STAR WARS: George Lucas Reflects On Being Told A 10-Year-Old Anakin Skywalker Would "Destroy" The Franchise

In the latest edition of The Star Wars Archives, George Lucas reflects on being told that Anakin Skywalker's introduction as a child would destroy the franchise, while defending the prequel's politics...

By JoshWilding - Nov 19, 2020 07:11 AM EST

Filed Under: Star Wars

A new book, The Star Wars Archives: 1999 - 2005, recently went on sale, and for Star Wars fans, it's undoubtedly a must-have.

Polygon has shared some excerpts from the book, including comments from George Lucas which sees the creator of this Galaxy Far, Far Away reveal that studio execs were not on board with his decision to begin the prequel trilogy with a 10-year-old lead star.

"When Lucas initially told 20th Century Fox that he was making the story of how Anakin became Darth Vader, they were as excited as anybody else," the site explains. "Then he told them that, in the first film, Anakin would be 10 years old. 'You’re going to destroy the franchise; you’re going to destroy everything!'"

"Lucas explains that he told people at Lucasfilm he was 'making a movie that nobody wants to see,' but would rather do that than telling the same story over and over," it continues, sharing some insight into the filmmaker's thought process. "And to be fair to George, it still made a billion dollars."

The Phantom Menace remains one of the most divisive Star Wars movies ever released, but Attack of the Clones is considered even worse, and The Rise of Skywalker is now the instalment of the Skywalker Saga that seems to draw the ire from the majority of fans. Of course, something that's hard to forget in Episode I was all that nonsense about the way politics work in this Galaxy.

"Lucas acknowledges that people were upset that the prequels opened with the trade blockade and dispute, but nevertheless says 'that’s how wars start.' He goes on to say that The Phantom Menace starts with 'corrupt corporations' doing bad things in secret and that all corporations care about is making money, while everyone else is trying to do the right thing but are completely overwhelmed."

"The two main themes are about becoming a bad person and democracy being given away; 'there’s no coup, there’s no rebellion, there’s no nothing. They vote it in, which is what happens in real life.'"

It's definitely interesting to get this sort of insight from Lucas, and it's easy enough to see what he was going for with the Star Wars prequels, even if his execution was flawed. Love or hate them, they were a financial success, and helped spawn The Clone Wars and some great characters fans adore to this very day.

Click on the "Next" button below to see which
Star Wars TV shows we want to see on Disney+!

10. Darth Plagueis

These TV shows have the opportunity to delve into any time period, and heading back to the time of Darth Plagueis could be very exciting. The Sith Lord was responsible for training Darth Sidious (better known to fans as Emperor Palpatine), and Lucasfilm would be wise to not only delve into Plagueis' past, but also the origin of the man who would eventually betray him

Whether casual viewers could get on board with a show devoted entirely to villains is hard to say, but getting our first real look inside the world of the Sith and seeing the young Palpatine develop into the villain we all know from the both the Star Wars prequels and original trilogy would be satisfying. This could also fill in some of the gaps from The Rise of Skywalker!

If you've read the Expanded Universe novel revolving around Plagueis and Palpatine, then you'll be all too aware of the fact this series could take us to some dark places and be truly great.

9. Maul

Thanks to The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, plenty of gaps in Maul's history have been covered. We know how he returned from the "dead," and how he ultimately fell to Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, but there are still parts of his life which remain a mystery to fans of this Galaxy Far, Far Away.

That's mostly what happened between The Clone Wars and Solo: A Star Wars Story, and then that movie and Rebels. That's not a huge period of time, but we do need some Crimson Dawn answers!

Following Maul as he takes charge of that villainous group would also address some of the unanswered questions we have from Solo's shocking ending, and we're sure Lucasfilm (and more specifically Dave Filoni) could find a way to really make this an essential part of the character's story.

8. Young Princess Leia

Exploring Princess Leia’s younger years in a TV series could work really well, even if those were briefly touched on in Rogue One and Star Wars Rebels. Her late teens/early twenties would be ideal, but we're sure the future Resistance leader had some adventures on Alderaan.

It was clear from the moment we met her that Leia could handle herself (and that she had some history interacting with the Empire), so there’s a lot of ground which could be covered in a series where she’s the lead. Female-led Star Wars TV shows do appear to be a priority for Disney+, hence why Doctor Aphra and Ashoka Tano are rumoured to be getting spinoffs, so this could fit in nicely.

