“You have to wait 6 years for that answer”: George Lucas Kept Secrets From His Own Actors While Filming ‘Star Wars’

George Lucas kept information hidden from Star Wars actors while shooting the films.

“You have to wait 6 years for that answer”: George Lucas Kept Secrets From His Own Actors While Filming ‘Star Wars’

SUMMARY

  • The impact of Star Wars on virtually every medium is undeniable, and its influence continues to endure, evident in multiple spinoffs and sequels.
  • Dev Patel was rejected when he auditioned for Star Wars.
  • George Lucas kept secrets from his Star Wars actors while filming the movies.
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The Star Wars franchise is recognized as one of the most iconic and culturally significant film series ever produced. It has not only achieved mainstream success but has also attained a unique and unparalleled status in the realm of media. With that said, George Lucas kept secrets from his own actors during the filming of Star Wars.

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The Main Cast of Star Wars
An iconic scene from Star Wars

Fans widely agree that the original Star Wars trilogy—comprising A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi—stands out as the highlight within the entire saga. Its enduring impact is evident, as it continues to shape and inspire various forms of entertainment across all mediums to this day.

Dev Patel Got Turned Down For A Role In Star Wars

Dev Patel in action
The Last Airbender (2009)

Dev Patel opened up about his experience with Total Film during The Green Knight press a few years ago, shedding light on the challenges he faced despite his extensive and impressive career, which includes films like Slumdog Millionaire, Lion, and The Personal History of David Copperfield, when trying to secure a role in Star Wars.

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“I don’t know if you’re allowed to talk about it, because you sign an NDA. But yeah, I think everyone did. Everyone auditioned for Star Wars. I remember, I think I was doing Marigold 2, and I sent them an iPhone video from my trailer in India. The next minute, I got a call-back, and I was there, and that was fascinating.”

Patel mentioned the audition process and the secrecy surrounding it due to non-disclosure agreements. Despite the hurdles, Patel recounted sending an iPhone video from his trailer in India during the audition for Marigold 2 and receiving a callback, leading to his fascinating journey into the Star Wars universe.

Movieweb noted that Dev Patel’s film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, was released in 2015, coinciding with the premiere of The Force Awakens. This chronological overlap suggests the possibility that Patel might have been considered for auditions related to the new characters Lucasfilm was actively seeking for Episode VII. Although he didn’t participate in a Star Wars film at the time, it doesn’t rule out the prospect of him joining the universe in the future.

George Lucas Intentionally Kept Secrets From Actors While Filming Star Wars

George Lucas directing a Star Wars film
George Lucas

George Lucas is responsible for Star Wars as we know it, right from the very first film. He is considered a genius by many but also a madman. With that said, there is always a method to his madness.

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As revealed in an old interview on Instagram, George Lucas was asked why he was shooting a shot for Star Wars Episode Three: Revenge of The Sith. George Lucas simply stated that he could not reveal that information.

”I can’t tell you that. You have to wait six years for that answer.”

Star Wars will forever remain one of the most beloved franchises of all time and perhaps George Lucas’ way of handling things is one of the reasons why the franchise is as popular as it is right now.

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Written by Subhojeet Mookherjee

Articles Published: 499

Subhojeet Mookherjee is a Freelance Entertainment Writer for FandomWire. A lover and expert in all things movies, games, TV shows, music and more. I've been in the writing business for over five years now, covering various topics all over the world. I love engaging in deep conversations with like-minded people.