George Lucas is best known for capturing the imagination of millions with the Star Wars franchise. The epic space opera saga has remained relevant in modern pop culture but was generally looked at as a sci-fi B-movie when it was first coming out. As a result, Lucas was asked about his decision to forego making a socially relevant film in favor of a sci-fi drama.
In response, Lucas gave an honest but blunt response as to why he chose to make a movie like Star Wars. The filmmaker’s response might have been shocking at the time, but the continued popularity and commercial success of the sci-fi franchise proves that Lucas made the right choice back in the day. Here is what Lucas had to say about not wanting to direct a social-issue drama earlier in his career.
George Lucas Revealed Why He Made Star Wars Over a Socially Relevant Film
Director George Lucas took cinemagoers to the galaxy far, far away back in 1977, with Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). Before the sci-fi epic, Lucas had tasted success with the coming-of-age comedy American Graffiti. Therefore, there was an understandable skepticism around Lucas’ next directorial venture.
In 1977, Lucas addressed the skepticism during an interview with American Film Magazine, conducted before the release of Star Wars. He said:
Rather than do some angry, socially relevant film. I realized that there was another relevance that is even more important — dreams.
Lucas made the above statement (via The New York Times), explaining why he chose to make a film targeted at younger audiences.
The filmmaker admitted that he intended to make a children’s movie, as he felt it was more important for children to believe in fantasy amidst all the real-world issues such as famine and wars. It is important to note that at the time, the USA was still emerging from the impact of the Vietnam War, which proves Lucas’ point of creating an escapist fantasy over a realistic social-issue drama.
George Lucas Defended Making Changes to the Original Theatrical Cuts of Star Wars Movies
Lucas was adamant not to get swayed by the desire to make a socially relevant film, proving he remained true to his artistic vision. However, the filmmaker would famously go on to make several changes to the original trilogy of Star Wars movies.
During an interview, Lucas defended his artistic vision and choice to make edits to the theatrical cuts of the movies. Speaking with Wired in 1997, while working on the prequel trilogy, Lucas discussed the changes he made to the original trilogy.
It’s my artistic vision. If I want to go back and change it, it’s my business, not somebody else’s.
Lucas made the above statement explaining that as the owner of the intellectual property, he had the right to make changes he deemed necessary.
More recently, Lucas reiterated the same feelings about protecting the artistic vision of a filmmaker at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Therefore, it is safe to say that despite having sold Lucasfilm and seemingly retiring from filmmaking, Lucas remains blunt and honest about his approach to filmmaking as he was back in his heyday.
The Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+.
