George Lucas took the world by storm when he released the original Star Wars in 1977. The film amassed massive popularity across the globe and spawned three sequels, forming what fans know as the original trilogy. However, years later, Lucas returned to the franchise to realize his vision for the prequel trilogy.
During an interview, Lucas explained why he waited almost sixteen years to finally make the prequels. Moreover, the first film in the prequel trilogy The Phantom Menace, was critically panned, which also raised questions about Lucas’ passion for filmmaking and the franchise itself. Here is what George Lucas said about waiting almost sixteen years to make The Phantom Menace.
George Lucas Explains Why It Took Him 16 Years to Make The Phantom Menace
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, which started the prequel trilogy in the epic space-opera saga created by George Lucas. However, the film received mixed reviews upon release and remains a divisive entry among the fanbase even today.
The Phantom Menace was released in 1999, roughly sixteen years after the last entry in the original trilogy. During an interview with Empire, Lucas was asked whether he waited so long to make the movie because the necessary technology had not been developed.
“I’m not that passionate about this story. I like it, it’s fun and I enjoy doing it. But it’s definitely not my life.”
Lucas made the above statement, explaining why he did not try to make the film by hook or by crook, despite lacking the technological advancement to realize his vision for the prequel trilogy. Lucas added that spending nine years working on the original trilogy left him burnt out.
Lucas stated that he worked on other projects to help him advance the technology he would require for crafting the next chapter in the Star Wars saga. After completing the original trilogy, Lucas worked on producing films such as Willow, Labyrinth, and the Indiana Jones franchise. Therefore, it is evident that Lucas had to wait for the right technological advancements before he could return to Star Wars.
George Lucas Talks About His Passion For Filmmaking
During the same interview, Lucas also spoke about wanting to pursue other forms of filmmaking before making the long commitment required to bring to life the prequel trilogy of Star Wars movies. Lucas explained that he was more passionate about raising his kids after the original trilogy and did not want to commit another nine years to the franchise.
“It’s not a matter of passion. My passion is for filmmaking. I’ll go and do filmmaking that is easier to do, where you can realise your ideas better. And nine years is a big part of your life, and to commit to another nine years, I didn’t wanna do that right away.”
Lucas made the above statement, explaining why he remained committed to his passion for filmmaking, but not necessarily the Star Wars franchise. Ultimately, the rigors of making the original trilogy certainly must have taken their toll on Lucas, who decided a sixteen-year-long break would be ideal before realizing his vision for the prequels.
The Star Wars films and television spin-offs are streaming on Disney+.
