It’s not a stretch to say that Star Wars is more than just a movie. It’s a cultural phenomenon. Parents and children, friends, and even strangers wearing Star Wars T-shirts can share Star Wars’ timeless story of hope together. But for some fans, that message has a lasting impact long after they leave the theater.
Jordan Hembrough (Toy Hunter), has teamed up with Lucasfilm to shine on a spotlight these fans in Our Star Wars Stories, a digital series which kicks off with five episodes featuring the stories of Star Wars fans from all walks of life — in their own words.
“Our Star Wars Stories is a celebration of the fans,” says Mickey Capoferri, senior director of online content and programming at Lucasfilm and executive producer of the show. “It’s a look at how Star Wars has inspired and excited people in different ways, and influenced them to do things that maybe they didn’t think they could do.”
Hembrough approached Lucasfilm with the idea after meeting passionate people whose Star Wars fandom went far beyond an afternoon matinee in the theater.
“Toy Hunter dealt with a lot of collectors and toys,” Hembrough tells StarWars.com, “and they had all these great stories as to why they got into collecting and what these films meant to them. And I started thinking, ‘Someone should really take all these stories and be heard.’”
The team at Lucasfilm is often treated to similar, remarkable stories from fans, Capoferri says, so sharing them with the world seemed like a perfect fit for a new digital series.
“Star Wars isn’t just a movie or brand,” he says. “It has deeper meaning and creates a deeper inspiration than I think any other franchise does.”
Here’s the trailer:
And here’s the first episode:
Jordan travels to Columbia, South Carolina to talk with Albin Johnson, founder of the 501st Legion fan group. Albin’s story is one of creativity and determination, facing unplanned and unimaginable heartbreak and tragedy, and the uplifting power of the Star Wars fan community.
Marc
Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….
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