What were the most significant influences on George Lucas in making Star Wars Episode IV?
Lucas has said that the plot and characters in the 1958 Japanese film The Hidden Fortress, directed by Akira Kurosawa, was a major inspiration. Additionally, the film influenced Lucas to tell the story of Star Wars from the viewpoint of the humble droids, rather than a major player.
Were Ewoks created to sell toys?
According to Tami Katzoff of MTV News, “a prevailing theory among Ewok-haters is that the creatures were originally conceived as a sure way to appeal to small children and sell plush toys to their parents.” Others enjoy the Ewoks, and they have proven to be very popular with children from their introduction in 1983 to …
Did Richard Marquand really direct Return of the Jedi?
Occupation. Richard Marquand was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1937. While he is best known as the director of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, he is also known for his other works, including the World War II thriller Eye of the Needle, starring Donald Sutherland, and Jagged Edge. His son is Jim Marquand.
Why didn’t George Lucas direct Star Wars 2?
Lucas decided not to go back to a galaxy, far, far away as director because he wanted to focus on his other production roles, as well as on his special effects company Industrial Light & Magic and financing the film.
Is George Lucas bankrolling a new ‘Star Wars’ trilogy?
Now, a new report indicates that Lucas may be bankrolling an upcoming Star Wars trilogy, effectively taking back much of the creative control he lost when sitting Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy was put in charge of the Star Wars galaxy.
Why did George Lucas change the title of Return of the Jedi?
The laws of ‘Return of the Jedi’ weren’t governed by art or common sense or the needs and requirements of the screenplay – the revenue generated from action figures, boxes of novelty cereal and pajamas governed them. Lucas found that the original title of the third film, ‘Revenge of the Jedi,’ was too harsh, so he softened that as well.
How did George Lucas change the tone of ‘Star Wars’?
This was one of a number of decisions that George Lucas made while constructing “Return of the Jedi” that would forever alter the spirit and tone of “Star Wars.” What had been a rollicking throwback to Saturday morning serials had, with the sequel, “ Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ,” become deeper, darker and more spiritual.