It’s official: the highly anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open in 2026. Whether you’ve been geeking out about this since the idea was first floated or just heard about it, this project is shaping up to be a galactic beacon for lovers of storytelling, cinema, comics, and gaming. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into why this museum is worth the hype and how it could become the ultimate destination for fans of Star Wars and beyond. What is the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art? At its core, the Lucas Museum is George Lucas’s love letter to storytelling in all its forms. Unlike traditional museums that often focus on a single medium, this one breaks the mold. It’s set to celebrate narrative art from every imaginable angle—movies, comic books, video games, paintings, and more. The museum’s design itself is a story worth telling. The futuristic…
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George Lucas Without a Beard? The Plot Twist No One Saw Coming
It’s almost impossible to picture George Lucas without his signature beard. The iconic creator of Star Wars has been synonymous with his facial hair for decades, so much so that it’s hard to imagine him without it. But in a twist straight out of a Hollywood script, there was a brief moment in time when the bearded legend decided to shave it all off—and the result is truly fascinating. The Year Was 1987: George Lucas Goes Beardless The year was 1987, and George Lucas was making waves not just in cinema but also in theme park innovation. At the time, he was heavily involved in promoting Star Tours, a groundbreaking collaboration with Disney that brought the Star Wars universe to life as a thrilling ride. To mark the occasion, Lucas appeared on the cover of Disney News magazine—sans beard. Yes, the beard that had become as much a part of…
George Lucas Almost Killed Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace—Here’s Why He Changed It
Star Wars fans, prepare to have your minds blown! Remember 1999? The return of the Force with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace after 16 years was a massive event for fans and critics alike. But what if the movie you saw back then wasn’t the one George Lucas originally had in mind? Yes, you read that right. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the beloved Jedi Master, was almost written off in The Phantom Menace—a twist so wild it would’ve reshaped the entire Star Wars universe. Let’s dive into this alternate story, the mind-bending identity switch, and how close we came to a Star Wars history that’s hard to believe. Lucas’s Original Plan: Qui-Gon Jinn as Obi-Wan Kenobi? According to concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig, George Lucas initially envisioned a completely different storyline for The Phantom Menace. In this version, the wise and reserved Jedi Master wasn’t Qui-Gon Jinn, but Obi-Wan Kenobi. Confused…
Twelve Years Since the Deal: How Disney’s $4 Billion Purchase of Lucasfilm Changed Star Wars Forever
In the galaxy of blockbuster deals, few are as legendary as Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, and by extension, Star Wars. Twelve years ago today, George Lucas handed over his empire—lightsabers, Sith Lords, Ewoks, and all—to the Mouse House for a staggering $4.05 billion. It was the end of an era and the beginning of a… new one, to say the least. Since then, fans have been on a ride that’s seen both a rise of new hope and the inevitable revenge of the critiques. So, let’s hop in our Millennium Falcon of memory and take a hyper-speed journey through what that $4.05 billion brought into our universe. Ready? Punch it! The Deal That Shook the Galaxy (And Hollywood) On October 30, 2012, news hit the internet faster than Han Solo could make the Kessel Run: Disney had bought Lucasfilm. The deal included everything from the beloved Star Wars franchise to…
The Financial Impact of Disney’s Acquisition of Star Wars
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 for a staggering $4.05 billion, eyebrows were raised, and speculation about the future of Star Wars ran wild. Would the House of Mouse respect George Lucas’s galaxy far, far away, or would it transform it into a commercial juggernaut at the expense of its soul? Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say that Disney’s acquisition has been a financial triumph, even if the force has been slightly more controversial among fans. From blockbuster films and endless merchandise to theme park expansions and streaming success, Disney’s strategic moves have turned Star Wars into one of the most lucrative franchises in entertainment history. Let’s break down how Disney has maximized the financial potential of Star Wars while ensuring that no opportunity to capitalize on the galaxy’s appeal has been left unexplored. The Box Office Power of the Sequel Trilogy and Spin-offs A long time…
How NSYNC Almost Got ‘Bye Bye Bye’d’ into a Galaxy Far, Far Away: A Tale of Jedi and Pop Stars
Picture this: It’s 2001, *NSYNC is at the zenith of their boy band glory, and George Lucas is deep into crafting the next chapter of the beloved Star Wars saga. Amid lightsabers and droid armies, a pop culture phenomenon is about to collide with a galaxy far, far away. Yes, my friends, *NSYNC almost ended up as Jedi in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.” Let’s explore this near-crossover of epic proportions and draw some parallels with the unexpected guest appearances in “The Mandalorian” Season 3 featuring none other than Jack Black and Lizzo. The Prelude to the Epic (or Hilarious) Crossover Back in the early 2000s, if you weren’t doing the “Bye Bye Bye” dance, were you even living? *NSYNC, consisting of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick, was the epitome of cool, with legions of fans swooning over their every…
