Summary
Star Warscreator George Lucas didn’t hide his dissatisfaction withStar Wars: The Force Awakens, and it’s become quite clear why. Unfortunately, theStar Warssequel trilogy remains controversial in the franchise, and many still perceive the sequels to be some ofStar Wars’worst movies. Admittedly, amongStar Warsmovies and TV shows, the sequels are some of the more disappointing—there seemed to be nearly unlimited potential for this era ofStar Wars, yet the movies ultimately fell back on old ideas.
This was certainly part of George Lucas' grievance withThe Force Awakens, as he, like many viewers, critiqued the high number of similarities between this movie andA New Hope. However, Lucas' criticism of the sequels,The Force Awakensin particular, went far beyond just the plot points the sequel trilogy’s first movie repeated. Rather,George Lucas had very specific issues withThe Force Awakens, from its storyline to its visuals—and I have to say, I agree.
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George Lucas Wasn’t Just Talking About The Plot
George Lucas' statements about DisneyStar Warsmake it clear that he hasn’t been entirely pleased with the direction the franchise has taken since he sold the rights to Disney. RegardingThe Force Awakensin particular, Lucas has indicated disappointment that the movie didn’t take greater, more innovative risks and, in Lucas' view, lacked originality. Interestingly,this seems to have been directly linked to the Disney acquisition, at least in terms of Lucas' perspective.
George Lucas feltThe Force Awakensfollowed the original trilogy’s arc and details so closely because it was made for fans.
Specifically, George Lucas feltThe Force Awakensfollowed the original trilogy’s arc and details so closely because it was made for fans. Presumably, this felt quite distinct from how Lucas felt he would have handled the sequels—after all, Lucas was no stranger to making controversial decisions in hisStar Warsmovies in the name of innovation. This was certainly the case for prequel trilogy concepts such as midi-chlorians.
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In truth, this very well may have been the case. It’s not difficult to imagine that Disney wanted to have a slam dunk first movie, which could easily have led to repeating (intentionally or not) so much of the original trilogy. However,George Lucas felt this lack of innovation went beyond just the story. Rather, Lucas has also highlighted the visuals and the uses of technology inThe Force Awakensas being unoriginal.
George Lucas Is An Artist, Not A Writer
It makes sense that George Lucas would take issue not just with a repeated plot but also with a lack of innovative visual effects, imagery, and uses of technology.For Lucas,Star Warshas always been about creative, new, and exciting ideas. From the very beginning, this franchise was breaking the mold, and it continued to do so even as it was met with backlash and criticism in the prequel trilogy era. In fact, Lucas has been quick to acknowledge where the sequels succeeded, and he has praisedStar Wars: The Last Jedifor its beautiful visuals.
Lucas' perception ofThe Last Jediis also one generally shared by audiences, who, even if they disliked the story, agree that the movie is visually stunning. Clearly, George Lucas isn’t just lashing out at the sequels because they were made by Disney; he has proven very willing to acknowledge what DisneyStar Warshas done well. Rather, George Lucas took issue withStar Wars: The Force Awakensbecause it failed to deliver innovation and originality, and, ultimately, he wasn’t wrong.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
Cast
Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after the fall of the Galactic Empire. It follows Han Solo and new allies, including Finn and Rey, as they confront the rising threat of Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers while seeking the elusive Luke Skywalker.
