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George Lucas reveals his opinion on The Force Awakens

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George Lucas reveals his opinion on The Force Awakens


For the first time, George Lucas spoke about The Force Awakens, making it clear that it wasn’t as impressive as we expected

In the world of cinema, few figures are as emblematic as George Lucas, the mind behind the Star Wars universe. However, following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, Lucas has kept a low profile, largely avoiding the public eye on the sequels that Disney has released. However, his opinion on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is probably the most revealing and critical of all. Impressed? It doesn’t seem like that much.

The reluctant innovator

Since the release of the trailer, the hype for The Force Awakens has been huge. Not only did it mark the return of a beloved franchise, but it also promised new adventures and new characters. However, for Lucas, this return to distant galaxies was not what he expected. At an event in 2015, Lucas diplomatically stated that the film “is the kind of movie fans have been looking for.” At first glance, this could be interpreted as praise, but knowing his history of being critical of fans’ expectations and desires, especially with the prequel trilogy, Lucas’ words carry a different weight.

During his first viewing of The Force Awakens, Lucas shared with Bob Iger, then CEO of Disney, that the film offered “nothing new.” In essence, the film revisits numerous elements of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, from a protagonist raised on a desert planet to a superweapon capable of destroying planets. These parallels are not only nostalgic but also indicative of a conservative approach that arguably sought to capture the essence of the early films rather than explore new frontiers.

Luke’s forgotten legacy

Lucas isn’t just known for creating fascinating stories; He is also a pioneer in the technical field of filmmaking. Founder of Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound, he promoted innovations that revolutionized the cinema of his time. Perhaps that’s why his disappointment with The Force Awakens is doubly significant. According to reports, Lucas noted the lack of significant visual and technical advancements in the film, an aspect that had always been central to previous Star Wars installments.

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While Lucas has been more open about his discontent with The Force Awakens, his opinion on the other films in the sequel trilogy is less known. While he praised “The Last Jedi” for its technical beauty and appears to have enjoyed “Rogue One,” his silence on The Rise of Skywalker is quite telling. Despite his limited attendance, Lucas was not present at the premiere of the final film in the trilogy, which could be interpreted as an even greater departure from the direction the saga has taken under Disney’s tutelage.

A delicate balance in The Force Awakens

Rey, the protagonist of The Force Awakens, symbolizes both a return to the origins and an effort to introduce new blood into the saga. Born on the desolate planet Jakku, her story echoes that of Luke Skywalker, but with unique nuances that seek to revitalize the franchise. Despite that, Lucas saw his arc as a repetition rather than a renewalunderlining the tension between satisfying longtime fans and appealing to a new generation.

Compare Rey to classic characters like Luke or even with Anakin Skywalker reveals surprising differences and similarities. While Luke and Anakin were products of their time, facing conflicts that reflected the themes of their respective eras, Rey seems designed to resonate with contemporary themes of identity and personal discovery. However, for Lucas, these structural similarities detracted from The Force Awakens’ ability to offer something truly new to the canon of Star Wars.

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Some statements that change everything

Lucas’ stance on The Force Awakens and his reluctance to become deeply involved in subsequent sequels highlight a conflict between his original vision and the current interpretation of his universe. While fans may enjoy the return of beloved characters and the introduction of new heroes, Lucas’s lack of innovation and new narratives may be perceived as a step backwards rather than forwards. Perhaps what The Force Awakens really reveals is a clash between nostalgia and the need to explore new horizons in the vast Star Wars universe.

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