George Lucas Explains Star Wars Films Were Made For 12-Year-Olds

Star Wars Celebration is in full swing today, an event that fans from all across the world flock to for a chance to see some of the greats from the franchise speak and reveal new and exciting details for future installments. That includes the franchise’s creator George Lucas, who took the stage to share a bit of how the celebrated series first began.

During his segment Lucas revealed that the series was intended for a very specific audience, saying “It’s a film for 12-year olds. This is what we stand for. You’re about to enter the real world. You’re moving away from your parents. You’re probably scared, you don’t know what’s going to happen. Here’s what you should pay attention to: Friendships, honesty, trust, doing the right thing. Living on the light side, avoiding the dark side.”

That might be how it all started, but 12-year-olds are just one facet of the franchise’s reach these days. Star Wars appeals to the imagination of kids everywhere, but the lore and history are a favorite of all ages, and no matter how old you get, who doesn’t love lightsabers? The franchise has stood the test of time and shows no signs of slowing down.

The next numbered installment comes later this year, which features a continuation of Rey’s journey from Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and her meeting with Luke Skywalker, which was teased at the end. Star Wars: The Last Jedi currently has a 3.89 out of 5 on ComicBook.com’s anticipation rankings, and you can find the synopsis below.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, from writer/director Rian Johnson, is in post-production now for a December 15, 2017, release. The film follows-up and continues the story of the next generation of the saga as Rey, Poe, Finn, and Kylo Ren find their place in the galaxy and follow the legacy of Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Han Solo. Daisy Ridley returns to star as Rey, with other returning stars John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Peter Mayhew, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Lupita Nyong’o Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa. Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern join the cast in as-yet-unrevealed roles.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is slated for release on December 15, 2017.

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