By now, you’ve probably heard that Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a dazzling epic full of thrilling set pieces, wonderful performances and beautiful cinematography. Indeed, the embargo lifted earlier today and already, Rotten Tomatoes has over 150 reviews, with the film sitting at a 93% at the time of writing. In other words, it’s another smash hit for the iconic sci-fi series and everyone seems to love it. But what does George Lucas think of the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga?
That’s a good question, and one that The Hollywood Reporter now has the answer to. Though the writer/director didn’t say much, he did recently screen The Last Jedi and apparently thinks it was “beautifully made.” That’s all he said, though, and it’s a bit unfortunate that we didn’t get more from him. Still, it’s nice to know that he seemingly approves of Episode VIII, even if his ideas for the film were thrown out.
For those unaware, Lucas actually had an outline of where to take the franchise next back when Disney first came into the picture, but the studio ultimately decided to head in a different direction. While it’s unknown exactly what Lucas wanted to do, his vision is something that Mark Hamill was apparently quite fond of.
Speaking in a recent interview, the actor said:
What I wish is that they had been more accepting of his guidance and advice. Because he had an outline for [Episodes] VII, VIII andIX. And it is vastly different to what they have done. But then again, I don’t want to be an old stick in the mud,” Hamill confessed. “There were the originals. There’s the prequels. But that’s all George. And now we have the next generation. And as far as I can see they are more popular than ever.
They certainly are, Mark. And with Star Wars: The Last Jedi about to touch down in theaters, the franchise will only get even bigger.
Yes, the project may have shouldered a great burden throughout its storied production – the tragic death of Carrie Fisher, the inevitable comparisons to Empire…you name it – but it looks as though Rian Johnson has pulled off the impossible. And in light of these glowing reviews, we can confidently say that it fully deserves a massive opening weekend ($425 million?) at the global box office.
