Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith referencing it. The Star Wars Holiday Special premiered in 1978 and its variety show-style antics have led viewers to deride it as one of the franchise’s low points or enjoy it as a “so bad, it’s good” cult classic.
Yet the infamous Holiday Special is, for better or worse, a canonical part of the original Star Wars Legends continuity and is repeatedly referenced in properties belonging to both of the Star Wars franchise’s main timelines. Set between the events of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, The Star Wars Holiday Special saw the debut of Kashyyyk (and the onscreen debut of Boba Fett).
The Holiday Special’s plot largely centers on Chewbacca’s family awaiting his and Han Solo’s return home to celebrate the Wookiee holiday of Life Day. The bizarre Holiday Special was first referenced in the 91st issue of Marvel’s classic Star Wars comics, confirming its canonicity, yet this would be far from the last time it would be acknowledged.
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George Lucas' Holiday Special Riffed On Kashyyyk From The Movies
Kashyyyk would make its first cinematic appearance in Revenge of the Sith, depicting the Clone Wars-era Battle of Kashyyyk. Revenge of the Sith intentionally keeps the general look of Kashyyyk consistent with its Holiday Special debut, making the planet’s terrain and foliage resemble its original depiction. Wookiee treetop structures in Revenge of the Sith also vaguely resemble Chewbacca’s home.
25 Ways That Star Wars Legends Changes The Way You See Revenge of the Sith
The original Star Wars Legends continuity makes Revenge of the Sith an even more enjoyable viewing experience, thanks to its fascinating lore.
Moreover, the distinctive voice of Chewbacca’s father, Attichitcuk (“Itchy”) is reused in Revenge of the Sith. Tarfful - a friend of Chewbacca and Jedi Grandmaster Yoda - uses archival Wookiee dialogue from The Holiday Special that was originally used for Itchy. Star Wars canon would continue to reference The Holiday Special in projects like Skeleton Crew, maintaining its legacy, despite it being exclusive to the now-bygone Legends continuity.
While The Holiday Special’s animated segment is available to watch on Disney+, the full special has never been officially released on home media or streaming services.
The Holiday Special Continues To Define Kashyyyk
Elements of The Holiday Special are still referenced in more recent Star Wars materials, from The Mandalorian to Claudia Gray’s Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark. Similar to Revenge of the Sith, the pilot for Star Wars Rebels notably uses the Wookiee dialogue from Chewbacca and Malla’s son, Lumpawaroo (Lumpy), for an enslaved Wookiee youngling on Kessel. Skeleton Crew would even reuse the holographic circus performance Lumpy viewed as a children’s entertainment program on At Attin.
Star Wars Movies |
Release Date |
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The Mandalorian and Grogu |
May 22, 2026 |
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Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
7/10- Release Date
- May 19, 2005
- Runtime
- 140 Minutes
- Director
- George Lucas
Cast
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingRENTBUYStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith details the fall of the Jedi Order and Anakin Skywalker's transformation under the influence of Darth Sidious. Released in 2005, the film explores Anakin's internal conflict and the shifting political landscape, leading to the rise of the Galactic Empire.
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The Star Wars Holiday Special
- Release Date
- November 17, 1978
- Runtime
- 97 minutes
- Director
- Steve Binder, David Acomba
- Writers
- Rod Warren, Bruce Vilanch, Pat Proft, Leonard Ripps, Mitzie Welch
The Star Wars Holiday Special is a 1978 television special set in the Star Wars universe, featuring the original trilogy cast. The plot centers around Chewbacca and Han Solo's efforts to reach the Wookiee homeworld to celebrate Life Day with Chewbacca's family. This special includes musical numbers, animated segments, and guest appearances.
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