Monday, January 12, 2015

George Lucas Talks Selling Lucasfilm to Disney, Original Plans for Episode VII

9 comments
By: Dominic Jones

A little more than two years ago George Lucas shocked the world when he announced he was selling Lucasfilm to Disney and that Star Wars Episode VII would be released in 2015.  Many assumed that the Disney sale was what got Lucas working on the new films, but apparently there's more to it than that.  Lucas spoke with USA Today recently about his upcoming animated film Strange Magic, which will be released later this month, and naturally the topic of Star Wars was brought up.  Lucas revealed that he originally intended to make Episode VII himself and then sell his company to someone else to make the rest of the trilogy based on his outlines.

According to USA Today,
Lucas already started to develop the next three Star Wars films, but he knew a third trilogy was a 10-year commitment at least. He at first expected to finish Episode VII, release it in May 2015 and then sell the company afterward.

But Disney expressed interest and came along at the right moment, Lucas says. "It's better for me to get out at the beginning of a new thing and I can just remove myself."

As for why Lucas was willing to sell and didn't want to make another ten year commitment is his young daughter.  Lucas and his new wife Melody Hobson's daughter Everest Lucas was born via surrogacy in June 2013 and Lucas wants to be able to spend as much time with his young child as possible.  He told USA Today, "The time is more important to me than the money."

Lucas also touched upon his one regret from his time on Star Wars and why he's excited about the next film.  He said,
"The only thing I really regret about Star Wars is the fact I never got to see it — I never got to be blown out of my seat when the ship came over the screen.  The next one, I'll be able to enjoy it like anybody else."

I don't think any of us can blame Lucas for wanting to have the same experience we've all had as a result of his work and hopefully JJ Abrams and crew can make a film that gives Lucas that experience.  Also, I think it's fascinating to get this insight into how Lucas originally intended to make the sequel trilogy.  We'll never know what a George Lucas directed Episode VII will look like or how different Lucas' vision for the sequels is from what we see on screen beginning December 18th, 2015 (ok, maybe we'll find out the latter 30 years from now in a "Making Of The Force Awakens" book).

 
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9 comments:

Aaron said...

Nobody could stomach another uninspiring, campy cheese-fest from this sad man. Lucas was a pioneer, but lost his vision along the way. The franchise is better off without him.

Unknown said...

Sounds like butthurt from a person who cannot accept reality for what it is. Without him you wouldn't even have star wars. Be grateful.

Unknown said...

I'm excited for the new films. New directors, new experiences

Unknown said...

I would have to say the quality of Lucas Films' special effects has been worth the price of viewing or owning the DVDs/cassette tapes.

Christie said...

Lucas made films what they are today. With all the special effects and sound. He will always be a legend. I'm looking forward to the new movies but it won't be the same

Unknown said...

Thanks to Lucas we have Pixar, non-linear editing, surround in all cinema's, ILM special effects, Star wars of course and he laid the foundation of HD and Digital Cinema

Unknown said...

Agree, the prequel trilogy may not be perfect but the original created an entire universe for us to enjoy. That being said I'm glad he's letting new blood take over. The more SW, the better!

Unknown said...

Cudos to George to have the insight to pass the torch on and realize how important it is to spend the time with his young child! These are years that he could never get back and kids grow uo so fast. He will always be invloved with Star Wars and he has designed and built an empire that Palpatine would be proud of no matter the faults of the movies. Oh yes how much money does he have ? " a billion or so" time to live the dream! Live long and prosper!

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