Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner, produced by Gary Kurtz, and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, with George Lucas writing the film's story and serving as executive producer. It was released on May 21, 1980, and initially received mixed reviews from critics, although it has since grown in esteem, becoming the most critically acclaimed chapter in the Star Wars saga and is considered one of the greatest films ever made. In 2010, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
The film stars: Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. The film co-stars: David Prowse as Darth Vader, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, Frank Oz performing Yoda.
Starring
- Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
- Harrison Ford as Han Solo
- Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
Co-Starring
- David Prowse as Darth Vader
- Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
- Kenny Baker as R2-D2
- Frank Oz performing Yoda
Supporting Cast
- Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi - Alec Guinness
- Boba Fett - Jeremy Bulloch
- Lando's Aide - John Hollis
- Chief Ugnaught - Jack Purvis
- Snow Creature - Des Webb
- Performing Assistant for Yoda - Kathryn Mullen
- Voice of Emperor - Clive Revill
Imperial Forces
- Admiral Piett - Kenneth Colley
- General Veers - Julian Glover
- Admiral Ozzel - Michael Sheard
- Captain Needa - Michael Culver
- Other Officers - John Dicks, Milton Johns, Mark Jones, Oliver Maguire, Robin Scobey
Rebel Forces
- General Rieekan - Bruce Boa
- Zev (Rogue 2) - Christopher Malcom
- Wedge (Rogue 3) - Dennis Lawson
- Hobbie (Rogue 4) - Richard Oldfield
- Dak (Luke's Gunner) - John Morton
- Janson (Wedge's Gunner) - Ian Liston
- Major Derlin - John Ratzenberger
- Deck Lieutenant - Jack McKenzie
- Head Controller - Jerry Harte
- Other Officers - Norman Chancer, Norwich Duff, Ray Hassett, Brigitte Kahn, Burnell Tucker
Uncredited Cast
- Alan Harris - Bossk, Sergeant Bislav Merril
- Cathy Munroe - Wiorkettle, Zuckuss
- Chris Parsons - 4-LOM, K-3PO, Snowtrooper, Stormtrooper
- Elaine Baker - Emperor Palpatine
- Ian Liston - AT-AT Gunner
- Jeremy Bulloch - Lieutenant Sheckil
- Keith Swaden - Hoth Rebel, Snowtrooper
- Mac McDonald - Rebel Pilot
- Mark Capri - M'Kae
- Morris Bush - Dengar
- Quentin Pierre - Sergeant Isdam Edian
- Ralph McQuarrie - General Pharl McQuarrie
- Ralph Morse - Corporal Derdram, Rebel Trooper, Stormtroopers
- Richard Bonehill - Palo Torshan, Snowtrooper
- Treat Williams - Rebel Trooper
Uncredited Cast - 1997 Special Edition
- C. Andrew Nelson - Darth Vader
- Howie Weed - Wampa
Uncredited Cast - 2004 Special Edition
- Ian McDiarmid - Emperor Palpatine