George Lucas Reflects on Letting Go of Star Wars and Building His Legacy Beyond the Galaxy

George Lucas, the visionary behind Star Wars, recently opened up in a candid interview with the Wall Street Journal about moving on from the franchise that defined modern cinema. While the conversation centered around his upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, it inevitably turned to his relationship with Star Wars — and how he feels about Disney’s stewardship of the galaxy he created.

George Lucas on Moving Beyond Star Wars

When asked if he has finally “let go” of the franchise, Lucas didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the shift.

“Disney took it over and they gave it their vision. That’s what happens. Of course, I’ve moved past it. I mean, I’ve got a life. I’m building a museum. A museum is harder than making movies.”

His words reflect both acceptance and a touch of relief — an acknowledgment that the story he began nearly five decades ago now belongs to another generation of filmmakers.

The Disney Era and Lucasfilm’s Transformation

On October 30, 2012, Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, gaining ownership of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, as well as the groundbreaking effects company Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

Under Disney, Star Wars entered a new era with films like The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, as well as successful series such as The Mandalorian and Andor.

While many projects achieved commercial success, critics and fans have debated whether the newer works captured the same innovative spirit as Lucas’s original trilogy. Lucas’s comments suggest that while he remains proud of what he created, he’s at peace with Disney’s creative direction — even if it differs from his own.

The Lasting Impact of Star Wars

Few franchises have reshaped Hollywood as profoundly as Star Wars. Lucas’s creation pioneered visual effects, introduced the concept of blockbuster filmmaking, and demonstrated the financial power of merchandising and brand storytelling.

The original trilogy not only set a new benchmark for science fiction but also changed how studios approached franchise-building, serialized storytelling, and cinematic universes.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Now, Lucas’s focus lies elsewhere. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, scheduled to open soon in Los Angeles, is designed to celebrate storytelling in all its forms — from painting and photography to film, comics, and digital art.

Lucas describes the museum as “harder than making movies”, hinting at the scale and ambition of the project. For him, it represents a new chapter — one that still honors the power of narrative but through a broader, more inclusive lens.

A New Legacy

Even as he steps away from the galaxy far, far away, George Lucas continues to shape how stories are told and preserved. His impact extends beyond Star Wars — from pioneering film technology to mentoring generations of creators.

For fans, it’s bittersweet to see the man who gave us Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the Force truly move on. But for Lucas, it’s a continuation of what he’s always done best: building worlds where storytelling, art, and imagination converge.