In 1977, George Lucas released a space opera titled Star Wars: A New Hope that has become not only one of the most important movies ever made, but one of the largest merchandising enterprises ever. The Star Wars phenomenon has led to two sequels (The Empire Strikes Back [1980], and Return of the Jedi [1983]), a set of prequels set for release at century's end, a score of books, numerous awards, and more toys than was once thought imaginable. Star Wars the movie was a remarkable piece of filmmaking, but Stars Wars the industry permeated popular culture in an unprecedented fashion—and looks to do so for years to come.

The Star Wars trilogy (as it was known before the release of the first Star Wars prequel, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, in May of 1999) was one of the most successful movie endeavors of all time. All...