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George Lucas Retires
The legendary filmmaker has announced he’s retiring from Hollywood and the blockbuster films that have made him famous.
He gave us Star Wars, Indiana Jones and American Graffiti, and now George Lucas is giving us... nothing. That's right, he's retiring. Upon the release of his latest film Red Tails, which tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a pioneering group of black pilots who fought in the Second World World War, Lucas will say, "That's all folks" and step away from Hollywood and producing films.
In a recent interview, the prolific writer/producer/director told The New York Times, "I'm retiring. I'm moving away from the business, from the company, from all this kind of stuff."
This news comes on the back of Lucas announcing that Red Tails, the 23-year labour of love he executive produced, had to be personally financed when major studios refused to put up the money due to the film's all black cast. Said cast includes Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr., and behind the camera is first time feature director Anthony Hemingway.
"I showed it to all of them [studios] and they said, ‘No. We don't know how to market a movie like this,'" the 67-year-old filmmaker recently explained on the US talk show, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.
Another case for Lucas' decision is the fan backlash he's received due to the changes made to his Star Wars films, including additional scenes and dialogue. He defended his "tweaks" saying that he needs them to be presented exactly how he sees fit. "My movie, with my name on it, that says I did it, needs to be the way I want it."
When asked about his involvement in future additions to the Star Wars saga, Lucas refuted, "Why would I make any more, when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?"
Lucas' long-time producing partner Rick McCallum weighed in, saying that the filmmaker has "done everything he's ever wanted to do."
So, should we believe him? Anyone smell a PR stunt? Everyone knows that you should at least leave a little wiggle room and that's why Lucas hasn't ruled out a possible fifth instalment in the Indiana Jones franchise. He has also said that he may return to his roots and make experimental, low budget art house film, only to be shown in art house cinemas. Just like the films he created as a student and his debut feature THX 1138.
Red Tail opens in the US this week.
Photo credit: Lucas, courtesy of Getty images/Alberto E. Rodriguez