Auto Ads

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

David Lynch on Turning Down Return of the Jedi

So, apparently, Star Wars creator George Lucas approached David Lynch—known for offbeat films such as Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Dr.—to direct Return of the Jedi. I can only imagine how that film would have turned out with Lynch at the helm.

In a November 15 interview posted on FORA.tv, Lynch recounts venturing to Northern California to meet with Lucas about the film, in which he had “next door to zero interest.” “But,” he adds, “I always admired George. George is a guy that does what he loves, and I do what I love. The difference is, what George loves makes hundreds of billions of dollars. So I thought I should go up and at least visit with him.”

Lynch goes on to describe what would become a headache-inducing ordeal, during which he was introduced to “these things called Wookiees” before taking a ride in Lucas’ Ferrari to a restaurant that only served salad. He would later decline the offer, suggesting to Lucas that he direct the film himself.

“But he doesn’t really love directing,” says Lynch. Relatively unknown Welsh director Richard Marquand would ultimately direct Return of the Jedi, while Lucas would later direct all three Star Wars prequels.

The clip is pretty brief, but it’s a cool bit of Star Wars history. Watch it below.

No comments: