Filmmaker George Lucas launched the sci-fi franchise Star Wars all the way back in 1977. After completing the critically acclaimed original trilogy of films, Lucas returned to the space opera saga for the prequel trilogy, which proved extremely divisive among fans and critics. However, one decision Lucas made for the prequels could have destroyed the entire franchise.
During an interview, Lucas spoke about the divisive nature of the prequels, particularly the approach he took to telling the backstory of Darth Vader, with the introduction of a young Anakin Skywalker. Here is what Lucas had to say about his controversial creative choices in The Phantom Menace and how they could have destroyed all the goodwill he and his sci-fi saga had built up to that point.
George Lucas Explained Why a Young Anakin Skywalker Could Have Destroyed Star Wars
George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe with 1999’s The Phantom Menace, which follows the story of a nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker. However, the film proved extremely divisive among the fans, especially since they expected to see Darth Vader in his prime.
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Lucas explained that he never planned to show Vader during the prime of his dark side reign.
When I announced that the first story was going to be about a nine-year-old boy, everybody here said, That’s insane, you’re going to destroy the whole franchise.
Lucas used the above words to explain why those around him thought shifting the focus to a young protagonist might have destroyed his franchise.
In the book detailing the film’s production, Lucas noted that he initially wanted Anakin to be a 12-year-old. However, after some thought he decided to change the character’s age and reduce it. Lucas explained that he wanted Anakin to be younger to highlight his emotional bond with his mother, which was a crucial factor in his downfall.
George Lucas Defends His Decision to Introduce Midichlorians in the Star Wars Prequels
During his conversation with Rolling Stone, Lucas also shed some light on another controversial addition to the Star Wars lore that came about in The Phantom Menace. The filmmaker explained why he decided to introduce the concept of the Midichlorians despite those around him advising him against it.
Everybody said to drop the stuff about the Midichlorians, it makes it too confusing. But it’s a metaphor for a symbiotic relationship that allows life to exist.
Lucas made the above comment about his creative choice to add Midichlorians into the story and further the mysticism surrounding the concept of the Force.
Furthermore, the filmmaker added that a large part of the hype for The Phantom Menace stemmed from his creative choices that were deemed unlikely to work. However, the naysayers did not deter Lucas from realizing his vision for the film, which is a major reason behind the success of the original trilogy and the franchise as a whole.
The Star Wars movies and shows are streaming on Disney+.
