Star Wars Fans are Shocked After Learning Many Iconic Scenes in the Original Trilogy Were Paintings

Artists at work on Star Wars Backdrops

Star Wars Fans are Shocked After Learning Many Iconic Scenes in the Original Trilogy Were Paintings. It’s no secret that the first Star Wars film was made with minimal resources, and required a dedicated crew of filmmakers due to its innovative form of storytelling, but this week even the biggest of Star Wars fans are finding their minds blown after a viral post shared the “behind the scenes” look at the creation of various paintings that were staple scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes 4-6).

Related: George Lucas Joins Writing and Production Team for Disney+ ‘Star Wars’ Series

Artist and Teacher Josiah King featured a quote on social media from Nick Legere-Filtranti who previously shared, “Before the computing era, ILM was the master of oil matte painting, making audiences believe that some of the sets in the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogy were real when they weren’t. They were the work of geniuses like Chris Evans, Michael Pangrazio, Frank Ordaz, Harrison Ellenshaw and Ralph McQuarrie! A Forever thank you, to their handmade art and the work of their colleagues, that made us dream of impossible worlds and fantastic places on earth and across the Universe.”

Obviously, the paintings were used as backdrops, with overlaps of live-action footage filmed by Lucasfilm, but that doesn’t detract from the absolute dedication and talent it took to make such believable backdrops that have fooled even the most dedicated fans of cinema for decades!


Related: Go ‘Behind the Magic’ of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm!

Check out a closer look at the various artists at work on these hyper realistic set paintings:

Which paintings were you shocked by? Did you believe any of these scenes were real or full sets? We would love to hear your thoughts and reactions in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Star Wars!

Featured Photo Credit: ILM

Source: Josiah King

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Kaitlyn is a writer, painter, and artist based just north of Baltimore, Maryland. She is a previous participant in the Disney College Program and has years of experience with Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts and with Universal Orlando Resort. Her and her big 'Ohana are frequent visitors to the parks and resorts and she is always up for another trip to visit her favorite castles! Kaitlyn is the News & Entertainment Writer for Chip and Company and is passionate about writing and storytelling.
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