On May 21st, 1980, "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" was released to theaters in the United States. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer, Billy Dee Williams, and more, the film serves as the sequel to the original "Star Wars" released three years earlier in 1977. Due to the stress he experienced directing the original film, George Lucas handed the right to direct to Irvin Kershner. Initially, the film had a set production budget of $8 million, but because of a wave of unforeseen circumstances including actor injuires, illnesses, and fires, the production cost had risen to over $30 million. During it's initial theatrical run, "The Empire Strikes Back" grossed approximately $401.5 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1980. Today, "The Empire Strikes Back" is often considered the best "Star Wars" film, and is also widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time!
