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2d ago

George Lucas Reflects on Star Wars Legacy at TCM Classic Film Festival

In a rare Q&A, Lucas shared insights on the creative and strategic decisions behind Star Wars, including Yoda's speech design and his groundbreaking merchandising deal.

Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) with his Jedi Master Yoda in “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back.” At a 45th anniversary screening of “The Empire Strikes Back” that opened this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas finally addressed one of the franchise’s most enduring mysteries: Why does Yoda talk the way he does?
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George Lucas, right, creator of the “Star Wars” film series, and his wife Mellody Hobson arrive at the 45th anniversary presentation of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” on opening night of the TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday, April 24, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. Lucas finally addressed one of the franchise’s most enduring mysteries: Why does Yoda talk the way he does?

Overview

  • George Lucas appeared at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival to discuss the 45th anniversary of 'The Empire Strikes Back
  • Lucas revealed that he wrote the original Star Wars script as a 180-page blueprint, later dividing it into three parts due to budget constraints.
  • He secured sequel and merchandising rights by accepting a lower fee, a decision that allowed him to self-finance 'The Empire Strikes Back' and retain creative control.
  • Lucas explained that Yoda’s distinctive backward speech pattern was designed to make audiences, especially younger viewers, focus on the character's philosophical dialogue.
  • The filmmaker credited Alan Ladd Jr., then an executive at 20th Century Fox, for championing the original Star Wars project despite industry skepticism.