George Lucas created and released the first Star Wars way back in 1977. The sci-fi space opera was the first of its kind and it was a big risk that Lucas was ready to take. The film was a monstrous hit and became a big pop culture phenomenon when it was released. It is still considered arguably the best Star Wars entry in the entire franchise.
A still from Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope
Lucas wanted to make a follow-up film but was initially fearful of how it would turn out. He did not want to disappoint the fans of the first one and was not ready for any kind of backlash from them. The benchmark set up by the first film was very high and Lucas was doubtful if the second film would create the same magic as the first one.
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George Lucas Was Terrified Of Making A Second Star Wars Film
A still from The Empire Strikes Back
The first Star Wars film became a huge hit for director George Lucas, who had taken a big risk and created something original that would stand the test of time. He wanted to make a follow-up but was initially fearful of whether it would match up to the level of the first one. He had hired director Irvine Kirshner to director the second film and told him about his fears and doubts.
Kirshner talked to Star Wars Insider magazine about Lucas’ hesitations and fears about making a second film and how he would ‘die’ if the second film failed miserably. Kirshner said,
“When I talked to George about it before I took the movie, he explained something. He said, ‘Look, the second film of the Star Wars trilogy, if it isn’t as good or better than Star Wars, it won’t be a series. It’ll die right there. It’s got to stand up to the original and go beyond it, if possible’”
The second film which was The Empire Strikes Back became another huge hit with many critics and audiences calling it superior to its predecessor. It is still remembered for its great plot twist, memorable set-pieces, and characters.
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George Luas Explains Why The Empire Strikes Back Is So Beloved by Fans
Luke Skywalker fights Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is the one Star Wars film that is so unique and bold with regards to its plot, the dark treatment of the narrative, and its characters. The plot twist of Darth Vader being revealed as Luke Skywalker’s father is still considered one of the greatest ever. Franchise creator George Lucas attributed these factors as to why the film is still beloved today. He told Empire,
“Well, it’s relative. All the films are beloved by somebody. The fans like The Empire Strikes Back the best, partly because it is so dark. It’s an overall story and as it happens in the second act, things get dark. I never really planned it to be three separate films but when it became three separate films, it had an interesting effect of each film having its own personality, caused by the plot.”
Fans are still clamoring for a great Star Wars film that brings back the glory of the first few Star Wars films. With the announcements of new Star Wars films in the future, one hopes that the new films depicting a galaxy far far away create the same level of magic and flair as the first trilogy.
Also read: “This is the license to kill”: George Lucas Felt Star Wars Was Abused By Studios and Fans Despite Dismissing It as a “Silly Movie” at First

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“It’ll die right there”: George Lucas Feared Star Wars Franchise Would End After $775 Million Box Office Success With A New Hope