Irvin Kershner’s Concourse Stage appearance gave fans a rare chance to hear from the director of The Empire Strikes Back. The session likely focused on his approach to character, tone and performance, all central to why Empire became such a beloved chapter of the saga. Kershner could speak about directing Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, handling the darker middle chapter and shaping scenes such as Yoda’s training, Han and Leia’s romance and Vader’s revelation. At a 30th anniversary event, his presence underscored how the original film’s success grew into a more complex series.