An Accidental Phrase That Took Flight
It began with a pun. “May the Fourth be with you” first appeared publicly on May 3, 1979, in a London Evening News ad supporting Margaret Thatcher’s election. But it wasn’t until decades later that the phrase became central to a fan-created celebration of the Star Wars franchise.
From Parliament to Pop Culture
The phrase surfaced again in 1988 in the animated show Count Duckula, and in 1994 during a UK Parliament debate. By 2008, Facebook groups began using the phrase to promote “Luke Skywalker Day.” In 2011, fans in Toronto hosted the first official Star Wars Day celebration at the Underground Cinema.
Embraced by Disney and Astronauts
Since acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney has formally marked May 4 with releases, events, and premieres. Astronauts aboard the ISS watched Star Wars on May 4, 2015, while Ottawa’s Peace Tower carillon played The Imperial March.
The Celebration Expands
Some fans also observe “Revenge of the Fifth” or “Revenge of the Sixth” to honor Sith characters. Meanwhile, May 25—Star Wars’ original 1977 release date—is recognized by some as the saga’s true anniversary.
It began with a pun. “May the Fourth be with you” first appeared publicly on May 3, 1979, in a London Evening News ad supporting Margaret Thatcher’s election.
But it wasn’t until decades later that the phrase became central to a fan-created celebration of the Star Wars… pic.twitter.com/MA9h8FmzIm
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 4, 2025