The first Star Wars action figures reached toy stores in 1978.
Although Star Wars was released in 1977, Kenner needed additional time to manufacture its licensed figures. The company used the Early Bird Certificate Package during the 1977 Christmas season, allowing customers to order figures before the main toy range was ready.
The first production figures represented leading characters from the film and established the compact format that became standard for the classic line. They were accompanied by vehicles, playsets, and accessories as Kenner expanded the range.
The different dates can cause confusion: 1977 identifies the film’s release and the Early Bird promotion, while 1978 identifies the arrival of the first regular action figures. This rollout demonstrated how quickly a successful film could generate a major licensed merchandise business.