‘Star Wars’ creator George Lucas says he’s retiring from blockbusters
It was three years ago this month, on the heels of the 35th Anniversary of “Star Wars,” creator George Lucas officially announces that he’s stepping away from blockbusters, essentially retiring to more ‘experimental’ projects.
The 68-year-old filmmaker appears to moving away from large, big budget Hollywood films and will ‘retire’ to his garage.
In the new Empire Magazine, the except was published Wednesday, the “American Graffiti” director announced his new focus.
“I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theaters.”
While Lucas didn’t address his involvement in a fifth Indiana Jones film, it appears that Lucas will be removed from LucasFilm and their projects.
“I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies.”
Fans and critics have been very harsh towards Lucas, starting with 1999’s “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” a box office success which was panned by critics and Star Wars followers alike.
“Why would I make any more, when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?”
This was no surprise Sci-Fi and Star Wars fans because back in January, while promoting “Red Tails,” Lucas made these same claims to the NY Times. “Red Tails” may be a great example of the type of challenges ahead for Lucas as the film featured an all-black cast and Lucas revealed how Hollywood refused to support the film.
Besides the “Indiana Jones 5” project, Lucas is listed as a producer on a “Star Wars” TV series with FOX. Officially titled “Star Wars: Underworld,” the series hasn’t been cast yet or set many details.