Many ace filmmakers have helmed the movies in the Star Wars franchise so far, but for one reason or another, Steven Spielberg was never given the opportunity to direct any of the films in the franchise. Steven Spielberg, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, has left an indelible mark on the world of film.
Nevertheless, it’s a little strange that Spielberg has never helmed a Star Wars movie. Despite being the top choice to direct Return of the Jedi, it did not happen. Before production for Return of the Jedi began, he left the Director’s Guild of America.
Why Steven Spielberg Never Directed a Star Wars Movie?
With a career spanning several decades, Spielberg has directed numerous iconic movies, from heartwarming family adventures like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to gripping historical dramas like Schindler’s List. Despite his undeniable talent and influence, one intriguing question looms over his illustrious career: Why did Steven Spielberg never get the chance to direct a Star Wars movie?
Years ago, Steven Spielberg expressed his desire to helm a Star Wars movie and even approached George Lucas about doing so, but he won’t “let me do one.” However, Spielberg understood that Star Wars was Lucas’ “baby,” his own work and his vision, and that he would never share it with him.
In a resurfaced interview from 2002, Spielberg spoke to Comic Book Movie about the Star Wars saga:
“No! No! It’s not my genre. It’s my best friend George’s genre.” Spielberg said: “I’ve asked [Lucas]. He won’t let me do one. I wanted to do one 15 years ago, and he didn’t want me to do it.”
Despite this, the Jaws director said he has no bitterness toward Lucas because his decision was justified, saying the following: “I understand why – Star Wars is George’s baby. It’s his cottage industry and it’s his fingerprints.”
“He knows I’ve got Jurassic Park and Raiders. But George has Star Wars and I don’t think he feels inclined to share any of it with me.”
In spite of this, Spielberg played a significant role in the creation of Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. In fact, he helped his friend Lucas with a few crucial fight scenes, particularly the one at the conclusion involving Grand Master Yoda and Emperor Palpatine, and is even featured as a guest director on some versions of the film.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas- A Friendship Born of Shared Dreams
One may argue that two of the best directors of the modern era are Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Spielberg, the genius behind Jaws, and Lucas, the creator of American Graffiti and Star Wars, have a long and illustrious history with one another.
Steven Spielberg offered Lucas complete support when Star Wars was pretty new in the 1970s. The directors were close friends who stood by one another through both their huge box office successes and failures.
One of their most iconic collaborations was the creation of the Indiana Jones franchise. Conceived by Lucas and brought to life by Spielberg, the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones became a beloved cultural icon, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Source: Express
