George Lucas has revealed that he initially wanted to direct Star Wars Episode VII himself.
The filmmaker told USA Today that he had been mapping out a new Star Wars film with the intention of releasing it in May 2015 then selling on Lucasfilm.
Lucas admitted that a 10-year commitment to make a new Star Wars trilogy, coupled with Disney's interest in acquiring the franchise, prompted him to step aside from the series in a creative capacity.
"It's better for me to get out at the beginning of a new thing and I can just remove myself," he said. "The time is more important to me than the money."
Lucas added that he is looking forward to watching JJ Abrams's Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a fan.
"The only thing I really regret about Star Wars is the fact I never got to see it - I never got to be blown out of my seat when the ship came over the screen," he commented. "The next one, I'll be able to enjoy it like anybody else."
Lucas is returning to movies with Strange Magic, an animated film he produced and conceived the storyline for. It will open in US cinemas on January 23.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will open on December 18. Go behind the scenes of Lucas's two Star Wars trilogies below:
Movies: Star Wars: Behind the scenes pictures
Movies Editor
Simon has worked as a journalist for more than a decade, writing on staff and freelance for Hearst, Dennis, Future and Autovia titles before joining Cision in 2022.
