In 1977, Patrick Read Johnson was one of the first people outside of ILM employees to see Star Wars before it was finished—subsequently cementing his place as the very first Star Wars fanboy. That may not have been the start of Johnson’s journey as a director, but it was an important step on the way. For over a decade, Johnson has attempted to bring his biopic, 5-25-77, to the big screen. This year, Johnson’s dream will finally be achieved—just in time for the 40th anniversary of Star Wars.
Via Ain’t It Cool News, Johnson has unveiled the trailer for 5-25-77, which traces the Spaced Invaders director’s love of film back to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001. In a very amusing montage, a fictionalized version of Johnson (Merrick Johnson) takes it upon himself to become a filmmaker. But by the time that John Francis Daley takes over the role as a teenage version of Pat, his advance glimpse at Star Wars changes his life forever.
The trailer features several allusions to 2001 and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but Star Wars is clearly on the mind of both Johnson the director and his onscreen counterpart. Johnson started making 5-25-77 in 2004, and he spent the next 13 years attempting to get it finished. The film will finally be released in theaters on May 25, 2017, bringing it all full circle in a numerical way.
What did you think about the newest trailer for 5-25-77? Are you excited for the film? May the Force be with you in the comments section below!
Images: Moonwatcher Inc./Sparta Entertainment
