Key Takeaways
– George Lucas revolutionized the superhero genre through his creation of Star Wars.
– The director introduced the controversial origin of Anakin Skywalker using midi-chlorians in Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
– Despite fierce criticism, Lucas maintains that Jar Jar Binks, a character entwined with the prequel trilogy, is his favorite character from the Star Wars franchise.
The Legendary George Lucas
George Lucas, the visionary behind the galaxy far, far away, holds an irreplaceable role in the Star Wars franchise. Not only did Lucas launch the original Star Wars film in 1977, starring Harrison Ford, Mar Hamill, and the late Carrie Fisher, but he also paved the path for the superhero genre. Although he sold off the franchise in 2012 to Disney, his influence is still felt throughout the Star Wars universe.
A Controversial Character Origin
One of the ways Lucas forged his legacy in Star Wars was by daring to create a divisive backstory for a beloved character, Anakin Skywalker. Skywalker, first seen as a gifted child slave on Tatooine, eventually rose up to be the legendary Darth Vader under the influence of the Dark Side.
George Lucas shook things up by using the concept of midi-chlorians, a scientific element in the Star Wars realm to explain Superman’s origins. This controversial step tried to reconcile mythology and biology in an unexpected way.
Midi-chlorians and the Backlash
Lucas highlighted midi-chlorians as indicators of a character’s potential Force powers. The number of these microscopic entities present in Anakin Skywalker’s blood surpassed even that of Master Yoda, hinting at his destined transformation into Darth Vader. Although an innovative approach, this concept garnered criticism from fans, who felt it added unnecessary confusion to the storyline.
Lucas’s Favorite Star Wars Character
Despite the characters he created, and especially amidst the backlash, Lucas has always held a soft spot for the much-criticized character Jar Jar Binks. This character, introduced in The Phantom Menace, didn’t receive a warm welcome from fans initially. But as time passed, their opinion evolved, showing increased appreciation for Jar Jar and actor Ahmed Best’s portrayal. In fact, Best was lauded when he shared his struggles with mental health due to the initial negative reactions to the goofy Gungan.
Influence and Continued Legacy
George Lucas’ legacy, as rich and varied as the Star Wars universe itself, continues to be felt today. Despite his controversial moves, including the midi-chlorians backstory and introduction of characters like Jar Jar Binks, he remains an integral part of the beloved franchise. Lucas shifted the paradigm of the superhero genre, and his interpretation, creativity, and innovation continue to inspire the Star Wars universe, demonstrating his enduring impact on pop culture.
