Return of the Jedi: Original Teaser Trailer (1982)

This trailer for Return of the Jedi is identical to one released earlier in 1982, with one exception: it features the movie's new title and logo. Famously, the film was originally called Revenge of the Jedi until George Lucas opted to change the name, noting that revenge is not the Jedi way.

The trailer features glimpses at many of Return of the Jedi's action setpieces, including the Battle of Endor, the speeder bike chase, and the attack on the Death Star. It also keeps some things secret; neither Jabba the Hutt nor the Emperor are included.

Interestingly, the trailer shows Luke Skywalker wielding a blue lightsaber -- in the final film, his Jedi weapon would have a green blade, resulting in a more visual pop against the blue sky background seen during the attack on Jabba's sail barge. Also included is a quick shot of Obi-Wan Kenobi before "spirit" effects were added.

[Meselyn]

Can you imagine people's reactions seeing this before it was out and Obi-Wan without his spectral blue glow?

[freeyourmind]

I can't believe it, the best known phrase of all time, was actually in the trailer "IT'S A TRAP!"

[thesaexplorer]

0:53 obi wan was like "oh shit I forgot, I'm supposed to be dead"

[MrMOTUMan]

My favourite movie of all time.

It's been my #1 movie for pretty much my whole life.

[dorianrivas]

I swear, Star Wars is the most beautiful movie series of all! <3

[ChrisMrPeligroBoone]

i like how Luke's lightsaber was blue here in the trailer..

[writerjefflane]

Even in 1982, "It's a trap!" was a meme!

[sonicsnout]

I like how the shot of Alec Guiness/Obi-Wan has him in flesh and blood, not ghost form.  Must not have had those effects done yet. 

[kooperseewald]

0:52 I bet people in 1982 saw this and thought obi wan was back to life because he has no glow

[philandviki]

I remember seeing this in the theater when I was a kid . I saw it with my parents . It’s was fantastic ! I’ll Never forget . What a special time

[yugen]

00:33 spoiler!! He's supposed to be frozen in Carbonite.

[navyman]

I am 50 years old

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LOUD I SCREAMED AS A 9yr old when this commercial appeared!!!

[trghudson]

It's said that the change to green in Luke's lightsaber was due to the blue lightsaber not being conspicuous enough to the blue sky. It seems perfectly visible in this clip.

[critterwyatt]

That's a really good preview, makes me want to watch it again right now.

[Tails]

The best overall Star Wars movie, it had something for everyone

[ScrubmanLowell]

Return of the Jedi is up there with Toy Story 3, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and The Dark Knight Rises as one of the best, most emotionally satisfying conclusion to a trilogy ever! :)

[untamable]

These are movies I will watch over and over again that is how much I like these movies

[productiongamingreviewy]

Man i cant wait for this movie to come out

[MrCrackerPants]

Man, in the trailer, they showed most of the good parts!

[SharpDesign]

0:47 I just realized they did the same edit for the revenge of the Sith teaser trailer. clever. everyone seems to look up at Vader.