Star Wars is a popular science fiction franchise created by George Lucas. It began with the release of the first film, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, in 1977. The story is set in a distant galaxy and follows the battle between the forces of good, represented by the Jedi, and the forces of evil, represented by the Sith. The franchise includes movies, animated series, books, and video games. The central themes of Star Wars include the struggle between light and dark, the importance of hope, and the journey of self-discovery. Iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader have become cultural symbols. The franchise has expanded to include multiple trilogies, spin-off films, and a vast universe of lore.