Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas returned to the Star Wars franchise with The Phantom Menace in 1999.
– The introduction of a young Anakin Skywalker was a controversial choice that could have destroyed the franchise.
– Lucas defended this decision, as he wanted to portray Anakin's emotional bond with his mother.
– Another controversy arose with the introduction of the concept of the Midichlorians.
– Despite the criticism, Lucas's creative choices contributed to the success of the franchise.
Looking back at a risky decision in Star Wars
When you think of Star Wars, you most likely think of epic battles, memorable characters and impressive special effects. But what about the decisions behind the scenes? Filmmaker George Lucas, who launched the Star Wars franchise in 1977, faced considerable risk with some of his choices, especially in the prequel films including 1999's The Phantom Menace.
Choosing a young Anakin Skywalker
The Star Wars prequels are known for their divisive nature. George Lucas chose to present the backstory of Darth Vader by introducing a young Anakin Skywalker. Fans were anticipating Darth Vader in his prime, but instead, they were shown a backstory that has been described as controversial.
Lucas, however, defended his choice during an interview with Rolling Stone. He explained his decision by stating, “When I announced that the first story was going to be about a nine-year-old boy, everybody here said, That's insane, you're going to destroy the whole franchise.” Shifting the focus to a young Anakin was a risky move, but Lucas insisted on it.
Connecting Anakin's age to his relationship with his mother
Lucas intended for Anakin to initially be a 12-year-old, but later revised this to make the character younger. His aim was to emphasize Anakin's emotional tie with his mother, an element he saw as significant in Anakin's future fall. So despite the backlash, Lucas stuck to his choice of portraying Anakin as a nine-year-old.
Adding Midichlorians to the Star Wars Universe
In addition to introducing a young Anakin, Lucas also introduced the concept of Midichlorians. This addition was met with confusion and criticisms. Lucas explains his intention saying, “Everybody said to drop the stuff about the Midichlorians, it makes it too confusing. But it's a metaphor for a symbiotic relationship that allows life to exist.” Through this, Lucas added layers to the mysticism of the Force.
Despite the Controversy, Lucas's decisions paid off
The anticipation for The Phantom Menace was largely fueled by George Lucas's controversial decisions. Yet, despite the crowd of naysayers, Lucas followed his vision for the film and the Star Wars franchise. His bold choices not only contributed to the success of the prequels but to that of the original trilogy and franchise as a whole.
In conclusion
Whether you are a die-hard Star Wars fan or a casual viewer, the decisions made by George Lucas in creating the prequel films undeniably shaped the franchise. From introducing a young Anakin Skywalker to adding the concept of Midichlorians, these controversial choices did not destroy the franchise, but created a following that continues to this day. Despite any criticism, Lucas's creative vision kept the Star Wars saga alive and thriving.
Remember, you can watch all the Star Wars movies and shows on Disney+.