George Lucas Praises Disney Plus’ Obi-Wan Kenobi Series
George Lucas, the visionary creator of Star Wars, may have stepped back from the forefront of the franchise, but his spirit and legacy continue to influence its ongoing expansions. Recently, during an interview with Full of Sith, Lucasfilm Story Group member Pablo Hidalgo shared insights into Lucas’s involvement and thoughts on the Disney Plus series Obi-Wan Kenobi. George Lucas’s Involvement and Approval Early in the development of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the creators faced the challenge of crafting a narrative set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope—a period well-trodden and familiar to fans. To ensure the series would resonate well and stay true to the saga’s heart, the team consulted George Lucas himself. “Part of that was interfacing with George. Early on, there was a conversation had with George over what his thoughts were… He was 100% supportive,” Hidalgo explained. This endorsement was crucial, as it helped guide the…
Rumor: George Lucas to Return to Star Wars? Insights on the Buzz at Lucasfilm
The Star Wars community is abuzz with rumors that George Lucas, the original creator of the iconic franchise, might be making a return to Lucasfilm. This speculation has sparked excitement and nostalgia among fans, leading to widespread discussion about the potential impact of his return on the future of Star Wars. Origins of the Rumor The rumor began circulating following a report from a well-known entertainment website, which suggested that Lucas could be involved in an advisory capacity for upcoming Star Wars projects. According to insider sources, Lucasfilm might be looking to integrate Lucas’s vision to guide the next phase of Star Wars films and series. Possible Roles for George Lucas If the rumors hold true, George Lucas could play a variety of roles in the new era of Star Wars: Creative Advisor Lucas could serve as a creative advisor, offering insights and guidance on narrative development, character arcs, and…
George Lucas to be Honored with Palme d’Or at Cannes: A Tribute to a Cinematic Visionary
In an announcement that has the cinematic world abuzz, George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones sagas, is poised to receive the prestigious honorary Palme d’Or Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. This accolade is a testament to Lucas’ unparalleled impact on the film industry, not only as a storyteller but also as a technological innovator. Scheduled for May 25th during the festival’s Closing Ceremony, this recognition places Lucas in the pantheon of cinematic legends who have profoundly influenced Hollywood and global cinema. Forbes recently crowned Lucas atop its World’s Richest Celebrities list, highlighting a net worth of $5.5 Billion — a testament to his enduring legacy and commercial success. Lucas’ directorial endeavors account for 10 of the 100 highest-grossing movies in American box office history, marking him as one of the industry’s most commercially successful filmmakers. Beyond his narrative genius, Lucas revolutionized filmmaking through…
George Lucas Crowned the Richest Celebrity by Forbes in 2024: A Galactic Fortune
In a revelation that has sent ripples across the entertainment galaxy, Forbes has announced that George Lucas, the visionary creator of “Star Wars” and founder of Lucasfilm, has ascended to the pinnacle of its list of the world’s richest entertainers in 2024. With an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion, Lucas’s financial empire is as expansive as the universe he created, positioning him at the zenith of celebrity wealth. The Disney Acquisition: A Turning Point The cornerstone of Lucas’s immense fortune can be traced back to October 30, 2012, when The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm—and with it, the “Star Wars” franchise—for a staggering $4.05 billion in cash and shares. This landmark deal not only transferred the reins of the beloved space opera to Disney but also granted Lucas significant stock options, which have been instrumental in propelling his net worth to its current astronomical figure. Life After Lucasfilm Since…
George Lucas: The Unexpected Triumph of Star Wars
In the realm of cinema, few franchises have achieved the legendary status of “Star Wars.” Yet, its creator, George Lucas, initially dismissed the groundbreaking film’s success, convinced that his passion project would be a quirky flop. This tale of Lucas’s initial skepticism offers a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the journey of an artist. A Complicated Relationship with Art Artists often grapple with the reception of their work. Whether it’s a creation that doesn’t resonate with audiences or a passion project that becomes a commercial juggernaut, filmmakers tread a delicate path. For Lucas, the 1977 release of “Star Wars” (later retitled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1981) was a labor of love, an unconventional sci-fi film that he had nurtured for years. Given its offbeat narrative – a tale of Luke Skywalker venturing from his home planet to embrace the…
George Lucas’ Reaction to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Unveiled
