George Lucas on Moving Past Control of Star Wars 13 Years After Disney Transformation

George Lucas has expressed his decision to relinquish control over the Star Wars franchise, 13 years after its acquisition by Disney. The 81-year-old filmmaker sold Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012, which included pivotal components like Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. Since the sale, Disney has released the Sequel Trilogy and several series set in the Star Wars universe, such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Set to Open
Now, Lucas is focused on his upcoming project: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. With an investment nearing $1 billion, the museum is scheduled to open in Los Angeles in 2026. Lucas has been assembling this collection for over 60 years, leading him to desire that it be perceived as more than just “the Star Wars museum.” One of the inaugural exhibits will include Star Wars vehicle designs, but Lucas emphasized it is only one of 33 galleries.
- Opening Year: 2026
- Location: Los Angeles
- Total Investment: Nearly $1 billion
- Collection Duration: 60 years
- Number of Galleries: 33
Reflections on Star Wars Control
In a recent interview, Lucas acknowledged his shift away from managing the Star Wars universe. He stated, “Disney took it over and they gave it their vision. That’s what happens.” Lucas seems content with his new focus, highlighting that constructing a museum is a more challenging endeavor than filmmaking.
Fans, however, have had mixed reactions to Disney’s stewardship of the franchise. While productions like The Mandalorian and Andor garnered critical acclaim, some entries experienced significant backlash. For instance, 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story struggled at the box office, and 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker faced fan discontent.
The Future of Star Wars
Despite the turbulence, Lucasfilm plans to continue expanding the Star Wars universe, with new movies and shows expected next year. In a prior commentary, Lucas noted that he believed the new team faced challenges with the Sequel Trilogy, reflecting on how the essence of Star Wars was affected post-sale.
Leadership at Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy, the current president of Lucasfilm, has reiterated her commitment to the company amidst speculation about her retirement. While she confirmed ongoing discussions about succession planning, Kennedy asserted, “I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies.”
Kennedy’s involvement includes the production of upcoming projects, such as a new movie featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
In summary, George Lucas has moved on from his role in controlling Star Wars, shifting his focus toward his museum project while maintaining a watchful eye on the franchise’s development under Disney’s management.