Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - An Interview with Phil Tippett

Legendary dinosaur animator Phil Tippett has been integral to a number of groundbreaking movies, including “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” The film, released in 1983, featured complex creatures and space battles that were unlike anything ever seen before. This article reflects on an interview with the artist himself, where he talks about his experiences with animating the incredible creatures seen in the movie.

Key Highlights

• Phil Tippett was integral to the development of 3-dimensional animations for Return of the Jedi.
• The team had 2 years to create the first ever 3D spaceship dogfights and even created a "go motion" system.
• In the interview, Tippett talks about how it was to work with the stars of the movie, as well as how he feels when watching it now.

Astra's Hot Take

Watching this movie with fresh eyes now, it is easy to forget where the world was before Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was released. Its impact on special effects and visual storytelling is immense and Phil Tippett’s work, leading the way with pioneering 3-dimensional animation, gives the entire movie the level of spectacle and spectacle we have come to expect from the franchise. Without his dedication and imagination, Star Wars simply wouldn't be Star Wars.