Star Wars at 40
But there was a time before a long time ago. This was prior to 1977 B.C. (Before Chewbacca). George Lucas, hot off his semi-autobiographical 1973 nostalgia reverie “American Graffiti,” was struggling with a script called “Adventures of the Starkiller” featuring a swashbuckling accessory known in early drafts as “a lazer sword,” with a Z, like Liza. The new/old word combo “lightsaber” sounded better, I think we can agree. That script adjustment was one stroke of luck among thousands that made “Star Wars” blow up like a Death Star. More here.