Star Wars: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The Empire Strikes Back
9. Two Major Crew Members Died Before Production Was Completed
Despite the relatively smooth nature of the production once shooting started - compared to the utter rollercoaster ride that was A New Hope, at least - two core members of the team sadly passed away long before the film was released.
First, aforementioned screenwriter Leigh Brackett died from cancer shortly after submitting her first draft, and also John Barry, who served as production designer on the original film and was hired to serve as second unit director on The Empire Strikes Back.
Sadly, Barry collapsed on-set just two weeks into filming and died of meningitis the next day, at which point Harley Cokeliss was brought in to replace him.
Both contributed significantly to the tone and style of Star Wars respectively, and their names absolutely need to be spoken more loudly among the fanbase.