Following in Carrie Fisher's footsteps won't be an easy feat for any young actress, however...

7. Darth Vader

If James Earl Jones would be willing to commit a lot of time to once again provide Darth Vader’s voice, this could be truly special (he's happily reprised the role a few times in recent years).

The Marvel comic books have addressed what became of Anakin Skywalker post-Revenge of the Sith (and between the events of the original trilogy), but there are definitely more stories to be told, and if a show like this were to give Hayden Christensen the opportunity to return, that would be even better.

Honestly, this could be as simple as following Vader on a random mission for Emperor Palpatine, but providing the story is strong enough, it stands a chance of adding more depth to the iconic villain. If that further explains his motivations, and why he eventually returned to the Light, then it would be a win.

6. Mos Eisley

Just like Batman prequel series Gotham explored the war between cops and gangsters before Bruce Wayne ever suited up as the Dark Knight, there’s a lot of potential for a TV series focusing on Tatooine’s underground. We’ve reached a point where the Hutts could easily be brought to life on the small screen, and there are many directions a show based here could follow.

Either way, limiting the action to Tatooine would be a sensible way to keep the action contained, and there are quite literally countless possibilities for the different cultures this series could explore...if we're lucky, it could even bring back the Podraces from The Phantom Menace!

Tatooine is obviously a location we've visited a fair few times (even recently in The Mandalorian), but that doesn't mean there aren't still stories to tell and new characters to focus on. Just how necessary this will be after Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts is hard to say, but Lucasfilm could even head much further back into the past in order to tell a truly original, standalone story here.

5. Stormtroopers

The Stormtroopers were always faceless canon fodder in the original Star Wars trilogy and didn’t exactly gain much in the way of personalities when they were turned into clones in the prequels. The Force Awakens went some way in changing that by introducing us to Finn, but that was about it.

Following a small team of these soldiers could result in a fun series, especially if the Rebels are portrayed as the villains (in the eyes of those working for the Empire at least) or the Stormtroopers we follow are shown to be conflicted about their actions. It really wouldn’t matter when this one was set, as it could work before, during, or even after the original trilogy with The First Order.

The Mandalorian showed us how enjoyable this could be with the two Scout Troopers who scooped up The Child, and with the right story, Lucasfilm could deliver an absolute winner here.

4. Han Solo

Given the way it underperformed at the box office, there's no way that we're getting a Solo: A Star Wars Story sequel. However, just because that won't come blasting into theaters doesn't mean Han Solo's early years couldn't continue to be explored, this time on the small screen.

If there's not enough content there for a Maul TV show, his story could very easily be incorporated into this show, especially as things were left on something of a cliffhanger with Qi'ra.

Solo was definitely hardened by the time we met him in A New Hope, and witnessing the death of the woman he loved at the hands of Maul would explain that. This only needs to be a limited series, but it's one Lucasfilm and Disney+ would be wise to give those fans desperate to see the iconic smuggler's story continue as there are still a lot of major gaps to fill in here.

3. Boba Fett (& Captain Rex?)

Boba Fett was once set to get his own movie, but those plans changed, and he's now expected to return in The Mandalorian season two. Needless to say, that show is unlikely to explain what became of him during the events of Return and the Jedi and this TV show, so a TV series could very easily tackle that.

However, if it is somehow addressed, then exploring what happened to Boba after he crossed paths with Din Djarin makes perfect sense. Bear in mind that The Clone Wars established that the bounty hunter had a good side, so he could very easily fill the role of an anti-hero who sets off on his own adventures.

If we had to choose, then Boba will be joined by Captain Rex, a "brother" or "uncle" of sorts to the cloned son of Jango Fett. That's a dynamic we're confident would be an absolute blast.

2. Luke Skywalker

Picking up with Luke Skywalker before he first wielded his father’s lightsaber could be a lot of fun or extremely boring; it’s hard to say. It certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing to follow some of his adventures on Tatooine, and a number of familiar characters could be recast with younger actors, making this series extremely rewarding for longtime fans.

Then again, that's arguably going to be the job of Obi-Wan Kenobi, so why not head down a far more interesting route by recasting Mark Hamill and following his post-Return of the Jedi adventures?

Set years before his nephew is born, Luke attempting to find Exegol could be a blast, while there are no doubt other stories which could be explored as the Jedi Knight picks up the pieces after his father's death and the apparent fall of Emperor Palpatine. Who should play him? The Falcon and The Winter Soldier star Sebastian Stan would be a great choice!

