Star Wars: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The Empire Strikes Back

8. George Lucas Featured An Ice Planet To Challenge His Effects Team

Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Darth Vader
Lucasfilm

The film introduced audiences to the vast ice planet Hoth, which remains one of the most distinctive and iconic locations in the entire franchise.

But George Lucas didn't merely come up with Hoth for the mere majesty of it - he very pointedly wanted to stage a battle on an ice planet because, unlike the vast blackness of space, the bright white vistas had few blind spots where the effects team could conceal their mistakes or take shortcuts.

Lucas' crew likely loathed him for it, but they clearly rose to the challenge, given that the Battle of Hoth remains one of the most impressive and beloved action sequences the franchise has ever delivered.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.