Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas expressed his desire to destroy all copies of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special.
– Lucas felt that the Holiday Special was a blow to his reputation and the Star Wars franchise.
– Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith had an alternate ending that was favored by actors but vetoed by Lucas.
– Despite its initial blunder, the Star Wars Holiday Special ended up attaining cult status.
– Lucas remained faithful to his original vision, despite suggestions for alternative endings from cast and crew.
George Lucas’s notable dismay over a Star Wars Flop
George Lucas is legendary in Hollywood, largely thanks to his role as the visionary director behind the Star Wars franchise. Despite the love and admiration the series has received over the decades, there is one particular Star Wars spin-off that Lucas wishes he could obliterate from memory: the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special.
A Blemish in the Star Wars Legacy
The Holiday Special, aired on CBS in November 1978, was a television film that sits comfortably within the chronology of the original movie and The Empire Strikes Back. Directed by Steve Binder, the show saw characters from the first film reprise their roles for a storyline involving the iconic pair, Chewbacca and Hans Solo.
However, this festive spin-off was far from merry for Lucas. The musical elements, the superficial narrative, and the significant drop in quality compared to other films in the franchise led to Lucas viewing the Holiday Special as an affront to his reputation. He once boldly stated in an interview with the Chicago Sun Times: “If I had the time and a sledgehammer, I would track down every copy of that show and smash it.”
Surprisingly, this perceived blemish on the franchise and Lucas’s standing didn’t entirely fail with the audience. In a turn of events, the Holiday Special gained some support after its initial release and even succeeded in attaining a cult status among Star Wars loyalists.
The Controversial Alternate Ending
Going beyond the Holiday Special, Lucas’s dedication to his vision for the Star Wars franchise sometimes led to disagreements with crew members and actors. This was notably exemplified during the climax of Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, where an alternate ending involving the key characters Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi was contested.
Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader respectively, hoped for an ending that would display an accidental defeat for Darth Vader. Nick Gillard, the stunt coordinator, explained the proposed alternate ending in an interview with the SFF Gazette. He shared that Anakin Skywalker (later to become Darth Vader) was scripted to let go of the lightsaber, implying his defeat was unintended.
This conclusion could have added a poignant perspective to the complex relationship between master and student and may have influenced Princess Leia’s perception of her father, Anakin. However, Lucas remained steadfast in his vision and opted for the premeditated defeat of Darth Vader, which turned out to be immensely successful and a pivotal moment within the franchise.
The Star Wars franchise, with all its highs and lows, continues its reign within the film industry. Despite George Lucas’s strong feelings on the Holiday Special and his unwavering stance on specific plot developments, the epic space saga marches on, capturing admiration and longevity that few other franchises have managed to achieve.
