What notable anniversary is being celebrated during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival?
Who led the discussion with George Lucas at the festival?
What was the initial impression of George Lucas regarding working on ‘Finian’s Rainbow’?
How did Lucas and Coppola’s friendship begin?
What unique approach did George Lucas take in crafting Yoda’s dialogue?
The 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with a screening of the 1980 hit Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, featuring a rare pre-movie discussion with director George Lucas. The Star Wars sequel, currently celebrating its 45-year anniversary, was the festival’s opening night programming at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre. TCM’s primetime host Ben Mankiewicz led Lucas in a just over 30-minute conversation, touching upon a wide variety of topics.
Fellow director Francis Ford Coppola, who’s set to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award on Saturday, was a big topic of conversation throughout Lucas’ remarks. Lucas is presenting Coppola with his AFI honor alongside Steven Spielberg, as Lucas and Coppola have a long history of friendship and collaboration. Lucas shared the pair’s origin story throughout the conversation.
Lucas and Coppola met working on the latter’s 1968 film Finian’s Rainbow, where Lucas was essentially interning at Warner Bros. after winning the Samuel Warner Scholarship. Lucas, who was 22 at the time, said it was “so boring” sitting on set, as he had no interest in making theatrical films, and he recalls a 27-year-old Coppola approaching him.
“I’m watching you make a movie, but it’s really boring. I don’t want to make these kind of movies,” Lucas recalled telling Coppola when asked why he was on set, which kicked off a friendship and long partnership between the two. Lucas also shared the start of his San Francisco-based film production company American Zoetrope with Coppola, which they founded in late 1969. “We both didn’t want to really be down here,” he said to a laughing crowd.
Mankiewicz joked throughout as Lucas would continue talking about his work with Coppola instead of answering the question at hand. “I can’t do 20 minutes with George Lucas,” he joked after expressing he was afraid he wouldn’t get a question in about The Empire Strikes Back, or Star Wars in general.
Lucas did eventually venture into Star Wars territory, sharing the discussions he had with the film’s studio, 20th Century Fox, around his contract. The director, who was coming off his Oscar-nominated film American Graffiti, said the studio was concerned he’d try to ask for more money. “I’m not going to do that here,” he recalled telling the studio. “I get the deal memo, I signed it. I’ll do it for $50,000 [to] write, direct, produce.”
“I do want the sequels because I’ve already got ‘em, and the standard practice in film is called indentured servitude. In order for your film to get off the ground you have to sign for two or three other movies. And I didn’t want that to happen because it didn’t happen on American Graffiti,” he added. Lucas said he told the studio he wanted to make the sequels no matter what the outcome of the first movie was.
“Beside that, I’d like licensing,” he remembers telling the studio. Lucas said the studio talked about it and decided that they’d give them to him because there’s no way he’d make a profit from it.
Lucas also spoke about Yoda, one of Empire Strikes Back’s most notable additions to the Star Wars universe, and his distinctive way of speaking. “It was done purposely because if you [are] speaking regular English, people don’t listen that much. But if you have an accent or it’s really hard to understand what he’s saying, they focus on what he’s saying,” the director explained.
“He was basically the philosopher of the movie, so [he had] longer talking scenes, where I had to figure out a way to get people to actually listen,” Lucas said. “Especially 12 year olds.”
The TCM Classic Film Festival crowd was treated to a big screen viewing of The Empire Strikes Back following Lucas’ remarks. The festival runs through April 27 with viewings around Hollywood.
George Lucas on Making ‘Star Wars,’ Yoda and Working with Coppola
George Lucas is a name synonymous with the cinematic universe, particularly through his groundbreaking work in science fiction with the creation of the ‘Star Wars’ saga. The visionary director, producer, and screenwriter has left an indelible mark on the film industry, not only through his own projects but also by influencing countless filmmakers. In recent interviews, Lucas has reflected on his journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced while bringing ‘Star Wars’ to life, his process in creating Yoda, and his collaboration with the legendary Francis Ford Coppola.
The Genesis of ‘Star Wars’
The journey of ‘Star Wars’ began in the early 1970s, during an era when Hollywood was dominated by gritty realism, primarily characterized by films like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Taxi Driver.’ Lucas envisioned a different kind of film—an epic that blended myth, adventure, and innovative technology. He sought to create a narrative that resonated with timeless themes, drawing heavily from Joseph Campbell’s concept of the "monomyth," or the Hero’s Journey, as well as influences from classic sci-fi novels and films.
