George Lucas made a T-shirt out of Star Wars’ harshest review. When Star Wars first came out in 1977, no one knew just how big of a pop culture sensation it would become – not even Lucas himself. The movie wasn’t popular with everyone. As with every movie, despite its overall popularity, there were some scathing reviews. However, Lucas refused to allow these reviews to faze him.
Lucas continued to fulfill his Star Wars vision with more movies, and by the time he was making Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, he was under an immense amount of pressure from fans and haters alike. As it turns out, Lucas didn’t let this pressure get to him. He stuck to his vision and made sure that everyone knew he would continue making Star Wars movies no matter what they said – and he proved this in one hilarious way.
How To Watch Star Wars Movies In Order
Here is how to watch all Star Wars movies and TV shows chronologically and in order of release, and how each fits into the Star Wars timeline.
George Lucas Quite Literally Embraced Star Wars Hate
Lucas fully embraced the hate Star Wars garnered, a tradition he carried on when he prepared to make the prequel trilogy. Pablo Hidalgo reveals in Star Wars: Fascinating Facts that during the production of The Phantom Menace, Lucas wore a T-shirt with a negative review of Star Wars on it. The review read as follows:
STAR WARS…a film with comic-book characters, unbelievable story, no political or social commentary, lousy acting, preposterous dialogue, and a ridiculously simplistic morality. In other words, a BAD MOVIE.
The fact that Lucas had this review emblazoned on a T-shirt is hilarious. As a true artist and filmmaker, Lucas understands that negative reviews don’t define him or his movies. As such, he decided to stick it to the people attacking Star Wars by wearing their criticism on him while he did the exact opposite of what they wanted him to do – make another Star Wars movie.
Lucas Trusted His Vision – & Star Wars’ Legacy Proves He Was Right
Lucas trusted his vision for the franchise, and it has paid dividends. Even though every Skywalker saga movie has had a mixed reception, Star Wars is one of the most popular franchises in science fiction/science fantasy history. This isn’t for no reason. Its message of hope in the face of darkness and hardship is a very human one. Watching the heroes struggle to overcome the evil in both themselves and the universe, manifested in both the struggle between the Empire and the Rebellion and the two sides of the Force, has resonated with audiences for decades.
Despite what the above review claims, Star Wars contains plenty of sociopolitical commentary and deep meaning. It explores themes of what it means to find balance and peace (both in oneself and the universe), what lengths oppressive governments will go to for power and control, what it takes to start a revolution, and what it takes to continue a revolution despite insurmountable odds. Further, the Death Star reflects nuclear weapons, which many people thought were necessary to secure peace. Star Wars, then, has always had a purpose beyond its story – and Lucas was right to stick to his vision.
