Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg was approached by George Lucas to direct Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
– Unease between Lucas and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) thwarted Spielberg's involvement in the project.
– Spielberg has expressed his longing to direct a Star Wars film but was denied by Lucas.
– Richard Marquand directed Return of the Jedi due to his non-association with the DGA.
Spielberg's Brush With Star Wars
Despite their prolific partnership, legendary Hollywood duo, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas couldn't extend their collaboration beyond the Indiana Jones franchise to the epic saga of Star Wars. After their triumphant venture with Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, Lucas eyed Spielberg to take the reins of Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. However, this vision didn't materialize due to Lucas's aloofness towards the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and Spielberg's alliance with the organization.
Unraveling the Lucas-Spielberg Star Wars Possibility
In the aftermath of their successful joint venture, the next logical move seemed to be Spielberg helming a Star Wars sequel alongside Lucas. Reports suggest that Spielberg was indeed on the top of Lucas' list for prospective directors for Episode VI. However, the pair's ties with the DGA engendered hurdles obstructing Spielberg's chance to direct a Star Wars flick.
Inside the Lucas DGA Dispute
Rumors abound that the DGA insisted Lucas follow the conventional opening credits pattern for the 1977 film A New Hope, against Lucas's vision for the film. Lucas chose to part ways with the DGA after paying a fine instead of conceding to the association's demands. This move created predicaments in scouting directors for the subsequent sequels of Episode I. It further intensified into a sticking point when Spielberg, a DGA member, was invited by Lucas to direct Return of the Jedi, a move not permitted by the DGA.
The Star Wars Directorship: Marquand Steps In
Facing DGA restrictions, Lucas enlisted Richard Marquand, reportedly not associated with the DGA, as the director of Return of the Jedi. The highly anticipated collaboration between Lucas and Spielberg remained unrealized due to these circumstances.
Spielberg's Unfulfilled Star Wars Dream
Despite this stumbling block, Spielberg has voiced his desire to direct a Star Wars film. However, Lucas pivoted away from this idea, choosing to lead the epic space opera on his own. Spielberg recounted in a 2002 interview his repeated pleas to Lucas to let him direct a Star Wars film, only to be consistently denied. According to Spielberg, Star Wars was Lucas's baby and Lucas was reluctant to share this cherished project with anyone else, despite their successful professional relationship in the past.
Looking Forward: Spielberg's Stance on Future Star Wars Ventures
Post-Lucas's departure from Star Wars and Disney's takeover, there were speculations about Spielberg resurfacing as a potential director for Episode VII. Yet, Spielberg made it explicit that the Star Wars genre belonged to his best friend, Lucas, and ruled himself out for any future Star Wars projects.
For fans curious to revisit the Lucas-Spielberg era or those new to the franchise, Episode VI – Return of the Jedi is available for streaming on Disney+.
