George Lucas openly discussed the criticism of the Star Wars films during a conversation at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday. As he prepared to receive the festival’s honorary Palme d’Or, Lucas reflected on the negative comments he had received over the years.
Lucas mentioned that critics often said the films featured only white men, to which he responded that most characters are aliens. He emphasized that the idea is to accept everyone for who they are, whether they are big and furry or green. Lucas pointed out that all people are equal in the Star Wars universe.
He also noted that the only beings discriminated against in Star Wars were the robots, highlighting that this was a way to show that discrimination will always find a target, even as we move into an era of AI.
Addressing the issue of race, Lucas mentioned that the first film included a few Tunisians, and the second film featured Billy Dee Williams. The prequels included Samuel L. Jackson, who played one of the top Jedi, not a scoundrel like Lando.
Lucas also responded to criticism about the depiction of women in the films. He pointed out that Princess Leia was the head of the rebellion, guiding young and inexperienced characters and trying to save the rebellion. Similarly, Queen Amidala was another strong female character. Lucas argued that being a hero is about brains, planning, and logistics, not just about wearing pants.
Lucas attended Cannes to receive the honorary Palme d’Or, which was presented at the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday. He is known as the visionary behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises and is the founder of Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light and Magic, and THX.
George Lucas Rejects 'Star Wars' Critics Who Think the Films Are 'All White Men': 'Most of the People Are Aliens!' https://t.co/RhKGRRZkDR
— Variety (@Variety) May 24, 2024
In a statement, Lucas expressed his special connection to the Festival de Cannes, recalling his first film, THX-1138, being selected for the Directors’ Fortnight program for first-time directors. He has returned to the festival many times as a writer, director, and producer. Lucas said he was truly honored by this special recognition.
The latest Indiana Jones film, The Dial of Destiny, premiered at Cannes last year, but Lucas did not attend, making his appearance at the 77th edition even more special. He joins other notable directors at the festival this year, including Francis Ford Coppola, who premiered his sci-fi drama Megalopolis, and Paul Schrader, who presented his Vietnam drama Oh, Canada. Source
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