Initially, however, Lucas faced skepticism from studios who did not believe a space opera could resonate with mainstream audiences. His perseverance paid off when 20th Century Fox took a risk on the project, albeit under strenuous budget constraints. Lucas poured his heart and soul into the creation of the universe of ‘Star Wars,’ developing a rich mythology that would evolve over decades. He focused on groundbreaking special effects, even establishing Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to ensure the visual authenticity of his vision.
“I always knew that if I didn’t take risks, I wouldn’t be able to create something revolutionary,” Lucas later remarked. His commitment to innovation resulted in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ (1977), which transformed from an uncertain gamble into one of the highest-grossing films of all time and a cultural phenomenon.
Developing Yoda
Among the most beloved characters introduced in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise is Yoda. The legendary Jedi Master is often seen as the spiritual heart of the saga, offering wisdom and guidance to young heroes such as Luke Skywalker. Yoda’s creation stemmed from Lucas’s desire to embody deep philosophical principles through a relatable character.
Lucas drew inspiration from a blend of influences, including Eastern philosophies, mythology, and traditional storytelling archetypes. The character’s design combined elements that made him visually distinct, including his stature, movement, and speech patterns.
Innovatively, Yoda was initially portrayed by a puppet, operated and voiced by Frank Oz. Lucas’s commitment to practical effects over emerging CGI technology lent Yoda a tangible presence, grounding him in the real world and enhancing his emotional impact. “Puppetry brought Yoda to life in a way no CGI could replicate back then,” Lucas noted during interviews.
The character’s unique syntax and wisdom resonate through phrases like, “Do or do not, there is no try,” which symbolize the themes of commitment and belief. Yoda became a mentor figure not just within the lore of ‘Star Wars,’ but in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Collaboration with Coppola: A Creative Partnership
Before ‘Star Wars,’ Lucas forged a creative partnership with Francis Ford Coppola during the making of ‘American Graffiti’ (1973). This collaboration proved pivotal in shaping Lucas’s career and approach to filmmaking. Both directors shared a mutual respect and a passion for storytelling, which ultimately allowed them to explore new cinematic territory.
Coppola, who was at the helm of ‘The Godfather,’ acted as a mentor to Lucas, driving him toward narrative depth and character exploration. Lucas often cites their collaborative efforts as a learning experience that enriched his understanding of filmmaking qualities—particularly in character development and pacing. Through this mentorship, Lucas honed his abilities to create complex narratives that ‘Star Wars’ would embody.
Coppola’s influence is felt not just in ‘American Graffiti,’ but also in how Lucas constructed the ‘Star Wars’ films. Themes of family, loyalty, and the moral complexities of good versus evil echo the storytelling hallmark of Coppola’s epics. The camaraderie between the two directors would evolve into mutual admiration, with Lucas often supporting Coppola’s projects through his production company, Lucasfilm.
Legacy and Influence
Throughout his career, George Lucas has emphasized the importance of storytelling, innovation, and the audience’s emotional journey. His work on ‘Star Wars’ has not only changed the landscape of Hollywood but has also influenced generations of filmmakers. The franchise’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, evolving into an expansive universe that includes multiple films, television series, books, and video games.
Lucas continues to inspire budding filmmakers by reminding them that storytelling is an art form meant to transport audiences, reflect human experiences, and explore the infinite possibilities of imagination. His philosophies on creativity, collaboration, and technological advancements have left an indelible mark on the filmmaking process, encouraging future generations to think outside the box—and perhaps, like Yoda, to find wisdom in the most unexpected places.
George Lucas has often shared insights into his creative process and the development of the Star Wars franchise. When discussing the making of Star Wars, he emphasizes the importance of storytelling and character arcs. For him, it was essential to create a universe with rich mythology that could resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Yoda, one of the most iconic characters from the series, represents wisdom and the importance of patience and training. Lucas has explained that Yoda’s character was inspired by various philosophical and spiritual teachings, embodying the ideals of growth and mastery through perseverance.
Working with Francis Ford Coppola, Lucas has acknowledged the profound influence Coppola had on his early career. Their collaboration during the making of American Graffiti and the creative environment of the 1970s in Hollywood helped shape Lucas’s approach to filmmaking. The mutual respect and exchange of ideas between them contributed to the storytelling techniques and visual styles that would later manifest in Star Wars.
Overall, Lucas’s reflections reveal a deep commitment to his craft and an understanding of the cultural impact of the stories he creates. His work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.