Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
From larger-than-life blockbusters to gritty intimate stories, the ’70s marked the start of a new era in Hollywood, which saw the rise of auteur filmmaking. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were two major names to pop out during this era, who were responsible for pioneering blockbusters, with the release of Jaws in ’75 andStar Warsin ’77.
The latter went on to redefine the sci-fi landscape, but even before it made its way to the big screen and left fans in awe following its visuals, Spielberg knew this was set up for big.
Steven Spielberg SawStar Wars’ Potential in One Scene from the Rough Cut
AlthoughSteven Spielbergwasinitially enviousof George Lucas’ work, when they crossed paths during their university days, it didn’t take them long to bond over their passion for cinema. Since then the two have maintained a great friendship and have kept on supporting each other in their creative endeavors. But when Lucas invited Spielberg and other of his colleagues to watch the rough cut for hisStar Wars, which lacked the VFX work at the time, the reception wasn’t good.
Spielbergrecalled:
To say it was not finished is a kindness! He didn’t have the effects yet. There was a great deal of debate about context because there were only a couple of effects shots in there. Where are we? Who are we? Who are they? Do we need ‘they’? What is this menagerie of imagination, George, that you’ve invited us to see and tear apart!?
But despite its condition, theJawsfilmmaker recalled that he and the head of Fox were the only people in the room who loved the rough cut, as he saw the potential of the film in one shot. Spielberg stressed that the scene in which C-3PO and R2-D2 are ejected from the pod should’ve told everyone“what that movie was going to be with ILM’s help”, and he wasn’t wrong.
George Lucas Had to Maintain a Close Eye on ILM to Get the Desired Output
While ILM did end up doing a great job on the film’s VFX, which broke new grounds at the time, getting the desired output became a strenuous job forGeorge Lucas. After being less than thrilled by ILM’s initial output, which led him to sustain heart pain, and was later admitted to the hospital as a result, Lucas took matters into his own hands.
Despite the doctor’s advice to not partake in stressful situations, the auteur doubled down and hired new editors, Paul Hirsch and Richard Chew alongside his wife Garcia Lucas, and himself.
George Lucas Doesn’t Own 1 Embarrassing Star Wars Record Anymore After Disney Disappoints Fans With The Acolyte
As for ILM, who had alreadyspent$1M of their $11M budget on the seven VFX shots, from which only one was up to the mark, Lucas maintained a close eye to ensure this didn’t continue. But despite the setbacks, ILM did deliver andStar Warsbecame an instant classic upon its release.
“This episode feels like Citizen Kane”: Star Wars Fans Have New Found Respect For Jack Black and Lizzo’s Infamous Cameos After Watching The Acolyte
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hopeis available to stream on Disney Plus.
Santanu Roy
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2539
Santanu Roy is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on movies, with over 2,000 articles under his belt. He has been pursuing a degree in Animation and possesses a deep love for the medium of animation. Having spent the better part of the last two years pumping out articles for FW, Santanu excels at covering movie analysis and news surrounding Pixar, DCU, DreamWorks, and Batman’s cinematic legacy.With psychological thrillers and intimate slice-of-life dramas ranking among his favorite genres, Santanu is a big admirer of Luca Guadagnino, Shane Black, Park Chan-wook, and Brad Bird.
More from Santanu Roy
Good Boy First Trailer: Will The Dog Survive in The Scariest Horror Movie of 2025?
Sydney Sweeney’s Great Jeans Can’t Save Americana From Weapons Box-Office Onslaught: Full Report
After “Kal-El, No!”, Gal Gadot Claims Snow White Failed Because of Her Israeli Roots
Recommended
Who Is Jasveen Sangha: Ketamine Queen Connected to Matthew Perry’s Death
Sean McLaughlin’s Dad Just Became the Unlikely Villain (or Hero) of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’
Madison Beer’s Boyfriend: Who Is She Dating?
Helldivers 2 X Halo ODST Legendary Warbond Crossover: Complete Rundown
Good Boy Director Explains How He Made His Dog Act in 2025’s Most Inventive Horror Movie
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf: Luke Hemsworth Reveals Marvel Link That Sneaks Into His Dark Wolf Role
George LucasSteven Spielberg
