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Events on Wednesday 21 May 1980 1
1980The Empire Strikes Back ReleasedStar Wars sequel debuts in theatersThe Empire Strikes Back, the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, premiered in the United States on 21 May 1980. Directed by Irvin Kershner, it introduced the revelation that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father. The film became one of the most acclaimed and commercially successful sequels in cinema history.