The Creative Vision: How Star Wars Would Have Fared with George Lucas in Control
George Lucas, the visionary behind the Star Wars saga, sold LucasFilm to Disney for billions of dollars and entrusted the business to Kathleen Kennedy. However, what would it have been like if George Lucas retained control over his creation? Would Star Wars have fared differently under his direction?
George's Influence
One of the key points to consider is how much influence George Lucas still had even after selling LucasFilm. Dave Filoni, who is often described as George's padawan, and John Favreau, among others, were significantly involved in the projects that followed. The sequel trilogy, despite being divisive, still utilized many of Lucas' original plans. Therefore, the question is not just about direction, but also about the core elements that shaped the continuity of the franchise.
The Missing Touch
One of the most noticeable aspects missing from the sequels, according to many fans, is George Lucas' distinct directing style. The sequels, built on the foundation laid by Lucas, are often criticized for a lack of emotional connection. Directors Rian Johnson and JJ Abrams, while talented in their own right, were unable to forge the same bond with the audience as the original trilogy did under Lucas' guidance.
The Late 1990s and Early 2000s: The Prequel Controversy
The prequel trilogy, which was released during the late 1990s and early 2000s, received a lot of criticism. Fans often pointed to George Lucas as the culprit for the backlash. The prequel films were mocked, and actors like Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen (who played Anakin Skywalker and later Darth Vader) faced severe criticism for their portrayal of a two-time Emperor of the Galactic Empire.
George's Hands-On Approach and Collaborative Effort
Lucas is notorious for having a great deal of creative input, but he is also known for his strong collaboration with the entire production team. It's often said that much of Lucas' worst ideas were filtered out by the collaboration. For example, if George Lucas were still directing, Princess Leia might have been a literal child in her role, or Han Solo could have been an alien of some sort. Furthermore, the protagonist's last name would have been "Starkiller," a moniker that would have been used more appropriately for a deadly space weapon.
Dialogue and Acting
The dialogue in Star Wars is an integral part of the storytelling, and Harrison Ford, in particular, often mentioned the difficulties of working with George Lucas. Ford recalled a specific instance where he had to work on the script extensively with Lucas. "George, you can write this stuff, but you can't say it," Ford noted. This demonstrates the challenges that came with Lucas' scripting style and how it often required substantial rework to make it accessible and comprehensible.
Conclusion
Would Star Wars have been better or worse under George Lucas' direction? It's a complex question, and opinions would vary widely. However, it is clear that the collaborative effort that went into the original trilogy was crucial in forming a engaging narrative that resonated with audiences. The sequels, while still bearing the stamp of Lucas, lacked the same level of engagement that defined the original films.
In the end, whether George Lucas would have made better or worse decisions remains a matter of speculation. However, it's safe to say that the enduring legacy of Star Wars is thanks to the collective efforts of many talented individuals, guided by Lucas' vision. The future of the franchise likely lies in the continued collaboration between creative minds to ensure that the stories told continue to captivate audiences.