Which 1980 Star Wars toy line introduced Kenner’s first action figures from The Empire Strikes Back?

Kenner’s first action figures from The Empire Strikes Back were released as The Empire Strikes Back action figures.

The 1980 assortment expanded Kenner’s vintage Star Wars range beyond the characters and vehicles of the 1977 film. It introduced figures such as Yoda, Lando Calrissian, Bossk, Dengar, IG-88, and the Hoth versions of familiar characters. The figures were sold under packaging prominently branded for The Empire Strikes Back.

The line is often discussed alongside Kenner’s original 1978 assortment, but it was a distinct film-based expansion. Some characters already existed in earlier forms, while others were entirely new to the toy range. Kenner also developed Hoth vehicles, playsets, and accessories to support the movie’s snowy opening setting.

Collectors may call the range the “1980 vintage line,” but the specific packaging identity was tied to The Empire Strikes Back. This distinguishes it from later Return of the Jedi and Power of the Force releases.