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George Lucas createdStar Warsback in 1977, hoping to make a sci-fi film with breathtaking visual effects that would resonate with children. However, Lucas ended up launching one of the most beloved and commercially successful franchises in the process, which is thriving even today. As a result, even Lucas could not have predicted the widespread impact of his film.
Despite primarily wanting to cater to children, Lucas had subtle but clever allusions to real-world politics in the first movie and the original trilogy. As the 2024 United States presidential election is around the corner, it might be worth reflecting upon Lucas’ poignant liberal messaging in theStar Warsfranchise, which continues to dabble in politics even today.
George Lucas AdmittedStar WarsWas Meant to Have Strokes of Liberal Politics
George Lucasdirected 1977’sStar Wars, which was a major critical and commercial success. The film was primarily aimed at children, which is evident from the simple plot and several comedic side characters. However, Lucas also intentionally layered some subtle political commentary in the movie.
During an interview with theChicago Tribune, Lucas opened up about some of the allusions to real-world political events in the movie. The filmmaker revealed that he first conceived the film’s story when many Americans were questioning the policies of President Richard Nixon.
It was really about the Vietnam War, and that was the period where Nixon was trying to run for a [second] term, which got me to thinking historically about how do democracies get turned into dictatorships? Because the democracies aren’t overthrown; they’re given away.
Lucas made the above statement, strongly suggesting thatStar Warswas his way of presenting forward his liberal ideas following the Vietnam War. The same anti-war and pro-Vietcong ideology can be seen inReturn of the Jedi, wherein the rebels and the technologically backward Ewoks defeat the Empire.
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Furthermore, Lucas alsoreportedlybased the character of Emperor Palpatine on Nixon. Actor Ian McDiarmid alsoconfirmedthat at least aspects of the Emperor’s personality were inspired by Nixon. Moreover, arough draftof the script for the first film features a planet called Aquillae akin to Vietnam, further underlining the political inspirations behindStar Wars.
Despite Being For ChildrenStar WarsHas Always Been Political
Lucas’s statement about the political inspirations behind the firstStar Warsmovie proves that despite aiming the film at children the epic space opera saga has always been political. The political allusions did not end with the original trilogy as Lucas’ original idea of exploring how a democracy turns into a dictatorship is precisely the basis of the prequel trilogy.
No matter who you look at in history, the story is always the same. That’s what’s eerie. It was a little eerie that things have developed the way they have.
Lucas made the above comment in the same Chicago Tribune interview, addressing the similarities between the prequels and George W. Bush’s term as the President. As a result, while Lucas did not originally envision the prequels as a commentary on the 9/11 attacks and the USA’s military policies in its aftermath the resemblance was uncanny.
Furthermore, the filmmakerreportedlycompared Bush with Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader while calling former Vice President Dick Cheney the equivalent of Emperor Palpatine. The events of the Clone Wars have also been compared to the American Civil War. More recent projects such asRogue OneandAndoralso have strong political themes, proving thatStar Warswill continue to reflect on politics for a long time to come.
TheStar Warsmovies and shows are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
