Return of the Jedi marked the conclusion of the original trilogy of Star Wars films. Richard Marquand was in the director’s chair as the third installment in the franchise brought Luke Skywalker’s fight against the Empire to a conclusion, ending the trilogy on a happy note. However, years later franchise spearhead George Lucas revived the saga for the prequel trilogy.
During an interview conducted years before the prequel trilogy premiered and polarized fans across the globe, Marquand put his hat in the ring to helm the preludes. Marquand expressed an interest in helming the prequels alongside Lucas’ close friend Steven Spielberg. Here is what Marquand had to say about his desire to direct the infamous Star Wars prequels.
Return of the Jedi Director Richard Marquand Wanted to Direct the Star Wars Prequels Alongside Steven Spielberg
Richard Marquand served as the director for Return of the Jedi, the concluding entry in the original Star Wars trilogy. The film was a major critical and commercial success and remains revered even today. However, Marquand had also volunteered to have his name as director on the more infamous entries of the franchise – the prequels.
During an interview conducted after the release of Return of the Jedi, Marquand expressed interest in directing the prequels. He said (via Den of Geek):
Steven [Spielberg] and I would like to. It’s a very interesting part of the saga, the early days. The youth of Ben Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker is really important.
Marquand added that he was excited about the prospect of exploring a different timeline in the saga. However, he added that the prequels were likely several years away from production noting that George Lucas had yet to start writing the screenplay at that point.
Sadly, Marquand passed away in 1987, leaving it unclear whether he would have accepted directing the prequels. According to reports, Lucas had offered the director’s chair for the prequels to Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Robert Zemeckis. Hence, it is likely that Lucas would have approached Marquand as well.
Richard Marquand Talked About Leaving His Own Imprint on Return of the Jedi
During the same interview, Marquand also spoke about directing Return of the Jedi. The director stated how Irvin Kershner’s personality suited the dark and depressing tonality of the Empire Strike Back. However, he noted that he was more well-suited for the third installment because of his appreciation of values and virtues.
I think I was probably the right guy for the third film because I like the great virtues: I love loyalty, friendship, love.
Marquand made the above statement regarding his suitability for the concluding entry in the trilogy. He noted that he had an affinity for happy endings which worked in the film’s favor.
At the same time, Marquand also added that he tried to create a balance between showmanship and gags, so the film would appeal to a wider audience and not just kids. The director stated since the original film was released almost six years before Return of the Jedi the children who enjoyed it had grown and he wanted the latter to appeal to them.
Return of the Jedi and other Star Wars films are streaming on Disney+.
