Episode VI, Return of the Jedi, the third-star wars movie released and was a massive hit. It brought in almost $400 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of 1993.
With Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa, the series had new superstar actors to carry the films forward.
Don’t forget about the fandom for original characters like Chewbacca and Yoda, who still make appearances in episodes and are known around the world 40 years later.
The incredible voice of James Earl Jones as Darth Vader, and Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian brought even greater force to the already talented cast. And of course the unforgettable soundtrack pulled everything together.
The Search for “Revenge” Posters
The vast majority of posters from Return of the Jedi were not saved and preserved, but the original artwork cared for over the years is now valuable wall art.
Star Wars movie posters from Empire Strikes Back, and the original Star Wars film poster remains desirable collector’s items. Still, the original Revenge poster has a special place in die-hard Star Wars collectors’ hearts.
Movie Poster Price Appreciation
With every passing year, higher and higher prices are seen for the infamous Revenge of the Jedi movie posters. And after the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for $4 billion, Star Wars fans are hungrier than ever for the authentic original posters.
I’m sure legions of Star Wars collectors are searching in all corners of the internet in hopes of finding their own copy of movie history.
How to Watch the Star Wars Movies in Correct Chronological Order
- Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace
- Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith
- Solo
- Rogue One
- Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope
- Star Wars, Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars, Episode VI, Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- Star Wars, Episode VII, The Force Awakens
- Star Wars, Episode VII, The Last Jedi
- Star Wars, Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker
Other Rare Star Wars Movie Posters and Star Wars Art
1977 Original Star Wars, A New Hope, Death Star Promo Poster
1977 Original Star Wars Movie Poster
1977 Original Star Wars Movie Poster
First Turkish release poster for the original 1977 ‘Star Wars
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker
40th Anniversary Return of the Jedi Poster Prints
So, maybe original vintage Return of the Jedi movie posters are outside of your collecting budget. Here’s another very cool option.
Artist Matt Ferguson released an officially licensed Star Wars movie poster in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original Star Wars release.
Check it out! For $65, you can hang this poster on the wall in commemoration of possibly the greatest movie of all-time. An excellent addition to any Star Wars memorabilia collection.
