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Filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have shared a close friendship which has been documented in the media. The two friends collaborated to make theIndiana Jonesfranchise, starring Harrison Ford in the titular role. It became a global commercial success with the first installmentRaiders of the Lost Ark.
Aside from the globe-trotting action and exciting plot developments, Spielberg also included an easter egg reference to his friend’s other popular franchise,Star Wars, in the firstIndiana Jonesmovie. However, this wouldn’t be the only time the two filmmakers referenced each other’s works, and here is everything you need to know about the same.
Steven Spielberg Hid aStar WarsReference inRaiders of the Lost Ark
Raiders of the Lost Arkdirected bySteven Spielbergwas released in 1981,grossing$389.9 million at the box office. The film starred Harrison Ford as the titular archaeologist and holds aRotten Tomatoesapproval rating of 93%, making it the best installment in the franchise.
The film follows Jones as he goes on an adventure to find the titular Lost Ark. During Jones’ lengthy search across the globe, he reaches the Well of Souls. The ancient monument is carved with Egyptian hieroglyphics. Spielberg took advantage of these carvings to hide aStar Warseaster egg.
Star Wars Easter egg in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’pic.twitter.com/4i7I1tgFOh
Upon looking closely at the carvings, fans will see one of the inscriptions of fan-favorite droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. Therefore, Spielberg hid a reference to his friend, George Lucas’ popular sci-fi franchise in plain sight. The inscription shows the droids interacting with Egyptians, likely a nod to the desert planet Tatooine from Lucas’ franchise.
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However, this wasn’t the onlyStar Warsreference in the movie as the plane from the opening scene features the call sign OB-CPO. It serves as a reference to C-3PO and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The easter eggs do not come as a surprise since Lucas and Spielberg have been good friends and worked on the film under the Lucasfilm banner, which also produced theStar Warsfilms.
George Lucas Returned the Favor With anETReference inThe Phantom Menace
Years afterRaiders of the Lost Ark,George Lucasfound the opportunity to return the favor to Spielberg, by referencing his friend’s works in one of his movies. After an absence of almost sixteen years, Lucas returned to the galaxy far, far away for 1999’sThe Phantom Menace.
Spielberg directed the 1982 sci-fi filmE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which features the titular alien character. The film also featured severalStar Warscharacters such as Yoda in the form of action figures. Lucas eventually brought E.T.’s alien species into theStar Warsuniverse, with a character from the race appearing inThe Phantom Menace.
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In the movie, the species is identified asAsogians, from the planet Brodo Asogi, aka the Green Planet. The planet is represented in the Galactic Senate by Senator Grebleips, which is Spielberg spelled backward. As a result, Lucas returned the favor by including one of Spielberg’s films after the latter did so in the past withE.T. the Extra-Terrestrialand theIndiana Jonesfranchise.
TheStar Warsmovies are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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