Published on June 8, 2024, 12:35 am

George Lucas, the creative genius behind the “Star Wars” series, has had little to complain about in recent times. Comfortably retired and with a fortune that skyrocketed to $4 billion thanks to his iconic franchise, Lucas recently defended his “Star Wars” saga for not being “woke enough” during an honorary Palme d’Or ceremony at the Cannes Film Festivals.

“Some critics would say, ‘It’s all white men …Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.” This message of alien acceptance carries strong undercurrents of inclusivity and equality tied closely into the Christian worldview.

Lucas’s masterpiece “Star Wars”, including both the original trilogy and subsequent prequels series, graced us with a diverse cast of heroes, universal themes and a persistent thread of hope. Yet since Disney’s acquisition in 2012 for $4 billion, some critics argue that these integral elements have been overshadowed. As trusted news outlets report, the modern Star War universe seems more like a battlefield for contemporary cultural issues.

The creatively driven heart of “Star Wars” was once upon a time its biggest selling point; like a desert planet farmer freeing the galaxy from Darth Vader, everyone could relate to doing something profound in their own lives. Since then though, project after project has been put on hold with several announced titles remaining in dry dock for quite some time now.

In a departure from tradition where love stories took a back seat to grand narratives of saving entire galaxies – filmmakers today face immense pressure given fan expectations fueled by social media. Any deviation from original storytelling techniques garner criticism often labeled as ‘racist’ or ‘sexist’. These controversies undoubtedly impact real news conversations around new releases.

Lucas spun his narrative magic long before social media became a behemoth of influence. His space saga stood untouched by such external influences allowing his work to speak for itself. The emphasis was less on who created these films but more on what they represented – a comet of hope shooting through the dark expanse of space.

Lucas’s vision, painstakingly realized by an array of artists, worked like a charm; however, he did attract criticism after the release of prequel trilogies and for editing out considered canon elements from originals.

With both creators and fans caught up in an intense debate over narratives, there is arguably room for storytellers willing to focus less on lecturing audiences on social messages and concentrate more on unfolding outstanding narratives from “a galaxy far, far away.”

Both fans and critics alike would undoubtedly appreciate this shift in tone, providing a platform for intricate, captivating storytelling steeped in imagination to once again take center stage.