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.

Netflix has unveiled a new feature designed to make it easier for users to track which titles are leaving the platform. The “Last Chance to Watch” category gathers all movies and shows set to expire soon, simplifying one of the biggest frustrations for subscribers — losing access to content without warning.

What Is Netflix’s “Last Chance to Watch” Feature?

The new section appears alongside Netflix’s ongoing user interface overhaul, which is now rolling out across TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. The “Last Chance to Watch” row can be found within Netflix’s category system, which includes thousands of curated sections powered by internal “secret codes.”

This new category carries the code 82120713, and users can access it directly via link or through search. It’s optimized for web use but can also function on other devices to a lesser extent.

How It Works

When browsing through the category, users will see all titles that are scheduled to leave Netflix in the coming weeks. This marks the first time Netflix has officially grouped expiring content in one place, rather than scattering information across individual title pages or monthly press releases.

By default, the list displays subcategories, but users can switch to A–Z view using the menu in the top-right corner. However, Netflix still doesn’t offer a way to sort by expiration date, meaning users will need to click into each title to confirm when it leaves the platform.

Limitations and Early Feedback

While the addition is welcome, the feature isn’t perfect. Some titles — such as The Emoji Movie — appear in the list even though they aren’t expiring until mid-2026, while others are missing entirely. Netflix is reportedly still refining how the system identifies and displays removal dates.

Previously, Netflix added small “leaving soon” tags or listed expiring content in newsletters for the press. The new interface marks a shift toward giving users direct access to that information without needing third-party sites.

Part of a Larger Netflix Interface Update

The “Last Chance to Watch” feature is part of a broader UI refresh that Netflix began testing earlier this year. The redesign modernizes the layout with smoother navigation and larger visuals, though early user reactions have been mixed.

In another experiment, Netflix has also removed the “Netflix Original” label from select titles on its web interface — a move that sparked curiosity among subscribers and industry watchers alike.

Why It Matters for Viewers

With Netflix’s catalog constantly changing, this feature helps users catch expiring shows and movies before they’re gone. Although it still lacks advanced sorting and accuracy, “Last Chance to Watch” is a step in the right direction for improving transparency and user control.

As Netflix continues testing and refining the update, the feature could become a staple tool for subscribers looking to make the most of their watchlists before content cycles out.

HBO has officially debuted the first teaser trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms at New York Comic-Con, offering fans a glimpse of the next chapter in the Game of Thrones universe. The series, based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, takes viewers to a period long before Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon.

A Simpler, More Character-Focused Story

Created by Ira Parker alongside Martin, the show stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Dexter Sol Ansell as his young squire, Egg. Unlike previous Thrones spinoffs, this series aims for a smaller-scale, more intimate story, focusing on the duo’s friendship and adventures rather than the sprawling political conflicts of Westeros.

According to the teaser, viewers don’t need prior Game of Thrones knowledge to enjoy the show. HBO describes it as a “character-driven tale filled with humor, heart, and mystery.” The dynamic between Dunk and Egg — especially given Egg’s secret royal heritage — forms the emotional core of the series.

Humor, Heart, and Classic Westerosi Grit

While the tone is lighter than the main series, longtime fans will recognize the franchise’s signature touches: gritty dialogue, sharp humor, and the rough edges of life in Westeros. One moment from the teaser, where Dunk is mistaken for a Targaryen and bluntly told, “Then would you get the f*** out of the way,” encapsulates that familiar Thrones-style bite.

The show reportedly blends heartfelt storytelling with subtle nods to Arthurian legend, offering a balance between medieval adventure and moral depth.

Where It Fits in the Game of Thrones Timeline

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set about 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones and roughly a century after House of the Dragon, placing it squarely between the two. This makes it a fresh yet familiar era for fans of Westeros, when the Targaryens still rule but the civil wars that defined House of the Dragon are long past.

This middle timeline could confuse some viewers trying to place it within the broader canon, but it also allows the show to explore new stories without directly overlapping with either series.

Why HBO’s Smaller-Scale Approach Could Work

HBO appears confident that scaling down the spectacle will draw in both longtime fans and new audiences. The series’ focus on two likable leads and a contained adventure may serve as a refreshing contrast to the massive ensemble dramas of earlier Thrones entries.

For fans of Westeros, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a chance to return to Martin’s world — but through a more personal and accessible lens.