The Empire Strikes Back Poster (1980) Vintage Theatrical Print – Wall Art Prints

This Empire Strikes Back poster is Roger Kastel’s Style B theatrical design — the one where Vader becomes the entire canvas. He dominates the center in towering scale, cape flowing, mask tilted slightly forward. AT-AT walkers march across his torso, Hoth rebel troops scramble through his armor plating, and Stormtroopers fan out along his shoulders. Han and Leia embrace in close-up on the right, Luke’s determined face anchors the left, and the entire composition feels colder, more militaristic than the 1977 original.

Irvin Kershner’s 1980 sequel took everything George Lucas built and made it darker, more character-driven, more emotionally complex. This poster captured that shift immediately — gone is the bright operatic heroism of the first film. Here, the Empire literally looms over the heroes. The blue-gray color grading feels icy and foreboding. It’s a visual statement: this time, the good guys don’t automatically win.

Why This Empire Strikes Back Poster Stands Out

• Design & vibe: The composite technique is what makes this poster unforgettable. Vader isn’t just a character in the frame — he’s the frame itself. Battle scenes layer seamlessly into his black armor and cape, creating depth and narrative flow. The color palette leans heavily into cool tones: icy whites from Hoth, steel-blue atmospheric haze, muted grays. Only the character faces bring warmth. Roger Kastel’s brushwork gives it painted texture, especially in Vader’s mask highlights and the flowing cape folds. The diagonal lines of the cape create movement, pulling your eye from the AT-ATs down to the lightsaber duels at the bottom. Negative space is minimal but intentional — the white around “THE STAR WARS SAGA CONTINUES” headline makes it pop.
• Print quality: Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper with fade-resistant archival inks. Rich blacks, accurate colors, and a finish that looks sharp with or without glass.
• Sizes available: Choose from seven sizes — 9×11″ up to 24×36″ — all cut to standard frame-ready dimensions. A high-res digital download ($3.90) is also available if you prefer to print locally or need a custom size.
• Great gift for: Fans who consider Empire the best Star Wars film (most of them), home theater builders who want something moodier than the bright 1977 poster, collectors of 1980s sci-fi art, or anyone who grew up with Yoda, Lando, and “I am your father.” This design resonates with people who appreciate darker, more sophisticated sequel storytelling.

Where to Hang This Poster

The blue-gray-white palette makes this poster ideal for dimly lit spaces like home theaters, media rooms, or basement game setups. The cool tones won’t fight with screen glow, and the icy Hoth scenes actually complement darker wall colors — charcoal, navy, or even matte black. If you’re building a Star Wars trilogy gallery wall, pair this with the original 1977 poster and a Return of the Jedi print. The shifting color palettes across the three films create a nice visual arc.

More from MerchFuse

Explore our full Star Wars movie posters collection for the complete original trilogy. If you’re into George Lucas-produced films, check out the Indiana Jones posters. For more 1980s sci-fi classics with similar painted theatrical aesthetics, browse Blade Runner, Alien, or the broader vintage movie posters category.

Print & Material Details

Every MerchFuse poster is printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper using fade-resistant archival inks. Colors stay true, blacks stay deep, and the matte finish eliminates glare whether you frame under glass or mount open. All seven sizes (9×11″ through 24×36″) use standard frame dimensions — no custom framing needed.

Prefer to print your own? The digital download option gives you a 300 DPI high-resolution file (PDF/JPG) for $3.90. Print it at your local shop in any size you want.

Disclaimer: This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by Lucasfilm, Disney, or any related rights holder.