Advertisement
During the filming of “The Empire Strikes Back” in Norway, director Irvin Kershner encountered a formidable obstacle in the form of a snowstorm. This unexpected weather event threatened to derail the outdoor scenes set on the ice planet Hoth, leaving Kershner, the cast, and crew practically snowed in at their hotel. With temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling 26 degrees below zero, Kershner had to devise a creative solution to continue filming.
Undeterred by the adverse conditions, Kershner recognized the opportunity to capture essential shots of Mark Hamill’s character, Luke Skywalker, braving the harsh elements of Hoth. However, filming outdoors proved to be impractical as the extreme cold caused the film to crack. Thinking on his feet, Kershner decided to relocate the camera indoors, setting it up in the hotel kitchen doorway.
From the warmth and comfort of the kitchen, the crew filmed Hamill running outside alone, simulating Luke’s perilous journey through the snow. After each take, Hamill would retreat to the kitchen to warm up before venturing back outside for the next shot. These scenes depicted Luke evading the menacing Wampa, or “snow monster,” including a close-up shot where Hamill had to lie in the snow just two feet away from the hotel’s entrance.
Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, Kershner’s ingenuity ensured the seamless integration of these shots into the film, immersing audiences in Luke Skywalker’s treacherous journey on the icy terrain of Hoth. Now, with this insight into the filming process, viewers can appreciate Hamill’s performance even more, knowing the lengths he went to endure the frigid conditions while bringing the iconic character to life.