George Lucas, the creator of the “Star Wars” saga, has been largely reticent about sharing his opinions on Disney’s iteration of the Star Wars movies. However, new light has been shed on his reaction to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” by one of the film’s writers, Tony Gilroy. A Stamp of Approval from the Maker Himself In a recent interview with Pete Hammond on the Deadline video series “Behind the Lens“, Gilroy revealed his conversation with Lucas after he saw “Rogue One”. The conversation, which lasted about 45 minutes, was the only time Gilroy had ever spoken to Lucas. “George Lucas called me after Rogue, I had a 45-minute conversation with him after he saw Rogue, and that’s the only time I’ve ever spoken to him. He loved it. He really did. He had a lot of things to say that I… It was like a call from the…
Happy 79th Birthday, George Lucas: A Celebration of a Cinematic Visionary
As the world spins into another day, we are given a chance to celebrate a living legend, an icon in the film industry, George Lucas. Today, May 19, 2023, marks the 79th birthday of this incredible artist, a day we honor and appreciate his enormous contributions to the realm of cinematic storytelling. George Lucas, born in Modesto, California in 1944, started his journey in the film industry with a fervent passion for storytelling and an innovative vision for what cinema could become. Over the years, he has become a pillar of not just American cinema, but global cinema, having written and directed films that have inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. His name is synonymous with the immensely popular ‘Star Wars’ franchise, a cultural phenomenon that has continued to capture the imaginations of millions around the world since its inception in 1977. ‘Star Wars’ was more than just a…
Petition to Bring George Lucas Back to Star Wars
He sold out. He said he won’t do anymore films. He had some choice words for Disney when he said he’d sold his children to “white slavers” but then backpedaled and later said he was happy with the fine job Disney was doing with the films. Whatever your personal thoughts about Lucas and his role with the franchise to date, there are some who want to see him return to directing the films. In fact, there are some who wish to see this so badly, they’re petitioning Kathleen Kennedy and Disney via Change.org to bring him back. As the petition reads: Bring back George Lucas for the Star Wars movies. Put the father of the franchise as director of Episode IX . We really want this, please . We have no problem with Colin Trevorrow , but he’s not the right guy to direct Star Wars Episode IX . George Lucas…
Is George Lucas Having Seller’s Regret Over the Star Wars Franchise?
Apparently George Lucas now has seller’s regret over the current management of the Star Wars franchise. He doesn’t like the way it’s being handled. He likens it to a breakup, where you just need to move forward and stop looking back (making phone calls, driving by the house, etc.). Has the space opera turned into a soap opera? Perhaps one of the most controversial comments he made were to say he sold Star Wars to “white slavers”, a comment he would later apologize (backpedal?) for. In case you missed the drama as it played out on social media and the news over the past day or two, George Lucas did an interview with Charlie Rose and talked about Star Wars, his arrangement with Disney and more. As part of this interview, the controversial comments above were mentioned. “I sold them to the white slavers that takes these things, and…,” Lucas said…
George Lucas Explains Why He Doesn’t Want to Direct Any More ‘Star Wars’ Movies
A very long time ago, George Lucas was just an experimental filmmaker. However, once Star Wars came along, it took over Hollywood and Lucas’ life. The filmmaker says there will be no more and he is done. “You go to make a movie and all you do is get criticized,” Lucas told Vanity Fair. “People try to make decisions about what you’re going to do before you do it. It’s not much fun. You can’t experiment. You have to do it a certain way.” He went into more detail on his remarks to CBS News. “The issue was ultimately, they looked at the stories, and they said, ‘We want to make something for the fans,’ ” Lucas said, presumably referring to Disney, which purchased Lucasfilm — including the “Star Wars” franchise — in 2012.”People don’t actually realize it’s actually a soap opera, and it’s all about family problems; it’s not…
How George Lucas Built His $4 Billion ‘Star Wars’ Empire
Disney CEO Bob Iger released a report to all shareholders to update them on the Star Wars films status. These rights were acquired after Disney purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas on December 12, 2012 for a whopping $4.05 billion. Because Lucas owned all of the company he pocketed every single dime. “Next year, we’ll release our first standalone movie based on these characters, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII in 2017, and we’ll finish the trilogy with Episode IX in 2019,” wrote Iger. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the first installment for the new trilogy, and it will be the seventh film in the entire Star Wars franchise. George Lucas participated in an interview with Robert Redford for a discussion on the independent film at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. This discussion was give the title, Power of Story: Visions of Independence and it all took place at the…
Did Disney Abandon George Lucas’s Ideas for The Force Awakens? Does It Matter?
