How Did George Lucas Feel About The Family Guy Star Wars?

Family Guy has made three parodies of “Star Wars” and referenced many pop culture moments throughout its run. George Lucas, the creator of the epic space opera franchise, was uncomfortable with one particular Star Wars spoof made by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and Alec Sulkin. Lucas participated in the “Robot Chicken” special, which was made with permission from Lucas.

In the case of Star Wars, it’s been poked fun at throughout various episodes of Family Guy. While Lucas and company are supposed to be in on the joke, there are still parodying “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (via IMDb). Instead of Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, Peter and Lois Griffin, with many of the characters from “Family Guy”, are featured in the parody.

When Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and the rest of Family Guy’s creative team first made Blue Harvest, Star Wars was still under Lucas’ control. In the last Family Guy Star Wars episode, Stewie or Chris ask Peter if they’re going to do the prequels, and Peter responds with “I think the Cleveland show is gonna do those”.

George Lucas had an unexpected response to Family Guy’s first Star Wars special, as he felt uncomfortable with the parody. He was uncomfortable with Family Guy’s decision to take the final ending for his first marriage and knowing he would be a single dad. He also didn’t actually write all six Star Wars movies in the order they’re numbered, as nobody does that.

Why Did George Lucas Return To Star Wars?

After a 16-year hiatus, George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe, revealing how the Republic fell, the Empire rose, and Anakin Skywalker became a feared figure. Lucas began contemplating a return to Star Wars in 1994, starting the script on November 1 of that year. He felt the timing in the '90s was right for the prequel trilogy, leading to the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999. Lucas chose not to direct the prequels, focusing instead on production roles and his special effects company, Industrial Light and Magic.

He believed starting with Episode IV stemmed from technical and storytelling considerations. Although Lucas only directed the original Star Wars film, he heavily influenced all six films in both the original and prequel trilogies. Rumors suggest Lucas may return for a new live-action series, yet Dave Filoni emphasized that Lucas has numerous commitments limiting his involvement. Moreover, Lucas's initial vision encompassed 12 Star Wars films, retaining full creative control by securing franchise rights early on.

Did Family Guy Cancel Star Wars Parody?

"Family Guy" has decided to cancel its parodies of "Star Wars," a decision reflected in the statement 'So, there you have it.' This move is reminiscent of how the show previously handled situations like that with James Woods. Initially, when Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and the creative team created "Blue Harvest," "Star Wars" was still owned by George Lucas and Lucasfilm. The transition of ownership to Disney complicated matters. MacFarlane mentioned during the "Ted 2" commentary that he wouldn't attempt another "Star Wars" parody due to the intricacies involved with Disney.

During SDCC, the creators explicitly detailed their reasons for not revisiting "Star Wars," despite the potential creative opportunities present. Although Lucas had been amenable to parodies, MacFarlane faced significant hurdles to secure approval for these projects. The series successfully produced three popular parodies of the original trilogy, each reflecting the writers' respect for the source material.

Notably, while the show could have explored prequel and sequel parodies, the legal and creative barriers presented by Disney have made this nearly impossible. Furthermore, another of MacFarlane's parody projects, "Star Wars Detours," was also canceled after Disney's acquisition despite being fully animated and ready for release.

What Did George Lucas Say About Disney'S Role In Star Wars?

George Lucas, the original creator of the Star Wars franchise, has finally expressed his opinions on Disney's management of the saga following the sale of Lucasfilm in 2012. Addressing a panel at the Cannes Film Festival, he reflected on the various eras of Star Wars and acknowledged his emotional struggle with relinquishing control of his iconic creation. Despite criticism regarding Disney's interpretation of key elements such as the Force and storytelling, Lucas appears to accept that Star Wars is no longer his domain.

He noted that while some essence of the original trilogy may be lacking in Disney's portrayal, he stays connected to the franchise as a viewer. Lucas has praised certain Disney projects, like Rogue One, while also conveying disappointment in others, suggesting a mixed reception to their work. He remains diplomatic about sequels, indicating that while he has reservations, he recognizes that they cater to fan expectations.

Lucas's acknowledgment that some of his original ideas were lost post-sale reveals his frustration, yet his reflections demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the franchise's evolution. Ultimately, he appears to grapple with the realization that Disney is charting the course for the franchise that he initially brought to life.

How Did George Lucas Perceive Other Star Wars Content?

Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm, George Lucas viewed the original six Star Wars films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars as primary works, while regarding other content in a different light. Between the releases of Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace, a demand for more Star Wars content existed, but Lucas opted not to pursue sequels with the original cast immediately. His focus remained on the films and Clone Wars series, which he and his selected writers used as references for expanding the franchise, while allowing for an Expanded Universe that operated alongside his direct oversight.

Lucas initially envisioned a total of twelve films for the Star Wars saga, strategically beginning with Episode IV. This approach granted a captivating entry point into the narrative, effectively engaging audiences. The franchise not only introduced iconic characters such as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan, Ahsoka but also adapted a distinct sci-fi tone aimed at young audiences.

Since Disney's acquisition in 2012, five new Star Wars films have emerged, leading to varying responses from Lucas himself. Despite not being directly involved in these projects, Lucas's influence remains pervasive in Star Wars lore. Discussions from past interviews shed light on his original vision, cinematic innovations, and continuing admiration for storytelling in the galaxy far, far away.

Is Lucasfilm'S Star Wars Parody 'Uncomfortable'?

Family Guy has humorously parodied the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas, but not without causing some discomfort for him. Despite Lucas being in on the joke, certain aspects of the parody reportedly made him uneasy. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane acknowledged that Lucas was not always pleased with the humor, particularly during the production of the "Blue Harvest" episode, which was inspired by Star Wars while Lucas still held creative control.

Director Dominic Polcino noted that it took persuasion to align Lucas with some of the more racy jokes. A former Lucasfilm employee even expressed embarrassment over their association with Star Wars amid current developments. Additionally, concerns arose when a parody of The Empire Strikes Back almost faced legal issues, but George Lucas's intervention changed the outcome. Meanwhile, Lucasfilm has struggled to launch a cohesive film slate since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, focusing more on Disney+ series.

Allegedly, Lucas disliked the use of F-bombs in certain episodes, further indicating his discomfort with some parody elements, even as he ultimately approved the project. Overall, Lucas's relationship with the parody remained complex amidst ongoing fan reactions.

Did George Lucas Feel About Star Wars 'The Force Awakens'?

In his memoir, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger reveals that Star Wars creator George Lucas was disappointed with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, primarily due to its lack of originality and technical innovations. Directed by J. J. Abrams, this 2015 film marked the beginning of the sequel trilogy, reviving the franchise years after Lucas's original contributions. Iger recounts Lucas's concerns that the film relied too heavily on nostalgia and didn’t offer fresh storytelling or groundbreaking visuals.

Despite the film's commercial success and somewhat favorable reception among fans, Lucas openly critiqued it as a "retro" movie that mirrored past installments rather than exploring new creative paths. He felt that Disney played it safe by producing a film that offered familiar elements rather than pushing the boundaries of the saga, which caused his dissatisfaction. This critique has sparked ongoing debates among fans regarding the sequel trilogy's quality, with many considering it a controversial chapter in the Star Wars narrative.

Although Lucas initially claimed to have enjoyed watching The Force Awakens, his later comments revealed a clearer perspective on its unoriginality and lack of innovative qualities, demonstrating the complexities of maintaining the legacy of a beloved franchise like Star Wars while also appealing to modern audiences.