1. Lando

There was a lot to love about Solo: A Star Wars Story, but an argument could definitely be made that it was Donald Glover's Lando Calrissian who stole the show. With that in mind, he's probably most deserving of a spinoff series, and recent rumours have pointed to that being the case.

We're sure that Lando and Han crossed paths at some point after the smuggler managed to get his hands on the Millennium Falcon during that fateful game of Sabaac, so after a series of adventures following Lando, those dangling plot threads with Qi'ra and Maul could be addressed in the final few episodes, finally providing some closure to fans wanting a Solo sequel.

Honestly, if Disney+ don't call this The Calrissian Chronicles, it would be a major, wasted opportunity.

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

Recommended For You:

STAR WARS: Darth Revan, Starkiller And More Finally Get Their Own Incredible Hot Toys Action Figures

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

87 Comments

1 2 3

soberchimera - 11/19/2020, 7:54 AM

Well it certainly destroyed Lloyd's fledging career.

TheLight - 11/19/2020, 7:55 AM

@soberchimera - Sadly in this pic, he looks like the kind of Anakin that would kill younglings. What happened to this kid??

Battabing - 11/19/2020, 8:05 AM

@TheLight -
The toxic Star Wars fandom drove this kid nuts.

TheLight - 11/19/2020, 7:56 AM

This is a stupid question, but does anyone know exactly how old Anakin truly was? Lucas said 10 and I thought he was 10 too, but then all the sites I went to says 9.

CaptainFlash17 - 11/19/2020, 1:23 PM

@TheLight - It varies between 9 and 10 from what I've read. Seems like no one could agree to a set age.

DarthNihilus - 11/19/2020, 7:57 AM

Nah Jar Jar Bink destroyed it first...

mastakilla39 - 11/19/2020, 7:58 AM

It destroyed Amhed (Jar Jar Binks) career.

Star Wars disgracefully even paid homage to it in the comics

PC04 - 11/19/2020, 8:00 AM

I really wish they went with the whole reveal that Jar-Jar was a Sith the whole time and controlling people. Imagine the mind-f*ck that would've been. I think it would've actually gone over well. The Fool ends up playing everyone. What a twist!

SanFranLand - 11/19/2020, 8:04 AM

@PC04 - me too. Or at the VERY LEAST George fesses up to it

bkmeijer2 - 11/19/2020, 8:07 AM

@PC04 - Can still happen if they take that original Lucas plan for the sequels, but instead of Maul being the sith lord Jar Jar is

Urubrodi - 11/19/2020, 8:07 AM

@PC04 - either that or have had Darth Plagueis as the sequel's trilogy real villain.

PC04 - 11/19/2020, 8:15 AM

@TyrantBossMedia - EXACTLY DUDE!

Urubrodi - 11/19/2020, 8:02 AM

5 > 4 > 3 > Rogue One > 6 > Solo > 7 > 1 > 2 > 9 > 8

bkmeijer2 - 11/19/2020, 8:06 AM

@Urubrodi - from best to worst for me: 5, 3, 4, 6, RO, 2, 7, S, 1, 8, 9

Urubrodi - 11/19/2020, 8:09 AM

@bkmeijer - Good ranking, to be fair was in doubt between RO and 6 for 4th place.

1 2 3

Related Headlines

Horror

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

MarkCassidy

5 mins ago

The Mandalorian

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Will Reportedly Begin Shooting As Soon As Later This Month

JoshWilding

1 day ago

Star Wars

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

JoshWilding

3 days ago

Related Headlines

Horror

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

MarkCassidy

5 mins ago

The Mandalorian

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Will Reportedly Begin Shooting As Soon As Later This Month

JoshWilding

1 day ago

Star Wars

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

JoshWilding

3 days ago

Star Wars

STAR WARS: Darth Revan, Starkiller And More Finally Get Their Own Incredible Hot Toys Action Figures

JoshWilding

Apr 22, 2024 12:04 PM

Star Wars

STAR WARS: Lando Calrissian Actor Billy Dee Williams On Blackface - "Why Not? You Should Do It"

MarkCassidy

Apr 11, 2024 06:04 AM

Star Wars

The Marvels

THE MARVELS Ended Up Losing More Money Than THE FLASH After Disappointing 2023 For Superhero Movies

