George Lucas Hasn’t Seen the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Trailer, “Not Really” Interested in the Movie
Pretty much everyone has seen the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ trailer at this point. It was the most-viewed trailer of 2014 and is on track to become the most-viewed trailer of the internet age. It has been viewed over 72 million times and has spawned countless parodies and memes but, there's still one person who hasn't seen it: George Lucas. The man who created the franchise says that he hasn't seen the 'Force Awakens' trailer and has no plans to. In fact, he's not even that interested at all.
The NY Post caught up with Lucas at Bloomberg Businessweek’s 85th anniversary party and asked what he thought about the new trailer. “I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t seen it yet.” But, why not? “Because it’s not in the movie theater.” Well, it kinda was in the movie theater. That was actually part of the big release plans. In fact, on theater showed the trailer 17 times in a row. Also, George Lucas OWNS HIS OWN MOVIE THEATER. But, anyway... Aren't you at least a little bit curious about J.J. Abrams' new film though, George? “Not really.”
He's focused on major films, like ‘Strange Magic’.
“Not really.” It seems a little weird that Lucas would not only have not watched the trailer, but then claim to know nothing about it and have no interest in it. Early reports claimed that Lucas was “constantly” talking to J.J. Abrams about the direction of the new film. He even passed along an early treatment for Episodes 7-9 when he sold the company (at least to our knowledge, none of that framework is being used for 'The Force Awakens'). How did we get from that point where everyone was saying the right things and having lovey-dovey meetings about what Chewbacca would or wouldn't do, to the point where George Lucas just doesn't even give a f---? Is this indicative of some larger strife between Lucas and Lucasfilm/Abrams?
It must be hard for Lucas to have 'Star Wars' be such a massive part of his life for so many years (despite being "George Lucas," he was still very much involved in a lot of the day-to-day), and then all of the sudden to be not a part of it at all. Or, maybe he really just doesn't care. He sold Lucasfilm for $3 billion and maybe is just enjoying his golden years. Maybe he doesn't want to know about 'Star Wars' because he's just sick of it all.
Stan Lee may have absolutely nothing to do with the Marvel movies, but he's a pretty good brand ambassador. He goes out there and does his schtick and talks about how excited he is and how much fun he's having. It seems George Lucas has no plans on playing those games and being Disney's monkey and, honestly, that's OK. George Lucas isn't Stan Lee and he shouldn't have to be cheerily excited for all things 'Star Wars' going forward. This isn't his 'Star Wars' anymore.
That won't stop people from asking him about his thoughts on the new trilogy. Lucas did tell the Post, “I plan to see ['Star Wars: The Force Awakens]' when it’s released,” so eventually we'll get his thoughts on the new era. It will be curious if he's supportive of the new take or continues to distance himself from the upcoming trilogy.
Just in case George is reading this and wants to succumb to the pressure, we've included the new 'Star Wars' trailer below for his (and your) viewing pleasure.