'Empire Strikes Back' Director Irvin Kershner Dead At 87

Sure, George Lucas is the Grand Emperor over all the Star Wars universe, but back in 1979 he called upon one film director to help him shape that universe. His name was Irvin Kershner. He had directed several films in the 50's,60's and 70's and when Lucas initially asked him to direct Empire, Kershner declined. He was eventually convinced by his manager that he should do Empire Strikes Back.

There is a debate among the Star Wars devoted that Kershner's input on Empire while significant, pales in comparison to the fact that it's George Lucas' universe. While true, you have to take in to account the astonishing impact that the film had, not just on the Star Wars saga, but the effect it had on Motion Picture history. Under Kershners watch we were introduced to Yoda, Boba Fett, Lando Calirissian, and numerous other characters and elements that would become the mortar of the Star Wars universe.

It was also under Kershners direction that we learned the true nature of Luke Skywalker's parentage when Vader declared in a chilling tone "I am Your Father." We also learned that even big budget Hollywood movies can end in a cliffhanger. When, in what is probably the entire saga's emotional focal point, Princess Leia declares her love for Han Solo and the rogue simply and lovingly say's "I know." Solo then bravely accepts his fate as he is cast into a chamber where he is violently frozen into a massive block of carbonite.

In his later years Kershner would lament that he should have directed one of the Star Wars prequels. A lamentation thousands of rabid Star Wars fans passionately agree with. However, Kershner did have a rather significant impact on geek culture after Empire. He went on to direct Sean Connery in his final turn as James Bond 007 in Never Say Never Again. He also directed RoboCop 2 and several episodes of the cult TV show SeaQuest DSV.

Kershner died in his home in Los Angeles where he had been battling illness for quite some time. He was 87 years old. Thanks for everything Irvin, and May The Force be With You.
-Admiral Duke