Star Wars IV

[Daniel81]

Has Star Wars epsiode IV always been called 'A New Hope'?

[QPR]

Yes. It was only really known as Star Wars initially, but it's the title at the head of all the written stuff that disappears into space in the opening titles

[Jabba]

No. The film was originally simply titled "Star Wars" and was only renamed for the 1980 re-release, to tie in with the name of the second film "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back".

[LeMarchand]

Jabba is right. (I guess he should know). Further proof that Lucas only expanded his ideas to a trilogy/six films/nine films at a later date. BTW, it sounds as if he has now decided to go for the 9 films again!

[Mattk]

yes it was known as a new hope from day one.the initial screenings had many more words scrolling up the screen than are now seen.it initially went through episodes 1 to 3 before introducing episode iv:a new hope the movie was only known as star wars back then but now is also known as star wars:a new hope the same way that pitch black is now known as the chronicles of riddick:pitch black

[PaulB]

AND it was called "The Star Wars" originally too - just watched the bonus material on the DVD ;o)