It all began with 'American Graffiti'- George Lucas's first hit. The film grabbed the attention of major film studios giving Lucas credibility. Through the success of this film, he gained the confidence of Fox to fund a project he'd been working on simultaneously which would eventually take the form of 'Star Wars'.
Now up to this point, Lucas was a writer/director struggling to get a foothold in the industry, so he was forced to work within the established studio system at the time.
With the massive success of "Star Wars: A New Hope" he was able to get financing for future projects like " The Empire Strikes Back" .
Success generated by the sequel propelled Lucas into financial independence. His company 'Lucasfilms' now was able to provide the capital needed for Lucas to not only make 'Return of the Jedi' , but whatever the hell else he wanted.
George Lucas's dreams came true: he was completely free of the studio apparatus , and financially self-sufficient. He realized that the popularity of 'Star Wars' was enduring and had taken on a life of it's own. Comic book publisher's , author's and toy manufacturer's were willing to pay millions in copy right royalties, which secured Lucas's financial future.
What began as a device- an idea- created by a combination of sources and inspirations, became something "larger than life".
I'm sure he was modestly surprised by the public's reaction to the films, and how they embraced the series, characters and lore of 'Star Wars'.
I think he may have even been a bit confused by the phenomenal, social popularity of 'it' and wondered why "this film, this trilogy " was so incredibly dynamic.
It wasn't the first film series: think of 'James Bond' or 'The God-father'.
So obviously it wasn't the factor that 'Star Wars' was a series that generated appeal, it must have been the films themselves. However , I don't think he cared much why , as long as they were making money- he probably though:"Let people think what they want about them".
Ultimately, it seems they were just films to him. He was a film-maker so he had the fortune and opportunity to do so- make films ...with auspicious results. Perhaps he got lucky- right place/right time, or maybe there's just something about these damn movies that resonates with us mere mortals that Lucas seems to overlook.
Either way, they're his creations and will do whatever he pleases with it.
But are they really? Are they really 'his'? Legally, " yes", publicly, "NO!"
Edison invented the light bulb. Did he hold it hostage? Motorola invented the cell phone- did they hoard the technology?!
George Lucas created something special which many people consider an indispensable part of international culture. 'Star Wars' is precious to many , almost a religion, and belongs to the world now!
Yet Uncle George doesn't seem to see it that way.
"They're movies", he might think ," I invented them with input from others, and they belong to me. If you want to 'blow them up' to be more than that, go ahead because I'll charge you a sum of money every step of the way!"
Maybe that's it then. They're just movies. Hey they are, aren't they? Why are so many people making such a prodigious deal out of these films and the auxiliary material associated with them? If Lucas doesn't see the magical quality of these films(1 ,2 & 3) why should we? GET OVER IT! Let it go! It's merely entertainment generated by an industry that caters to the art form to make billions of dollars.
Ha, as hard as I try, I just can't bring myself to rationalize 'Star Wars' as nothing more than that...sorry.
To me , it's like my favorite song or my beloved family pet. It's an indelible part of my life- like a family member- it's not "just a movie"!
George , I understand your perspective...I really do, but please try to understand ours:
WE.
LOVE.
STAR WARS.
Be grateful, and respect the people who gave you the financial freedom not to care WHAT we think.
As Yoda might say: " Respect you must the one's that made you rich"!
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