Writer Lawrence Kasdan discusses George Lucas' narrative style and how he would always go after the finest potential plot element.
Lawrence Kasdan, the legendary Star Wars screenwriter, discusses George Lucas' narrative methods.
Following the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Kasdan co-wrote the screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back with the late Leigh Brackett, based on the story written by Lucas.
Eventually, he would return to work with Lucas on the film's screenplay, Return of the Jedi.
In a record-breaking deal worth over $4 billion, Lucas sold his production business Lucasfilm and the rights to the Star Wars saga to Disney in 2012.
In order to make the most of their acquisition, Disney quickly began production on the sequel trilogy, and Kasdan was brought on board to work alongside J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt on the writing for The Force Awakens.
However, Lucas decided not to get involved with the second trilogy, fearing that his absence from the creative process would be detrimental to the filmmaking process.
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While working with George Lucas at Lucasfilm in the early years was an incredible experience for Kasdan, who just helmed the Disney+ docuseries Light & Magic, he spoke up to Inverse about what it was like working with him.
According to Kasdan, Lucas's storytelling style would have been akin to that of another renowned director had he not been constrained by monetary constraints.
See the rest of his remarks after the break:
When I began working on major motion pictures, I had George lead the way.
He commanded you to do the best you could.
My favorite filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa, often asked himself, "What's the best thing that may happen next?" when he was scripting."
That's where George goes to school, too.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was played by Alec Guinness.
Lucasfilm, Inc.,
Fans and filmmakers alike wonder how George Lucas would handle the continuation of his most famous narrative as the Star Wars property continues to grow with a complete slate of streaming television series and plans for new films.
Fans are apprehensive about a possible "watering down" of his original vision for the series, despite the fact that spectators will be able to enjoy more original Star Wars content than ever before.
Because of the audience backlash to the Mods in The Book of Boba Fett, any additions to Star Wars canon that isn't in line with George Lucas's original films will be fought vigorously.
The remarks of Kasdan reveal that Lucas was always concerned with telling the greatest tale possible, even if it meant going in unexpected directions.
To be sure, Lucasfilm still has the privilege of working with multiple creatives and storytellers who have worked directly with Lucas themselves.
Dave Filoni, for example, is well-versed in Lucas's creative process and storytelling philosophy in addition to Kasdan.
While new filmmakers will continue to contribute to the Star Wars canon, it is arguably more crucial than ever for Lucasfilm to preserve the original creative approach of the franchise's original inventor..
