The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is not just a cinematic masterpiece; it is a cultural phenomenon whose promotional art has become one of the most highly sought-after categories in movie memorabilia. As of December 10, 2025, the market for original *Star Wars* posters is hotter than ever, driven by nostalgia, scarcity, and the recent passing of one of its most legendary artists, Roger Kastel. This deep dive uncovers the fascinating history, the key artists, and the most valuable poster variants that every serious collector and fan needs to know about. The posters for *The Empire Strikes Back* tell a story of artistic rivalry and marketing genius, resulting in multiple iconic images that defined the film's global release. From the romantic, sweeping 'Style A' to the dynamic, action-packed 'Style B,' these artworks are now commanding five-figure sums at auction, cementing their status as blue-chip collectibles.

The Visionaries: Artists Behind the Iconic Artworks

The enduring legacy of *The Empire Strikes Back* posters is inextricably linked to the talent of two legendary artists, each of whom created a distinct, defining image for the film's initial release.

Roger Kastel (Style A Artist)

• Born: 1931
• Died: Passed away recently (aged 91), making his original artwork even more significant to collectors.
• Notable Works: The iconic "Gone With The Wind"-style poster for *The Empire Strikes Back* (known as Style A or NSS Style 800001), and the instantly recognizable, terrifying great white shark poster for *Jaws* (1975).
• Style: Known for his dramatic, romantic, and highly detailed oil paintings, often featuring a central, sweeping composition.
• Fun Fact: Kastel visited New York's Natural History Museum for reference photos while working on his poster art.

Tom Jung (Style B Artist)

• Born: 1942
• Notable Works: The dynamic, action-focused poster for *The Empire Strikes Back* (known as Style B or NSS Style 800002), and the original 'Darth Vader helmet' teaser poster for the first *Star Wars* film (*A New Hope*).
• Style: Characterized by bold, dramatic compositions, often utilizing martial arts attitudes in his working studies to capture the film's intensity and epic scope.
• Legacy: A visionary in movie poster art, Jung also created posters for classics like *Gone With The Wind* (re-release) and *Papillon*.

7 Most Iconic and Valuable 'Empire Strikes Back' Poster Variants

The movie's original theatrical run saw several official poster styles, plus rare international and re-release variants that are now the holy grail for *Star Wars* collectors. The scarcity and condition (especially "rolled" vs. "folded") significantly impact the current market value.

1. The Roger Kastel 'Style A' (The Romantic Classic)

This is arguably the most famous and recognizable poster for the film. It features the romantic embrace of Han Solo and Princess Leia, with Darth Vader looming menacingly behind them, set against a backdrop of space battles. The design intentionally echoed the classic poster for *Gone With The Wind*, giving it a timeless, epic feel. Original, rolled US One-Sheet versions in near-mint condition are highly sought after and can fetch values well into the high four to low five figures, especially following Kastel's recent passing, which has renewed interest in his original works.

2. The Tom Jung 'Style B' (The Action Dynamo)

The Style B poster offers a completely different, more action-oriented vision. Created by Tom Jung, this poster captures the emotional intensity and epic scope of the film, focusing on Luke Skywalker wielding his lightsaber, surrounded by the main cast and Imperial Star Destroyers. Jung's use of dynamic poses, inspired by martial arts, makes this a powerful piece of art. While slightly less valuable than a top-tier Kastel 'Style A,' a rolled Style B one-sheet is still a cornerstone piece for any serious collection.

3. The Rare 'Teal' Re-Release Variant (The Collector's Mystery)

One of the true mysteries and most valuable variants is the 1982 re-release poster, often referred to as the "Teal" variant. This poster uses the Kastel artwork but features a light blue (or teal) background instead of the standard dark blue. Its origins and limited distribution have made it incredibly rare, earning it a 10-star rating in collector guides like Sansweet and Vilmur's *The Star Wars Poster Book*. Because of its scarcity, this variant can command a premium price, often surpassing the value of the original 1980 release posters.

4. The Advance Teaser Poster (Darth Vader Helmet)

The initial marketing for *The Empire Strikes Back* included an advance teaser poster featuring only the iconic helmet of Darth Vader, often with silver lettering for the title. Teaser posters are always a favorite among collectors because they are released before the final movie art is revealed, making them a true piece of promotional history. The minimalist, menacing design by Tom Jung is a powerful visual statement that captures the dark tone of the sequel.

5. The British 'Empire Day' Poster (The Charity Exclusive)

A highly specific and rare variant is the 1980 British Royal Charity World Premiere 'Empire Day Poster.' This poster was created for a special event, giving it a unique provenance and extremely limited print run. Items tied to specific, one-off events are highly valued in the memorabilia market, as evidenced by its appearance in recent high-profile auctions like the Propstore Pop Culture Live Auction. Its rarity makes it a must-have for the completist collector.

6. The Martin Ansin FOIL Variant (The Modern Collectible)

The market for *Empire Strikes Back* posters isn't limited to vintage originals. Contemporary artists continue to reimagine the classic artwork, creating new, high-value collectibles. A prime example is the Martin Ansin FOIL Variant Print, which was released in 2024 by Bottleneck Gallery. These screen-printed, limited-edition posters, especially those with special finishes like foil, sell out instantly and quickly appreciate in value on the secondary market, demonstrating the film's ongoing cultural relevance and the demand for new, high-quality artwork.

7. The Special Edition Poster (The Modern Reimagining)

When the film was re-released as a Special Edition, new promotional art was commissioned. One notable piece is the *Empire Strikes Back* Special Edition Poster, which radiates vintage intensity. This alternate art features Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine looming large, with Imperial starships bursting to the front. While not as valuable as the original 1980 theatrical releases, these posters are an important part of the film's marketing history and are highly collectible for fans of the updated versions.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Star Wars Poster Collecting

The enduring appeal and skyrocketing value of *The Empire Strikes Back* posters are a testament to the film's status as a cultural touchstone and the quality of the original artwork. The market is constantly being refreshed with new developments, from the passing of a key artist like Roger Kastel, which often drives up the value of their signed works, to the release of new, highly limited screen-printed and digital collectible posters (NFTs) on platforms like VeVe. For collectors, the key entities to focus on are the National Screen Service (NSS) printings, which denote original theatrical release posters, and the condition—a rolled (never folded) one-sheet is always preferred and commands the highest price. The story of the posters, with its dual iconic images from Tom Jung and Roger Kastel, provides a rich narrative that goes beyond simple movie promotion. It is a history of commercial art that has transcended its original purpose to become fine art, with prices ranging from hundreds of dollars for reproductions to over $50,000 for authenticated, rare originals in pristine condition. The pursuit of the "Teal" variant or a pristine Kastel Style A remains the ultimate quest for the dedicated *Star Wars* memorabilia enthusiast.