JoshWilding

22 mins ago

The Flash

THE FLASH Star Grant Gustin On Why He Was Unsure About Playing Barry Allen And His Talks With James Gunn

JoshWilding

42 mins ago

Latest Headlines

Horror

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

MarkCassidy

5 mins ago

The Marvels

THE MARVELS Ended Up Losing More Money Than THE FLASH After Disappointing 2023 For Superhero Movies

JoshWilding

22 mins ago

The Flash

THE FLASH Star Grant Gustin On Why He Was Unsure About Playing Barry Allen And His Talks With James Gunn

JoshWilding

42 mins ago

Harry Potter

HARRY POTTER Star Daniel Radcliffe Hits Back At Claims He Should Be Grateful To J.K. Rowling For His Career

JoshWilding

1 hour ago

Mad Max

FURIOSA Director George Miller Reveals Plans For A New Movie And Appears To Confirm [SPOILER] Cameo

JoshWilding

2 hours ago

Deadpool & Wolverine

HULK Star Eric Bana Seemingly Closes The Door On Returning As Bruce Banner In DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

JoshWilding

2 hours ago

Hot Headlines

229 comments

RUMOR: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Reshoots Add Even More Cameos; X-MEN Reboot Seeking POC To Direct

MarkCassidy

21 hours ago EST

170 comments

BLACK PANTHER Star Winston Duke Is Campaigning To Play BATMAN In The DCU

MarkCassidy

15 hours ago EST

120 comments

BLACK ADAM Star The Rock Reportedly Only Returned To Wrestling Because Of Failing Hollywood Career

JoshWilding

13 hours ago EST

93 comments

X-MEN '97 Recap: "Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 1" Includes Some Amazing Marvel Universe Cameos - SPOILERS

JoshWilding

1 day ago EST

78 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

Disney Favorites MICKEY Mouse And WINNIE-The-Pooh Will Do Battle In New Horror Movie

More Cartoons & Animated ►

Sony Reveals Free PS PLUS Games Coming To PS5 And PS4 In May 2024

More Anime & Manga ►

MANDY Director Panos Cosmatos To Helm FLESH OF THE GODS Starring Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac

More Horror ►

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

More Action Movies & TV ►

The Rock Reportedly Only Returned To WWE Because His Hollywood Career Was On The Decline

More Pro Wrestling ►

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie To Hit Theaters In 2026; Synopsis Reveals Significant Lore Change

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

STAR WARS: George Lucas Reflects On Being Told A 10-Year-Old Anakin Skywalker Would "Destroy" The Franchise

In the latest edition of The Star Wars Archives, George Lucas reflects on being told that Anakin Skywalker's introduction as a child would destroy the franchise, while defending the prequel's politics...

10. Darth Plagueis

9. Maul

8. Young Princess Leia

7. Darth Vader

6. Mos Eisley

5. Stormtroopers

4. Han Solo

3. Boba Fett (& Captain Rex?)

2. Luke Skywalker

1. Lando

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

STAR WARS: Darth Revan, Starkiller And More Finally Get Their Own Incredible Hot Toys Action Figures

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Will Reportedly Begin Shooting As Soon As Later This Month

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Will Reportedly Begin Shooting As Soon As Later This Month

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

STAR WARS: Darth Revan, Starkiller And More Finally Get Their Own Incredible Hot Toys Action Figures

STAR WARS: Lando Calrissian Actor Billy Dee Williams On Blackface - "Why Not? You Should Do It"

STAR WARS: Is Latest "Star Tours" Update Teasing Dave Filoni's Plans For A HEIR TO THE EMPIRE Movie?

Popular Headlines

BLACK ADAM Star The Rock Reportedly Only Returned To Wrestling Because Of Failing Hollywood Career

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Promo Art Reveals Sam Wilson's New ANT-MAN-Style Helmet

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Live-Action Movie Sets 2026 Release; Synopsis Reveals Major Change To He-Man's Origin

RUMOR: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Reshoots Add Even More Cameos; X-MEN Reboot Seeking POC To Direct

X-MEN '97 Drops A Reveal Which Could Have Major Consequences For The Wider Multiverse Saga - SPOILERS

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

THE MARVELS Ended Up Losing More Money Than THE FLASH After Disappointing 2023 For Superhero Movies

THE FLASH Star Grant Gustin On Why He Was Unsure About Playing Barry Allen And His Talks With James Gunn

