Key Takeaways:
– ‘Return of the Jedi’ director Richard Marquand expressed interest in directing the Star Wars prequels.
– Marquand saw great potential in exploring the earlier days of iconic characters such as Ben Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
– George Lucas, who created Star Wars, had considered leading figures in the film industry for the directors’ chair for the prequels.
‘Jedi’ Director had His Eye On Prequel Trilogy
Richard Marquand, the renowned director of ‘Return of the Jedi,’ had expressed interest in extending his Star Wars journey by directing the prequels. This revelation came from an interview conducted many years before the actual creation of the now-iconic prequel trilogy.
The third and the last installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, ‘Return of the Jedi,’ concluded Luke Skywalker’s gripping struggle against the Empire. It was a critical and commercial success that still resonates today with the Star Wars fanbase. Nevertheless, Marquand was eager to venture into the divisive waters of the prequel trilogy, which split opinions among fans worldwide.
Dream Dashed by Tragic Loss
Marquand, expressing his desire to helm the prequels, said that both he and Steven Spielberg, another icon of the film industry, were inclined towards exploring the earlier timeline of the franchise. The young days of characters like Ben Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were of particular interest and importance to him. Despite his excitement, that ambition remained unfulfilled with his untimely demise in 1987.
Spielberg, along with Ron Howard and Robert Zemeckis, were reportedly considered for the director’s chair for the prequels by Lucas. Therefore, it’s very likely that Marquand’s aspirations to direct the prequels could have been realized had he lived longer.
Marquand’s Influence on ‘Return of the Jedi’
In the same interview, Marquand spoke passionately about his work on ‘Return of the Jedi.’ He detailed how he had put his own imprint on the film due to his love for virtues like loyalty, friendship, and love. He believed his personality and perspective made him a perfect fit for the concluding installment of the trilogy.
The director elaborated on how he strove to achieve balance in ‘Return of the Jedi.’ While it contained showmanship and humor, he aimed to make it resonate with an audience that had grown up since the original Star Wars. Thus, he ensured it had mature elements that appealed to teenagers and adults, as well as children.
The legacy lives on as ‘Return of the Jedi,’ along with other movies from the Star Wars saga, continue to stream on Disney+ worldwide.
