35 Rare ‘Star Wars’ Behind-the-Scenes Photos from the Skywalker Saga

Unseen moments from the ‘Star Wars’ sets, featuring cast, creatures, and scenes in the making.

For nearly 50 years, the Star Wars saga has transported audiences to distant worlds, introduced unforgettable heroes and villains, and redefined moviemaking. Beyond the lightsaber battles and space chases, a human story unfolds behind the camera—of actors in costume, directors guiding performances, puppeteers animating creatures, and technicians crafting movie magic.

These rare behind-the-scenes images provide a deep dive into the making of Star Wars, from the original trilogy through the prequels and sequels.

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Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

1. A Day at Jedi Bootcamp
   Ewan McGregor, Ray Park, and Liam Neeson train for the “Duel of the Fates” lightsaber battle. Park’s martial arts expertise brought acrobatics to Darth Maul.

2. ‘Meesa Wearing What Now?’
   Ahmed Best in his motion-capture suit as Jar Jar Binks—an early blend of CGI and live-action.

3. The Look of Galactic Diplomacy
   Natalie Portman receives makeup as Queen Amidala, a style inspired by Japanese and Mongolian cultures.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

4. From Wireframes to Whoop-Ass: Yoda Levels Up!
   Stages of Yoda’s CGI transformation—from wireframe to full 3D render.

5. The Maestro and the Creator
   Composer John Williams and George Lucas together in the scoring studio.

6. Padmé Unchained
   Natalie Portman laughs between takes during the Geonosis battle, in her iconic ripped outfit.

7. Count Dooku and Obi-Wan… Between Rounds
   Christopher Lee and Ewan McGregor take a break, lightsaber hilts in hand.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

8. This Director is Strong with the Force
   George Lucas sets up a scene with Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu).

9. How to Turn a Jedi to the Dark Side
   George Lucas directs Hayden Christensen during Anakin’s descent.

10. Before the Galaxy Falls Apart…
    Lucas, Christensen, McCallum, Portman, and McGregor share downtime on set.

11. Practice Makes Perfect, Accompanied by Heartbreak
    McGregor and Christensen rehearse the climactic lava duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin.

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

12. Han May Have Shot First, But George Lucas Shot the Scene
    Lucas works with Paul Blake (Greedo) in the Mos Eisley Cantina.

13. Blasters, Buns, and Banter
    Ford, Hamill, and Fisher joke on set; Leia’s hair gets touched up.

14. Desert Heat and Jedi Wisdom
    Lucas directs Alec Guinness in the Tunisia sun alongside Mark Hamill.

15. ‘Chewie, We’re Gonna Need More Make-Up!’
    Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) with his Wookiee mask off, next to Harrison Ford.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

16. Calling All Bad Guys
    Director Irvin Kershner with Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and IG-88.

17. The Princess and the Protocol Droid (Unplugged)
    Carrie Fisher and Anthony Daniels relax between takes—C-3PO helmet off.

18. Size Matters Not, But Puppeteering Does!
    Frank Oz brings Yoda to life on Dagobah using puppetry.

19. Father and Son Bonding—with Lightsabers
    Mark Hamill and David Prowse rehearse their legendary duel.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

20. Return to Dagobah
    Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, and director Richard Marquand prep an emotional scene.

21. ‘Let the Rehearsal Flow Through You!’
    Lucas, McDiarmid (Emperor), Hamill, and Marquand block the throne room duel.

22. Beauty and the Beastmaster
    Phil Tippett fine-tunes the Rancor stop-motion model.

23. The Ewoks Are Ready for Their Closeups
    Two Ewoks pose on set—production title “Blue Harvest” visible.

Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

24. Welcome to the Resistance (and Lots of Green Screen)
    Boyega and Ridley chat while Chewbacca stands by; green screens abound.

25. From Dots to Darkness
    Andy Serkis in full motion-capture as Supreme Leader Snoke.

26. Luke Gets His Moment (But That’s About It)
    J.J. Abrams directs Mark Hamill’s silent return as Luke on Skellig Michael.

27. Back in the Millennium Falcon
    Rey, Chewbacca, Finn, and Han Solo reunited in the Falcon’s cockpit.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

28. ‘Use the Force, But Hit Your Mark!’
    Daisy Ridley trains on Ahch-To, directed by Rian Johnson.

29. General Organa Takes Command
    Carrie Fisher and Johnson confer on Leia’s role during filming.

30. Caffeine and Courage
    Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) sips coffee with BB-8 behind him.

31. Passing the Legacy
    Ridley, Johnson, and Hamill reflect the handoff between Jedi generations.

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

32. Finn in Focus
    John Boyega as Finn—evolved from Stormtrooper to Resistance hero.

33. Ben Solo Embraces His Destiny
    Adam Driver and Abrams on set amid Death Star ruins, capturing Kylo Ren’s redemption arc.

34. Lando Returns!
    Billy Dee Williams, back as Lando, shares a moment with Oscar Isaac.

35. Finding Peace in the End
    Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver film a key emotional scene in front of blue screens.

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