FLESH OF THE GODS: Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac To Star In New Vampire Movie From MANDY Director

THE MARVELS Ended Up Losing More Money Than THE FLASH After Disappointing 2023 For Superhero Movies

THE FLASH Star Grant Gustin On Why He Was Unsure About Playing Barry Allen And His Talks With James Gunn

HARRY POTTER Star Daniel Radcliffe Hits Back At Claims He Should Be Grateful To J.K. Rowling For His Career

FURIOSA Director George Miller Reveals Plans For A New Movie And Appears To Confirm [SPOILER] Cameo

HULK Star Eric Bana Seemingly Closes The Door On Returning As Bruce Banner In DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

Hot Headlines

RUMOR: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Reshoots Add Even More Cameos; X-MEN Reboot Seeking POC To Direct

BLACK PANTHER Star Winston Duke Is Campaigning To Play BATMAN In The DCU

BLACK ADAM Star The Rock Reportedly Only Returned To Wrestling Because Of Failing Hollywood Career

X-MEN '97 Recap: "Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 1" Includes Some Amazing Marvel Universe Cameos - SPOILERS

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Live-Action Movie Sets 2026 Release; Synopsis Reveals Major Change To He-Man's Origin

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie To Hit Theaters In 2026; Synopsis Reveals Significant Lore Change

FURIOSA Director George Miller Confirms [SPOILER] Has Cameo In Movie; Reveals Plans For Next MAD MAX Movie

HARRY POTTER: Daniel Radcliffe Responds To Claims He Owes J.K. Rowling His Career Amid Continued Controversies

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Gets An Exciting Production Update As Next STAR WARS Movie Draws Near

THE ACOLYTE Footage Leaks Online Ahead Of Its Debut With STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE This Weekend

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA New Poster, TV Spots And Still Released As Press Tour Kicks Off In Sydney

Cartoons & Animated Features

Disney Favorites MICKEY Mouse And WINNIE-The-Pooh Will Do Battle In New Horror Movie

X-MEN '97: Beau DeMayo Hints At What's To Come In Next Week's Episode - Possible SPOILERS

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Jason Aaron's Comic Book Relaunch Will See Raphael Behind Bars

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie Sets Theatrical Release; New Synopsis Reveals Major Lore Changes

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Breaks Down "Tolerance Is Extinction" And Reveals Whether That Was The Amazing [SPOILER]

SAUSAGE PARTY: FOODTOPIA - Prime Video's Sequel Series Gets A Suitably Salacious First Poster

Gaming

Sony Reveals Free PS PLUS Games Coming To PS5 And PS4 In May 2024

BATMAN: ARKHAM SHADOW Teased For Meta Quest; Full Reveal Coming In June

FORTNITE Heads To A Galaxy Far, Far Away With STAR WARS Crossover Event

STARFIELD Update Brings Improved Surface Maps, New Gameplay Options And More

Xbox Games Showcase Confirmed For June 9 Followed By Possible First Look At CALL OF DUTY

Team-Based Shooter STAR WARS: HUNTERS Sets A June Release Date

Anime & Manga

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Seasons 2 And 3 Will Continue To Condense The Original Anime's Storyline

KAIJU NO. 8 Reveals Episode 4 Synopsis And Stills; Confirms Actors For Two Major Characters

BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI- Celebrates Success With New Trailer Ahead Of North American Debut

CRUNCHYROLL Announces Price Hikes For Mega And Ultimate Fan Tiers

MY HERO ACADEMIA Shigaraki Voice Actor Teases Big Show Down With Star And Stripe In Season 7

DRAGON BALL: SPARKING! ZERO Trailer Reveals More Powerful Characters Joining The Roster

Horror

MANDY Director Panos Cosmatos To Helm FLESH OF THE GODS Starring Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac

MICKEY MOUSE Vs. WINNIE-THE-POOH Horror Movie In The Works From Untouchables Entertainment

M3GAN 2.0 Casts AHSOKA Star Ivanna Sakhno In Major Role

TERRIFIER 3: Art The Clown Is Up To His Old Tricks In First Official Promo Still

AVENGELYNE: Margot Robbie Eyeing Lead Role In Olivia Wilde's Comic Book Adaptation

FEAR STREET: PROM QUEEN - Return To Shadyside With First Official BTS Teaser

Action Movies & TV