If the Star Wars franchise is considered one of the greatest film series of all time in Hollywood, the credit goes to its creative mastermind, George Lucas. The visionary director pioneered a sci-fi revolution with the epic space saga that spanned multiple decades to become a cult classic that will continue to remain evergreen for years to come.
While Lucas enjoys an almost God-like status in the industry, the director has not escaped some serious criticisms against him, including being called racist for allegedly giving white people more importance in his casting choices for the Star Wars films. But hardcore fans have firmly stood by him by pointing out that this accusation has no basis at all.
George Lucas Fans Summarily Debunk Racist Theories Against Him
With the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas created a new cinematic revolution in Hollywood and cemented his place as one of the industry’s iconic filmmakers. With a staggering fan base all over the world, the films have achieved cult status and continue to inspire future generations of viewers and directors.
But even someone who is revered and admired like Lucas has faced his share of criticisms for these classic films. In an interview with Variety during his appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the director spoke about the serious backlash he received when he was termed as racist for his choice of actors for different roles in the Star Wars films.
They would say, ‘It’s all white men’. Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.
But looking back, these allegations towards the veteran seem to be rather impulsive and harsh considering the number of prominent Black actors that he has cast for important roles. To begin with, Samuel L. Jackson played the pivotal role of the Jedi Master Mace Windu while the distinctive deep baritone of James Earl Jones gave life to Hayden Christensen’s Darth Vader.
In addition, smooth-talking smuggler Lando Calrissian was portrayed by Billy Dee Williams while the popular CGI alien Jar-Jar Binks was voiced by Ahmed Best. Fans of the franchise believed that these accusations were senseless and firmly stood by their icon on social media. Many viewers also called out critics for focussing on these unnecessary issues instead of praising his work.
Imagine watching a movie where aliens and princesses win a war against pure tyranny and all you focus on is the white people.
— Mr.McCormick⚡️ (@colemccormick1) May 24, 2024
Anyone who saw the Original & Prequel trilogies and has the gall to throw shade on George Lucas isn't a Star Wars fan. Period. pic.twitter.com/huyQN2P4eS
— Star Wars Timeline (@SWT_Channel) May 24, 2024
Good thing he casted a black man with Lando in Empire otherwise these racists would be screaming “woke,” and feel hella justified
— Cristian Paez Jr (@iamchrispaezjr) May 24, 2024
George Lucas changed movies forever in the most positive way……people need to lay off him. None of the stuff we enjoy today would be here if he hadn't made Star Wars. He revolutionized the industry…….also….on top of that… Raiders is one of the few perfect movies.
— blake (@bbqbaseball62) May 24, 2024
That sweet old man deserves nothing but gratitude and love. He created something amazing and inspiring for so many people all over the world ❤️
— Movie Buff 🎬 (@thismoviebuff) May 24, 2024
The first movie was just that.
He realized that and got one of the best actors to take the role pic.twitter.com/9L6RnnwAxb— sampson3121 (@sampson3121) May 24, 2024
With every speck of negativity he has received, it is evident that George Lucas has a truckload of positive vibes coming his way constantly from a loyal fan base that has always had his back no matter what the circumstance is.
George Lucas Would Love To Forget This Cringeworthy Star Wars Film
George Lucas has succeeded in carving a historic legacy in Hollywood with his pioneering Star Wars franchise that is still considered one of the greatest film series of all time. Its unique feature was the fact that it continued to stay relevant over many decades and is still giving rise to original narratives.
While audiences have had their favorites among the many prequels and sequels, Lucas has ensured that the quality of all the films over the years has never been compromised until a spin-off film was made in 1978.
The Star Wars Holiday Special was a television film directed by Steve Binder that aired on CBS in November 1978. The story is set between the events of the original film and its sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, which had not yet been released at the time, and saw the main characters of the first film reprising their roles.
In a surprising departure from its usual quality, this television special followed the very superficial and diluted narrative of an adventure involving two beloved characters – Chewbacca and Hans Solo. It also involved a lot of musical moments that many Star Wars buffs considered to be extremely cringeworthy.
The film also gave Lucas sleepless nights with the iconic producer himself confessing that he would love to forget this anomaly that felt like a blow to his reputation. In an interview with Chicago Sun Times, he minced no words in expressing his feelings about the movie.
“If I had the time and a sledgehammer, I would track down every copy of that show and smash it.”
Interestingly, this film which was considered to be a dent to the franchise and to Lucas’ pedigree, surprisingly went on to gain support after its initial release on television and actually ended up attaining cult status.
