There was chatter last year, even as J.J. Abrams was hard at work on what we now know is called Star Wars: The Force Awakens, that George Lucas had been planning new entries to his space saga. He’s confirmed it himself in a new interview about his fantasy ‘toon Strange Magic, talking up the plans he ultimately abandoned when Disney got in touch about buying Lucasfilm.
According to USA Today, Lucas had already started to develop three new Star Wars films – hardly a surprise, since there has often been talk of plot beats mapped out beyond the first two trilogies – with the idea that he’d direct Episode VII and then sell Lucasfilm with a shiny new trilogy ready to go. But then, when Disney started to show interest in the company, he realised the time was right to eject. "It's better for me to get out at the beginning of a new thing and I can just remove myself,” he says. “The time is more important to me than the money."
It does make you wonder whether any of Lucas’ ideas will be incorporated into The Force Awakens, although it appears that Abrams and co. have headed off in their own direction. Which suits Lucas perfectly, as he can now become an audience member for the first time. "The only thing I really regret about** Star Wars** is the fact I never got to see it — I never got to be blown out of my seat when the ship came over the screen," Lucas says. "The next one, I'll be able to enjoy it like anybody else." No pressure, Mr. Abrams.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives here on December 18. If you need to watch the first teaser trailer for the 79th time, you can find it below.