George Lucas, the legendary creator of "Star Wars," recently shared insights into the iconic character Yoda during a special event. At the 45th anniversary screening of "The Empire Strikes Back," held at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival, Lucas explained why Yoda speaks in a unique, backward manner.
The event took place on April 24, 2025, and celebrated one of the most beloved films in the franchise. Lucas, now 80 years old, emphasized that Yoda’s unusual speech pattern was designed to capture the audience’s attention. He noted that if Yoda spoke in standard English, people might not pay much attention. “But if he had an accent, or it’s really hard to understand what he’s saying, they focus on what he’s saying,” Lucas remarked. He aimed for Yoda to be a philosopher figure in the movie, particularly to engage younger viewers.
Yoda first appeared in "The Empire Strikes Back," released in 1980, voiced by Frank Oz. Oz recalled that the original script included some of Yoda’s distinctive syntax, but he proposed to Lucas that he could take it further. Lucas agreed, allowing Oz to create the unique voice that fans have come to love.
During the event, Lucas also reflected on how Yoda’s character has become a cultural icon, appearing in multiple Star Wars films, including the prequel trilogy and more recent installments like "The Last Jedi."
As for the future of the "Star Wars" franchise, fans have been eagerly awaiting new content. Recently, it was announced that a new film titled "Star Wars: Starfighter," directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. This film will take place five years after the events of "The Rise of Skywalker," which was released in 2019.
The conversation around Yoda and his unique way of speaking highlights not just the character’s depth but also Lucas’s intent to engage audiences in meaningful ways. As the franchise continues to evolve, the legacy of characters like Yoda remains a vital part of its storytelling.