Star Wars defined the childhood of millions around the globe. You likely know the sound of a lightsaber, but the production secrets are wild. George Lucas created a universe that changed cinema forever with practical effects and distinct sounds. However, the path to the big screen faced many disasters. Consequently, the cast and crew had to improvise constantly to finish the masterpiece. Let’s explore the galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars
The sound designer created the iconic TIE fighter screech using a very strange method. Uniquely, he combined the scream of an elephant with the sound of a car driving on wet pavement.
Yoda originally possessed a normal first name in the very early draft scripts. Specifically, George Lucas planned to call the small Jedi master Buffy before changing his mind to just Yoda.
Surprisingly, the high-tech communicator used by Qui-Gon Jinn is actually a modified women’s razor. The prop department painted a Gillette razor silver to save money on the tight production budget.
Star Wars filming almost caused a real international conflict between Tunisia and Libya. Reportedly, the Libyan government thought the massive Sandcrawler vehicle was a military tank sitting on their border.
Furthermore, the Ewoks speak a language based on real Tibetan and Kalmyk dialects. The sound team sped up the voice recordings to make the small bears sound energetic and distinct.
Samuel L. Jackson specifically requested a purple lightsaber for a very practical reason. Essentially, he wanted to find himself easily on screen during the massive battle scene in the arena.
Interestingly, the chaotic asteroid field scene in The Empire Strikes Back contains a hidden shoe. A frustrated special effects artist threw a tennis shoe into the shot to protest the work.
Han Solo was originally a large green alien with gills in the first script drafts. Fortunately, George Lucas rewrote the Star Wars character into the human smuggler we cherish today.
Consequently, the towering suit of Darth Vader was played physically by bodybuilder David Prowse. However, the studio replaced his voice because his West Country accent sounded too friendly for a villain.
The trash compactor scene was a physical nightmare for actor Mark Hamill. In fact, he held his breath so long during the take that he burst a blood vessel in his face.
Amazingly, the Star Wars puppet Yoda has a different number of toes depending on the movie. He possesses three toes in The Phantom Menace but four toes in The Empire Strikes Back.
Star Wars stands as the first major Hollywood film to be translated into the Navajo language. Thus, the dubbing project helped preserve the native culture and language for future generations.
The famous opening text crawl was actually a physical model rather than digital effects. Specifically, the camera moved slowly along the floor over a 6-foot [1.8-meter] long black paper scroll.
Strangely, the iconic lightsaber noises are just the hum of an old television set. The sound designer discovered this distinct buzz by accident while walking near a film projector motor.
The Star Wars villain Jabba the Hutt required a massive team of seven puppeteers. Therefore, three people were inside the tail, while others operated the eyes and smoke machine.
Audiences know Elisabeth Moss for her intense dramatic roles in hit shows. However, her background is surprisingly cheerful and unique. For instance, she originally trained to become a professional ballet dancer. Furthermore, she started acting before she could even read scripts properly. Consequently, her career path is full of hidden surprises. Therefore, dig into these secrets about the queen of peak TV. You will see her differently.
Elisabeth Moss
Elisabeth Moss started acting at a very young age. Specifically, she voiced a character in the cartoon Frosty Returns at age ten.
She originally wanted to be a ballerina. In fact, she moved to New York specifically to study ballet at the School of American Ballet.
Surprisingly, she graduated high school two years early. Because she was home-schooled, she finished her studies at age sixteen.
Elisabeth Moss kept a prop from Mad Men. She took the thermos that her character Peggy Olson used frequently.
Her marriage was incredibly short and chaotic. She married comedian Fred Armisen, but they separated after only eight months.
She is a powerhouse producer today. Currently, Elisabeth Moss produces The Handmaid’s Tale and has significant creative control.
She played the president’s daughter on The West Wing. Uniquely, she landed this recurring role when she was only seventeen.
Although she plays Americans, she holds dual citizenship. Because her father is British, she owns a UK passport.
She is a massive sports fan. Specifically, Elisabeth Moss loves the Chicago Cubs and attends their games often.
She directs episodes of her own shows. For instance, she directed several intense episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale herself.
She filmed The Invisible Man with no co-star. Instead, she acted against a green man or empty space.
Elisabeth Moss was raised in the Church of Scientology. Consequently, she defends the religion in interviews despite public controversy.
She loves horror movies deeply. Therefore, starring in Us and The Invisible Man was a dream come true.
She rarely takes breaks between projects. Colleagues often describe her as the hardest-working person on any film set.
Finally, Elisabeth Moss makes history often. She won two Emmys in the same year for acting and producing.
Jon Hamm’s compelling portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men transformed him into a household name and exemplified his talent for capturing complex, layered characters. With a career spanning TV, film, and theater, Hamm remains a dynamic, respected figure in Hollywood.
Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm played multiple sports in high school, including football, baseball, and swimming, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Before acting fame, he worked as a set dresser on adult films, a job he credits with teaching him professionalism.
Hamm auditioned seven times before landing the role of Don Draper, demonstrating perseverance.
He won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2015 after 12 nominations.
Jon Hamm is a three-time host of Saturday Night Live, earning critical praise for his comedic timing.
Despite his serious roles, he has showcased a natural talent for comedy in shows like 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation.
Hamm attended the University of Missouri and later studied at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
He contributed significantly to charity, raising over $100,000 for cancer research at a Desert Smash tennis event.
Hamm portrayed a suave villain in the film Baby Driver, widely applauded by critics and fans alike.
He made his directorial debut in the film Becky in 2020, venturing into thriller territory.
Jon Hamm earned awards from the Screen Actors Guild as part of Mad Men’s ensemble cast twice.
He voiced a character in the animated series The Powerpuff Girls, showing his diverse voice acting skills.
Jon grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, often visiting his mother’s favorite spots, which grounded him in Midwestern values.
His intense Don Draper character was inspired in part by Hamm’s personal struggle with identity and past.
Jon Hamm serves on several boards and participates actively in theater production beyond his acting roles.
