How Much of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is Truly George Lucas' Creation?
With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (commonly known simply as The Force Awakens), there has been a lot of debate about the creative contributions of the luminaries in the Star Wars universe, particularly the foundational creator, George Lucas, and the primary director, JJ Abrams. This article delves into the extent of George Lucas' involvement in the creation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, highlighting the contributions of other key figures such as Lawrence Kasdan and Kathleen Kennedy.
The Role of George Lucas
From what can be inferred from public statements and industry observations, George Lucas had a minimal role in the execution of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is widely acknowledged that despite his involvement as a consultant, Lucas was not a significant player in the creative process. In fact, the emphasis was on writing a fresh and original script rather than relying on Lucas' previous notes.
Lucas initially was brought on as a consultant for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, providing Disney with his insights on the future trajectory of the series. This was part of the agreement made when Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. According to reports, Lucas provided notes on potential storylines for Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, which were intended to be part of a cohesive long-term plan. However, it's believed that these ideas were largely set aside, with the writing team instead crafting a new and independent narrative from scratch.
The dissatisfaction of George Lucas with this approach has been well-documented. In a statement, Lucas expressed his disappointment, asserting that he wouldn't be part of any new Star Wars projects because of the changes made to his original vision.
The Central Role of JJ Abrams
Considering the minimal involvement of George Lucas, much of the creative direction of Star Wars: The Force Awakens fell to JJ Abrams. Abrams, known for his work on hit shows like Lost and Star Trek, took on the role of director and producer. He brought his own unique perspective to the project, aligning more closely with Lucasfilm's requirements and Disney's ambitions for the reinvigorated franchise.
Abrams has been involved in several aspects of the new Star Wars trilogy, including crafting the storylines and character arcs. His influence extends beyond the screen, shaping the overall vision of the franchise as it moves forward. In an era where Hollywood franchises often have extensive continuity, Abrams' approach to the new trilogy allowed for a fresh start, which may have been in line with the challenges of having such a long-standing IP under a new commercial entity like Disney.
Supporting the Creative Vision
Aside from JJ Abrams, other key figures played significant roles in ensuring that the new Star Wars installments maintained their unique character and thematic elements. Notably, Lawrence Kasdan, a long-time collaborator of George Lucas, contributed significantly to the script. Kasdan, the co-writer and producer of The Empire Strikes Back, brought his extensive experience in the Star Wars universe. Despite not being directly involved in the initial writing of The Force Awakens, Kasdan's influence was likely felt through his deep understanding of the mythology and characters he helped develop in the past.
Additionally, Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm, served as a driving force behind the creative endeavors. After Lucas stepped down as president in 2012, Kennedy assumed the role and has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the new films. Her expertise, combined with her ongoing relationship with Disney, meant that she was heavily involved in ensuring that the new Star Wars projects adhered to the high standards set by the franchise's foundation.
Kennedy's involvement is particularly notable given her long-standing tenure at Lucasfilm. As a producer, she has been a constant presence in the creative process, working closely with the writers, directors, and other key creative figures to maintain the integrity of the Star Wars mythos. Her leadership ensures that the new films not only capture the essence of the original trilogies but also forge a fresh path for future entries in the franchise.
Conclusion
In summary, while George Lucas was brought in as a consultant for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, his actual contribution to the film's creative process was minimal. The predominant creative force behind the new installment has been JJ Abrams, with significant support from Lawrence Kasdan and Kathleen Kennedy. Each of these figures brought their unique perspectives and expertise to the table, ensuring that the new Star Wars films built upon the rich heritage of the franchise while introducing fresh elements to keep the IP relevant and engaging for both long-time fans and new audiences.