Born on 14 May 1944 in Modesto, California, United States, George Lucas is considered a powerful film mogul in Hollywood for his amazing creations, which have amassed billions of fans worldwide. With a net worth of around USD 5 billion, Lucas is one of the world’s richest and most recognized film personalities. He’s not only a director but also a creator and an entrepreneur.
Star Wars trilogy and Raiders of the Lost Ark are two of the most recognized film franchises in the world. Die-hard fans rush to the cinemas and sell out the halls when the films open with the tag LucasFilm.
George never thought of wanting to be a director. He always wanted to be a race car driver, and after surviving a car accident that nearly killed him, he decided to abandon it for good.
You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. You were to bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness
He took a graduate degree in film from the University of Southern California and went to Hollywood to test his fate. His THX 1138 was a box office bomb. Despite facing loss, Lucas was not deterred; rather, he came again with his next project, ‘American Graffiti,’ which earned him popularity and credibility in Hollywood. The film was a financial success at the box office.
But this wasn’t enough for him to pitch something big to major studios. He pitched his next project, ‘Star Wars’, which United Artists and Universal Studios rejected without an iota of thought about the possibility and potential it holds for the future.
This didn’t dishearten Lucas, who believed in his creation and vision. Finally, 20th Century Fox Studio picked up his script, saying, “I don’t understand this, but I loved ‘American Graffiti,’ and whatever you do is okay with me.”
Little did anyone know that Star Wars would turn out to be the biggest blockbuster of that time. Even George Lucas was assured that the film would be a massive flop, so he went on a holiday to Hawaii on the first day of the movie’s premiere.
May the Force be with you
Fox Studio was reluctant to allocate a $8 million budget for the movie and doubted that a science fiction movie could sell out movie tickets. The studio negotiated with cinema owners and placated them to run the film.
Lucas agreed to a low salary to make the movie but took all the merchandising rights to the movie and any sequels.
Before the movie’s release, a private screening was held for the film industry’s closest friends, and almost all gave it a thumbs down. However, Steven Spielberg predicted the movie would be a smashing hit and shatter records.
It was the time for the movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” to screen in the cinemas on May 25, 1977. The movie continuously ran in the cinemas for one year, selling houseful shows after shows. Star Wars earned $775 million at the box office and won 6 Oscars (The Academy Awards).
“No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.”
The second instalment of the movie “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” was released on May 21, 1980, and the third and final instalment of the trilogy, ” Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” was released on May 25, 1983.
To read more motivational content, click here.
Voxcel aims to impart not only world-class IELTS coaching but also we look forward to develop the overall personality of our students.