Following the release of George Lucas’ latest Disney+ show, Star Wars: The Acolyte, fans appear outraged by a particular scene showing a ship catching fire in space. While the series has been overall appreciated by Star Wars fans, this one scientifically inaccurate sequence received plenty of criticism.
However, as critics took to social media to point out that it is physically impossible to light a fire in space, as shown in The Acolyte, they overlooked George Lucas’ intention for Star Wars. But wasting no time, author Paul Duncan brought a past quote from Lucas to people’s notice, signifying how Star Wars was never meant to be scientifically accurate.
Wave of Criticism Surrounding a Controversial Scene in The Acolyte
In a galaxy far, far away, where there are space battles and heroes wielding the Force, there’s one thing that some Star Wars fans just can’t seem to let go of; scientific accuracy. Recently, after the release of George Lucas’ Star Wars: The Acolyte, the Disney+ show faced immense backlash over a scene showing a ship catching fire in space.
In The Acolyte‘s first episode, the rogue Padawan Osha is seen working on a ship when it suddenly catches fire. That particular scene immediately sparked controversies, as critics took to social media to point out how it is scientifically impossible for things to catch fire in outer space, with a lack of oxygen.
But while criticism and mockery of The Acolyte flood the internet, George Lucas appears unfazed by the chaos. The visionary behind the beloved franchise has always been clear about his intentions with the Star Wars universe, where he noted that his primary focus is on fantasy elements and not scientific accuracy.
George Lucas was More About Imagination Than Accuracy with Star Wars
Therefore, amid a surge in criticism over Star Wars: The Acolyte, author of The Star Wars Archives: Episode IV-VI, Paul Duncan brought to fans’ notice, how George Lucas has always been insisting on science fantasy over science fiction. Recalling the discussion regarding the Millennium Falcon, Duncan shared the past quote from Lucas via X, which explained how the Star Wars universe isn’t bound by the laws of physics.
When George Lucas was making STAR WARS he paid attention to the way the ships moved in space—the Millennium Falcon would look better to viewers if it “drifted” around corners. This is a quote from THE STAR WARS ARCHIVES IV-VI.
In my world, there’s air in outer space, when I want it. Lucas said.
Explaining how Star Wars has always been more about myth and legend than scientific accuracy for George Lucas, Paul Duncan mentioned that Lucas was simply telling a story and wasn’t interested in nitpicking. The mastermind behind the franchise just wanted viewers to keep away their skepticism and suspend their disbelief while watching the show.
George is not saying there is air in outer space. He is saying that the movement of the Falcon should emulate that, so that the movement is distinctive compared to other ships. George is looking for the subtle difference in storytelling that the viewer will pickup subconsciously.
— Paul Duncan (@kershed) June 12, 2024
While George Lucas’ attitude towards the franchise has undoubtedly bothered some fans who want a more scientifically grounded approach to storytelling, his approach has certainly paid well for the Star Wars universe, considering its popularity. Despite the controversies, Star Wars remains one of the most beloved franchises of all time.
Star Wars: The Acolyte is available on Disney+.
