Irvin Kershner was an American director for film and television.
Irvin Kershner
The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. The sequel to Star Wars (1977), it is the second film in the Star Wars film series and the fifth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set three years after the events of Star Wars, the film recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire, led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia. Rebel ally Luke Skywalker trains to master the Force so he can confront the Emperor's powerful disciple, Darth Vader. The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz.
Theatrical release poster by Roger Kastel
Star Wars creator George Lucas (pictured in 1986) was thoroughly involved in The Empire Strikes Back but wanted to avoid the stress of serving as director again.
Billy Dee Williams (pictured in 1997) joined the cast as Lando Calrissian.
Hardangerjøkulen glacier pictured in 2007. It served as the exterior of the ice planet Hoth.