George Lucas is done with Hollywood. The man behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones is ready to retire. He’s stepping away from blockbusters to focus on more experimental projects.
George Lucas is finally throwing in the towel. The writer, producer and director has grown weary of Hollywood and wants to focus on smaller, personal films.
Lucas recently told The New York Times that he’s ready to step back. In the paper’s profile, the director announced, “I’m retiring. I’m moving away from the business, from the company, from all this kind of stuff.”
Lucas has “retired” multiple times in the past only to resurface with a new Star Wars or Indiana Jones. But this time, he means business.
The director’s longtime producing partner Rick McCallum, echoes his sentiment. “Once this [Lucas’ latest film Red Tails] is finished, he’s done everything he’s ever wanted to do. He will have completed his task as a man and a filmmaker.”
If Lucas sticks to his word, he’ll be leaving on his terms. His final blockbuster, Red Tails, has been a labor of love. He spent over 20 years trying to make the film with little to no studio backing. The movie centers on a group of African-American pilots in the Tuskegee training program that faced segregation and racism during World War II.
The cast includes Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Michael B. Jordan, Bryan Cranston, David Oyelowo and Tristan Wilds. Red Tails opens in theaters Jan. 20.
Over the course of his career, Lucas has created two of the largest franchises of all time — Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The Star Wars series, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has earned over $4 billion worldwide. While the Harrison Ford headliner Indiana Jones has grossed over $1 billion.
George Lucas has done well for himself.
Leave a Comment