Celebrating 49 years of 'Star Wars' in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- Seven years after a new "Star Wars" film last opened in theaters, fans spent millions to see the latest adventure. Worldwide, "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" earned $167 million during the Memorial Day weekend.

Long before prequels, sequels and spin-offs, the original "Star Wars" film debuted at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on May 25, 1977 - a release that would ultimately reshape the movie industry. At the time, however, its success was far from certain.

"That's the classic story of, 'Are they going to like this movie?' They were really second-guessing whether people would connect with it. You know, there was not a lot of confidence from the people that hired George (Lucas) to make the movie," said director Jon Favreau.

Despite early doubts, audiences quickly embraced the film. And soon, at the Chinese Theatre - "That line showed up and just didn't stop. And people were watching it several times a day so it was a big moment right there," Favreau added.

The response was so strong that "Star Wars" played at the Chinese Theatre for 54 consecutive weeks. That summer, iconic characters including Darth Vader, C-3PO and R2-D2 were immortalized in the theater's famed forecourt with cement footprints. Television host Regis Philbin also left his mark - unintentionally - while covering the event for KABC, stepping into the cement before it had dried.

"I'm sorry!" Philbin exclaimed at the time.

Nearly five decades later, those footprints remain, as does the enthusiasm of fans gathering at the same historic theater to experience a new chapter in the "Star Wars" saga.

"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" is now playing in theaters everywhere. It's rated PG-13.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Lucasfilm, Disney+ and this ABC station.