Today in Nerd History | May 16

May 16 takes to the skies with fighter jets, clone armies, starships, and one final round of office hijinks. Let’s engage with some Nerdy Facts about Top Gun, Attack of the Clones, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Office finale!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

“Top Gun” soared into theaters, offering audiences a blend of high-octane action and romance set against the backdrop of elite Navy fighter pilot training, with Tom Cruise as the unforgettable Maverick.

Nerdy Facts:

• Military Recruitment Boost: The film was so influential that the U.S. Navy set up recruitment booths outside theaters, and enlistment reportedly jumped by 500% in the months following the film’s release.
• Iconic Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack became a defining feature, featuring hits like “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and the Oscar-winning “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, both of which became synonymous with the film’s fast-paced action and romance.
• Real Navy Training: Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer attended real Navy pilot training to prepare for their roles, and many of the aerial scenes were filmed with assistance from real Navy pilots, adding authenticity to the flight sequences.

“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” continued the saga of Anakin Skywalker and the fall of the Jedi, delving into the origins of the Clone Wars while offering new planets and iconic characters.

Nerdy Facts:

• Digital Pioneers: This was the first Star Wars film to be shot entirely on digital cameras, paving the way for digital filmmaking in Hollywood and setting a new standard for high-definition production.
• Yoda in Action: For the first time, fans saw Yoda engage in lightsaber combat, with his epic duel against Count Dooku becoming one of the most memorable scenes in the prequel trilogy.
• Cloning History: The cloning facility on Kamino was inspired by real-world genetics labs and offered a fascinating glimpse into the cloning process that would ultimately give rise to the Stormtroopers.

“Star Trek Into Darkness,” the second film in J.J. Abrams’ rebooted “Star Trek” series, took the crew of the Enterprise into dark territory with a story that explored themes of vengeance, betrayal, and sacrifice.

Nerdy Facts:

• Khan Returns: Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed the enigmatic villain Khan Noonien Singh, a reimagined version of the character made famous by Ricardo Montalbán in the original “Star Trek” series and “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
• Lens Flare Galore: Known for his love of lens flares, director J.J. Abrams pushed the visual style to the limit in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” prompting jokes and memes among fans and even leading Abrams to acknowledge and dial back his signature style in future films.
• Real-World Inspiration: The futuristic cityscapes of “Star Trek Into Darkness” were inspired by contemporary metropolises like Tokyo, Dubai, and London, adding a sense of realism to the film’s vision of the future.

And on the same day, The Office closed its doors for good after nine seasons of awkward charm and paper company antics.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Sentimental Goodbye: The finale brought back Michael Scott (“That’s what she said!”), gave closure to the documentary crew, and wrapped up fan-favorite romances.
• Emmy-Worthy Exit: The finale earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination, praised for balancing humor and heart.
• Legacy of Laughs: The Office became a cultural mainstay, with streaming giving it new life and introducing it to new generations.

May 16 gave us dogfights, lightsaber duels, space drama, and one last Dundie-worthy farewell. Happy Nerd History Day!