A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away…a movie was released that changed pop culture. “Star Wars” opened on May 25, 1977, and became a major series that has spawned sequels, prequels and TV shows as well as large amounts of merchandise.

The movies have spawned many fans and followers that are excited when any news comes out about this movie series. People grew up on this film series and love it because they have known about this series since they were little kids.

“My dad had the original films on VHS,” social studies teacher Rachael Edwards said. “I can’t remember a time where I didn’t know what ‘Star Wars’ was.”

People latch on to the characters of the films as well as the movies because they were able to see them young.  

“I saw ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in theaters,” said English teacher Alex Hollis. “It was the first movie that I wanted the merchandise and instead of playing cops and robbers, we played ‘Star Wars.’”

A few years ago, after a less-than-stellar trilogy of prequels, Disney bought the rights to the franchise.

“I cried tears of joy when I heard that a new ‘Star Wars’ was being made,” Chapman sophomore Will Knapp said. “I think it is cool that we live in a generation where we are able to see a brand new ‘Star Wars’ movie.”

Even though people were excited about Episode 7, some were cautious about the new entry in the film series.

“I was afraid that Episode 7 was going to be bad,” Edwards said. “I went and saw the movie with both my parents, my husband and my daughter, and when the original characters came on screen I began to tear up.”

“Right before Episode 7, I watched all 6 movies with my daughter and she connected with the characters and the films,” Hollis said. “I hope she is able to see the impact of the films on pop culture.”

This December a new spinoff film called “Rogue One” will open in theaters and the fans are mixed on the upcoming film.

“I’ve met some other fans who aren’t excited for the movie but I am excited and have already bought my tickets,” Knapp said.

“I’m curious on how much the film will be like ‘Star Wars,’ but I’m excited,” Hollis said.