Lucas Retires from Blockbuster Movies

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In an announcement that will probably be as though thousands of voices suddenly cried out and then were silenced, George Lucas said that he is retiring from making blockbuster films like Star Wars after the Red Tails promotional period was over.

News of his comment spread across the internet like wildfire, even though it was a day that had many sites blacked out due to SOPA protests. For some, it was sad news that there would be no more film installments of their beloved Star Wars, many holding onto some glimmer of hope we’d see Episodes 7, 8, and 9. But for others, such as the rabid fanboys, they are probably wringing together their hands, muttering “Excellent” under their breath.

Many put Lucas in the same category as Disney and Henson, but there is a difference, a difference that has plagued him throughout his career. He sees the art of movie making as a personal passion of his, not his fans. This was made quite clear in his reasoning for abandoning the call of the box office. He is angered by those that criticize or demonize him for changing his works as he sees fit, saying that it has his name on it and therefore he has the right to do with the movies as he pleases and that should be embraced by the fan base. But it’s not. We’ve all seen horrific comments made on many a message board about everything from Jar Jar Binks to the recent addition of “Noooooooo!” to the scene where Vader throws the Emperor down the shaft. In contrast, when Disney and Henson were alive, they had a great passion for what they did, but they also had a great love for the fans and how they would perceive what they did. In other words, they made art for those that loved their work, rather than for themselves. Course, that’s not to say that they did not have similar critiques over the years by their own rabid fans. Just look at the recent Muppet shakeup.

Now there is nothing wrong with doing art for yourself. As an artist, I make art for myself. But what makes it seem a bit selfish is because his movies and work are a two way street. Lucas has enjoyed a very lavish lifestyle through the years because of the fans of his movies. Even the most rabid who might scream bloody murder when who shot first is mentioned still buy all of his stuff and that cash flow allows him to be the billionaire he is. And so there is something about giving back to the fans as well and considering their input as the art comes to life.

Many wonder where this leaves Indiana Jones 5, although after 4, people are wondering if there should even be a 5. Lucas has not ruled out collaborating once again with Stephen Spielberg on such a film in the future, but it’s probably not going to be his priority at the moment.

So what is Lucas going to do? Well he could just sit back at 67 and enjoy the rest of life without having to lift a finger towards anything, but many close to him speculate that he will dabble in the independent film genre, making small films that resemble his early works. Also he has a ton of Star Wars related items going on still such as the animated series on Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars, and perhaps an upcoming live action TV series. So it’s doubtful we’ll see the last of him, just maybe not in the credits of the latest summer blockbuster.
 
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