‘Everyone Was Worried Sick For George’: Francis Ford Coppola Recalls Seeing An Early Cut Of George Lucas’ Star Wars And Explains Why It Was So ‘Terrible’

by

As someone who grew up with “Star Wars” swirling through my galaxy, I can attest to its unparalleled influence on popular culture. The tales of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader have transcended generations, capturing our imagination and sparking countless debates about lightsabers versus blasters.

In comparison to other well-known franchises, Star Wars stands out as exceptional. Many generations have been captivated by the tales from a galaxy far, far away, enjoying them in cinemas and streaming via Disney+ subscriptions. Although the Star Wars films sparked numerous imitations in subsequent projects, the franchise’s success was not initially certain. An illustrative example is that of Francis Ford Coppola, who shared his recollection of viewing an early cut of George Lucas’ film A New Hope and explaining why he found it so poor.

Enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Star Wars movies and series, yet tidbits about the original trilogy continue to surface. The release of A New Hope significantly impacted the film industry, however, there were initial apprehensions. Recently, Steven Spielberg publicly voiced his concerns, and now esteemed director Francis Ford Coppola has also shared insights. During an interview with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, the legendary Godfather director disclosed details about George Lucas and Star Wars prior to the first film’s premiere. In his own words:

Collectively, we witnessed the event. I suspect Steven Spielberg might’ve been present as well. It was horrifying. There was an undercurrent of deep concern for George. The predicament lay in the fact that the visual effects resembled vintage World War II films featuring Japanese bombers, and there was no background music. A film requires a certain degree of polish to create the illusion, and this one lacked it. However, we were deeply concerned about him.

Here it is. A significant portion of the enchantment found in Star Wars lies in its post-production, where visual effects, music, and sound design seamlessly take us into the cherished galaxy. It was during this phase that elements like Coppola and Spielberg noticed were not synchronizing perfectly when they viewed an early cut of A New Hope.

George Lucas’ peers had valid reasons for their worry when considering the context of the release of “A New Hope.” Not only was this film the first introduction to that distant galaxy, but its groundbreaking visual effects were also a significant aspect. Given that some elements were incomplete at times, it’s hard to imagine how chaotic the movie might have appeared.

It’s quite challenging to envision Star Wars without its music. The iconic score by John Williams, penned for George Lucas’ film, imbues the universe with a sense of grandeur, enchantment, and tension. It’s no wonder that Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg found themselves quickly captivated by A New Hope.

In the end, we all know how things ultimately worked out. A New Hope became a huge hit, kickstarting a franchise that would extend across movies, TV, theme parks, and more. The concerns about the movie might seem silly now, but it’s fun to hear the BTS process of the film. And besides, sometimes you have to tell your friends the truth… even if it’s George Lucas.

The Star Wars franchise is streaming on Disney+. Be sure to check the 2025 movie release dates to plan your trips to the theater in the New Year.

Read More

2024-09-30 21:07