Denis Villeneuve has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting he might direct a Star Wars film for Lucasfilm’s Kathy Kennedy. During an appearance on Matt Belloni’s The Town podcast, Villeneuve candidly shared that his love for Star Wars faded years ago. He reflected on how the franchise lost its allure following the release of ‘Return of the Jedi’ in 1983. As a 10-year-old, Villeneuve was captivated by the series, especially ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ which he watched countless times. However, he feels that everything changed with ‘Return of the Jedi.’ At 15, he and his best friend were so disillusioned that they dreamed of taking a cab to L.A. to confront George Lucas about their disappointment, particularly regarding the Ewoks, which he felt turned the saga into a children’s comedy. Villeneuve expressed that Star Wars has become overly formulaic, lacking the surprises that initially drew audiences in. While some may disagree with his critique of ‘Return of the Jedi,’ it’s important to note that the franchise’s quality has been debated for years. Lucas attempted to redeem the series with the prequels—’Phantom Menace,’ ‘Attack of the Clones,’ and ‘Revenge of the Sith’—but they received mixed reactions from fans. Characters like Jar Jar Binks became punchlines rather than beloved icons. Interestingly, a dedicated fan base has emerged that appreciates the prequels, including notable figures like James Cameron and Kanye West. Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker, recently mentioned that the prequel trilogy is undergoing a resurgence in popularity, despite its rocky start. Fans disillusioned by Disney’s latest trilogy seem to be returning to Lucas’s original works out of nostalgia. Lucas himself has defended the prequels in recent statements, expressing pride in his creations amidst the criticism they faced. This ongoing conversation highlights the complex feelings surrounding the Star Wars legacy and its evolution over the decades.
