It may well be one of Hollywood's biggest success stories, but when the original "Star Wars" film was released in 1977 many people, including creator George Lucas, believed it would be a flop.
"I don't think anyone could have predicted what a smash hit and what a cultural phenomenon it was going to become," said Jonathan Kuntz, professor at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television.
"As soon as anybody saw 'Star Wars', they were converted and they fell in love with it."
But the early beginnings of the space epic didn't look that rosy.
Twentieth Century Fox, the film's distributor, hesitated over the film's $8 million budget and wasn't convinced a science fiction movie would fill theaters.
Such was the lack of enthusiasm that the studio planned a limited release and had to twist the arm of some theaters to agree to show the movie.
'It was a disaster'
Given the budget constraints, Lucas agreed to a lower salary in exchange for full merchandising rights to the movie and any sequels -- a deal that would prove brilliant and make him very, very rich.
Prior to the film's release, Lucas organized a private showing to a group of film director friends and most, including Brian De Palma, gave it a thumbs down.
"It was a disaster," recalls Gary Kurtz, who produced the first two 'Star Wars' films.
"Everyone was like 'Oh, I don't know, it may not work'."
The only voice of dissent came from Steven Spielberg, who rightly predicted the movie would be a hit.
Still, Lucas was so convinced the movie would flop that on May 25, the day it was released, he went on holiday to Hawaii instead of attending the premiere.
And, as everyone knows, "Star Wars" immediately became a sensation and went on to become one of the highest grossing films of all time.
It played in theaters for one straight year, winning six Oscars and earning $775 million at the box office.
Overall, the space epic has generated $4.4 billion in box office revenue.
While that number is below earnings by the "James Bond" or "Harry Potter" movies, the upcoming release of the seventh instalment -- "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" -- as well as two planned sequels will likely make it "the undisputed champion of the box office as far as franchises go," said Jeff Bock, of the box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.
The secret to the success of "Star Wars," studied and analyzed in universities the world over, rests primarily with its multigenerational appeal, Kurtz said.
"Audiences of all ages could identify with the characters," he said. "Even little kids three or four years old got the basic structure of the story and enjoyed being sucked into that kind of adventure."
'Not total dystopia'
The space saga, inspired by the Flash Gordon movie serials of the 1930s, tells a classic story of good versus evil in a "galaxy far, far away," and mixes in visual effects, a romantic plot and battle scenes.
"It jump-started the whole science fiction and fantasy era that we are still living in," said Kuntz, who has given courses on the series at UCLA.
"'Star Wars' is a non-stop action movie with goofy characters and humor and portrays so many alien worlds," he added. "It opens the door on a fascinating new universe."
And unlike other sci-fi hit movies like "Blade Runner" and "The Matrix," the series also gives fans reason for optimism.
"It's not total dystopia, there is still hope," Kuntz said.
Still, the reason behind the stellar success "Star Wars" may never be known, said Kurtz, the producer.
"I would have never thought that 40 years after the first film was released, people would still talk about it," he said.
READ: Could 'Star Wars VII' overtake 'Avatar'?
AFP RELAXNEWS
Fri Dec 04 2015
This photo provided by Disney shows Daisey Ridley as Rey, left, and John Boyega as Finn, in a scene from the new film, "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens," - AP pic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.