George Lucas Inspecting the Death Star and 12 More Rare Behind-the-Scenes Images of Famous Movies

Although details, such as the superlaser’s location, shifted between different concept models during production of Star Wars, the notion of the Death Star being a large, spherical space station over 100 kilometers in diameter was consistent in all of them. The Death Star model was created by John Stears. In the image above, George Lucas himself inspected the incomplete Death Star model, which was a mirror image of how it appeared in the finished movie. It’s one of the few models that never leaves the Archives because it is too fragile. Continue reading for more rare behind-the-scenes images from famous movies. Click here for a few bonus images.

12. 2001: A Space Odyssey c.1968

Director and screenwriter Stanley Kubrick finds his shot on the set of 2001: A Space Odyssey at the MGM British Studios in Borehamwood, England. On the left is American actor Keir Dullea in a spacesuit.

11. Planet of the Apes c.1968

Foam-rubber makeup being applied to actor Maurice Evans.

10. Saving Private Ryan c.1998

Director Steven Spielberg on the set of the film Saving Private Ryan.

9. Psycho c.1959

Director Alfred Hitchcock and actor Janet Leigh on the set of Psycho.

8. Jurassic Park c.1993

From left: actors Sam Neill and Laura Dern pose with director Steven Spielberg on the set of Jurassic Park.

7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s c.1961

George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn on the set of Breakfast at Tiffany�s, based on the novel by Truman Capote and directed by Blake Edwards.

6. The Shining c.1980

Actor Jack Nicholson and director Stanley Kubrick on the set of The Shining, based on the novel by Stephen King.

5. Easy Rider c.1969

Dennis Hopper holds a bottle in his hand as he directs a setup for the film Easy Rider in New Orleans. Actor Peter Fonda stands next to him in sunglasses and motorcycle leathers while a group of extras and onlookers mill about behind them.