A quote from George Lucas on his ideas for Episode VII has kicked off some interesting discussion online lately. The ones that I sold to Disney, they came up to the decision that they didn’t really want to do those. So they made up their own. So it’s not the ones that I originally wrote [on screen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens]. Lucas said that in an interview with Nick Romano of Cinemablend, and the article published by Romano goes into some speculation as to what that means. He brings up some footage from 1983 that he says could have hinted as Lucas’s plans for seventh installment, but that seems like pretty shaky material. Slashfilm engaged in some further speculation about the sequence of events, discussing writer Michael Arndt’s departure over his disagreements with JJ Abrams. According to the rumor mill—via Slashfilm—both Lucas and Arndt wanted to focus on younger characters, while…
Stormtroopers in Chicago Want George Lucas Museum
How much do you love Star Wars? What would you do if a George Lucas museum was potentially being built near you? Would you go out of your way to do whatever it takes to make this museum happen? Well, this is exactly what is happening in Chicago. There is the potential for a museum to be built and Star Wars fans and coming together to try to make sure it happens. Local Stormtroopers are falling into line behind Chicago’s bid to become the site of a museum devoted to the work of “Star Wars” filmmaker George Lucas. The Chicago Tribune reports: Chicago-area members of the 501st Legion — a 6,600-member international organization of Star Wars fans who dress in the white body armor of the Galactic Empire — are hoping to make a show of force Wednesday at a public hearing of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Lucas Museum Task Force…
1981 Prequel Meeting to the Prequels
Huffington post in honor of the coming 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi on May 25th, published an excerpt from the soon to be released (October), “The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” by J.W. Rinzler. It was from a meeting held in the summer of 1981 which describes the prequels from the mind of George Lucas. It’s interesting to see how ideas changed and evolved between 1981 and 2005, in particular the birth and first two years of the twins including Yoda’s lightsaber skills. Also notice the keen eye on writer Lawrence Kasdan whose imagination helped Lucas evolve the vision right here in this meeting. He is also confirmed as a consultant for the upcoming 2015 Star Wars films. The preview of the book is direct from Huffington Post, the film images are added by me to coincide with the 1981 meeting. REVENGE OF THE JEDI…
Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher Back for ‘Star Wars’ via George Lucas
We brought you the rumor yesterday of Carrie Fisher returning to Star Wars and it seems today it was confirmed true by George Lucas. But of course, that’s not all! According to Lucas, the whole crew will be back together in the new films- Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher! The original stars of the series have previously hinted that they would be making a comeback but this is the first “official” word that it is true. Yahoo Movies reports: “”We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison — or we were pretty much in final stages of negotiation. So I called them to say, ‘Look, this is what’s going on,’” Lucas told Bloomberg Businessweek when asked about whether he kept the actors in the loop about the Disney acquisition. So it looks like some of the stars had already signed on the dotted line before they even knew…
George Lucas Says Han Never Shot First; Addresses Disgruntled Fans
“Changes are not unusual — I mean, most movies when they release them they make changes. But somehow, when I make the slightest change, everybody thinks it’s the end of the world,” Lucas told the Hollywood Reporter. Remember when we told you about George Lucas retiring from Star Wars and how he blamed the haters? Well, he’s back with another interview to defend himself and his creative works. He’s been doing quite a few interviews lately to help promote his newest brainchild, “Red Tails”. He discusses how the fans take his work so seriously and says “When I make the slightest change, everyone think it’s the end of the world.” When you look at all the controversies that have come up regarding Star Wars, the movies and the different versions of them, it’s easy to see where he gets this opinion. As a Star Wars fan, I can understand but…
George Lucas to Retire from Star Wars: Blames Disgruntled Fans
Have you ever felt unappreciated in your job or maybe in some other role in your life? As a full-time writer, I can tell you that I definitely know the feeling. However, someone you might not expect to know that feeling is George Lucas. At 67, he’s created an empire of himself, namely with his Star Wars legacy and also four popular Indiana Jones films. So you can imagine Lucas’ surprise when he pitched his new film, “Red Tails” and no one from Hollywood even wanted to take a peak. The New York Times reports on what must have been a new feeling for George Lucas: “He made a movie about a plucky band of freedom fighters who battle an evil empire — a movie loaded with special effects like no one had seen before.” In an interview with the New York Times, Lucas explains why he is retiring from…