George Lucas defends Star Wars diversity, highlights that most characters are aliens
George Lucas reignited the conversation around Star Wars this time at the Cannes Film Festival. At an event at the popular festival, Lucas spoke about his most consistent criticism of the first six films in the galactic saga.
Lucas did not shy away from expressing his frustration with people claiming that his films were dominated by white people. “Many people are aliens!” he shouted. In response, Lucas emphasized that the goal of the saga is to accept everyone, regardless of their appearance, whether they’re “big and hairy or green.” According to Lucas, equality is a major theme in the Star Wars universe.
George Lucas on the Star Wars franchise
The creator of the saga mentioned discrimination in the Star Wars universe. According to him, only robots are discriminated against in movies. “It was a way of saying that people are always biased against something and sooner or later that’s what happens,” he said. He also mentioned how we can start trusting artificial intelligence in the real world.
Lucas defended himself against the lack of racial diversity in his films. Remember that in the first film there were dark skinned Tunisians and in the second film it included Billy Dee Williams. Additionally, in the prequels, he introduced Samuel L. Jackson as a very important Jedi, emphasizing that not all characters of color are “rogues” like Lando Calrissian.
Star Wars Heroes
Lucas was equally adamant when it came to female representation. He emphasized the important role played by characters like Princess Leia and Queen Amidala. “Who do you think are the heroes in these stories?” Leia, according to Lucas, is the leader of the rebellion, leading both an inexperienced youth and a talented pilot to save the galaxy. The same goes for Amydala, the key strategist.
Lucas added that being a hero is not about the clothes women wear, but about their mental and strategic skills. “They can wear whatever they want. It’s their intelligence and their ability that makes them heroes,” he said.
Lucas will be in Cannes to receive the prestigious Palme d’Or at the closing ceremony of the festival. This recognition is not only for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but also for his contribution to the entertainment industry through Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light and Magic and THX.
Reflections on his career and Cannes
Recalling his first participation in Cannes with THX-1138, Lucas expressed his deep connection with the festival. “The Cannes Film Festival has always had a special place in my heart,” he said in a statement. His first film was nominated for the Directors Guild of America, and since then, he has returned in various roles over the years.
The 77th edition of the festival is even more special for Lucas as Indiana Jones premiered last year’s The Last Call of Destiny. Sharing the red carpet this year with other cinema greats such as Francis Ford Coppola and Paul Schrader, it made this edition a meeting of cinema titans.
With this look and powerful expressions, George Lucas not only honors his legacy, but also challenges critical stereotypes, reaffirming his vision of a truly diverse and inclusive universe.