The catchphrase, “It’s a trap,” from Richard Marquand’s Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), captures a moment of realization in the movie, when the Rebel Alliance realizes that they have been ambushed in the battle, but over the years, it has transcended its original context. Delivered by Admiral Ackbar, the captain of the Rebel Fleet, voiced by Erik Bauersfeld, the quote is not only remembered as an iconic moment from the movie, but over the years, has become an iconic meme, too. In this article, we’re tracing the journey of “‘It’s a trap,” from the silver screens to the touchscreens in our hands. The Scene The Rebel Alliance is on its way to a major space confrontation against the Galactic Empire. Admiral Ackbar is the commander of the fleet. All the spacecraft are in position to attack when they realize that there is a shield blocking their way. Additionally, they’re not able to get any reading on the shield up or down. Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), a key leader in the Rebel Fleet, realizes that they’re heading towards an ambush and immediately orders his troops to call off the attack. Meanwhile, Admiral Ackbar is informed that the enemy ships have already arrived. Realizing that they’ve been tricked, Ackbar exclaims, “It’s a trap!”Within moments, fleets of enemy ships appear out of nowhere and begin raining shots at the Rebel Fleet. How Did the Quote Turn Into a Meme?The first time the quote surfaced on the internet as...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Wednesday, 24 September