MOVIE NEWS – A decades-old pun involving former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is behind why May 4 is now celebrated worldwide by Star Wars fans.

Happy Star Wars Day! But what exactly is it? Every year on May 4, fans around the world celebrate the galaxy far, far away—and it’s all thanks to a witty pun. The phrase “May the Force be with you” inspired the sound-alike “May the Fourth be with you”, and from there, a fan holiday was born.

The origins date back to 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister of the UK. Her supporters placed a congratulatory ad in the London Evening News that read: “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.” The clever wordplay amused fans and resurfaced in newspapers and cartoons for years, but it wasn’t until the rise of social media that the date truly became an annual tradition.

From a pun to a full-blown cultural event

In 2011, the official Star Wars Twitter account posted the phrase, cementing its place in pop culture. That same day, fans in Toronto hosted the first organized Star Wars Day event at the Underground Cinema, screening the original trilogy and hosting games and panels for attendees.

The celebration continues with new films and Disney+ series

Today, Star Wars Day is celebrated with movie marathons, special livestreams, merchandise deals, and major announcements from partners like Hasbro. It’s a moment to reflect on how Star Wars has shaped everything from fashion and music to gaming and cinema since 1977. With new content like The Acolyte and upcoming movies, the saga continues to grow, and the fan community remains stronger than ever.

Source: 3djuegos