The poster features Han Solo and Princess Leia in an embrace similar to one from a Gone With the Wind poster featuring Rhett Butler carrying Scarlett O'Hara while surrounded by flames.

Grey Smith, Heritage's director of vintage posters, says the draft poster for the 1980 Star Wars installment is unique because it shows Roger Kastel's complete artwork in the original color palette.

After final revisions, the poster had a darker color scheme than the draft's vibrant reds and oranges. It was also more streamlined with fewer characters.