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George Lucas created theStar Warsuniverse with the 1977 original, which became an instant blockbuster. The filmmaker expanded the movie into a franchise, with the space opera saga continuing to captivate audiences across the globe even today. However, despite the franchise’s long-standing success, one founding father abandoned it very early on.
Gary Kurtz worked as a producer on the first two installments in Lucas’ original trilogy ofStar Warsmovies. However, the producer later stepped away from the space opera saga before Lucas could conclude the original trilogy. In an interview, Kurtz revealed why he stepped away from the franchise and the reason might surprise some fans.
Producer Gary Kurtz Reveals Why He Stepped Away From the George Lucas’Star WarsFranchise
Gary Kurtz first collaborated with filmmakerGeorge Lucason the 1973 coming-of-age comedy-drama filmAmerican Graffiti, which proved to be a major commercial success. The duo later worked together on 1977’sStar Wars, which was an even bigger critical and financial success.
Kurtz also served as the producer for the sequel, 1980’sThe Empire Strikes Back. However, Kurtz left Lucasfilm shortly after completing work on the film. He was not involved in the production ofReturn of the Jedi, which concluded Lucas’ original trilogy.
Years later, Kurtz revealed that he parted ways with Lucas because he was unhappy with the direction the franchise was headed.
I could see where things were headed. The toy business began to drive the [Lucasfilm] empire. It’s a shame. They make three times as much on toys as they do on films.
Kurtz made the above statement (viaLos Angeles Times), explaining his decision to move away from Lucasfilm as the company was more interested in the toy business than making a good film.
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At the same time, Kurtz explained that while he understood the need to protect the toy business, he was unhappy with the creative choices being made for the same and how they were affecting the movies being produced under Lucasfilm. Therefore, Kurtz, who had been one of the founding fathers of Lucasfilm and theStar Warsfranchise, parted ways with George Lucas.
Gary Kurtz Critcized George Lucas For MakingStar WarsPrequels
During the same interview with the LA Times, Kurtz also reflected on the direction of theStar Warsfranchise after he departed. After completing the original trilogy, Lucas returned to the galaxy far, far away to make the prequel trilogy. However, the films received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
I don’t like the idea of prequels, they make the filmmakers back in to material they’ve already covered and it boxes in the story.
Kurtz made the above statement, seemingly criticizing Lucas’ choice to go back and make the prequels, which detail the backstory of Darth Vader.
The producer further stated while he wasn’t a fan of filmmakers making prequels, he thought Lucas did a pretty decent job withtheStar Warsprequel entries. However, Kurtz admitted that he was not a fan of actor Hayden Christensen’s performance as Anakin Skywalker. Nonetheless, it seemed like Kurtz did not have any qualms about quitting the franchise when he did.
TheStar Warsmovies and TV 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.
