Close Call- The Time Francis Ford Coppola Nearly Steered the Course of ‘Star Wars’
Did Francis Ford Coppola almost direct Star Wars? This intriguing question has sparked debates among film enthusiasts for years. Coppola, a renowned filmmaker known for his work on iconic films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, was once considered a potential director for the groundbreaking space opera. This article delves into the fascinating backstory of how Coppola almost took the helm of the legendary franchise.
The story begins with George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, seeking a director for his ambitious project. Lucas was particularly interested in someone who could bring a unique vision to the film and create a world that felt both fantastical and believable. Among the directors Lucas considered were Steven Spielberg, John Boorman, and, surprisingly, Francis Ford Coppola.
At the time, Coppola was at the peak of his career, having just won an Academy Award for Best Picture for The Godfather Part II. His name was on the lips of everyone in Hollywood, and Lucas was intrigued by the idea of pairing Coppola’s artistic sensibilities with the sci-fi genre. However, Coppola’s involvement in Star Wars was short-lived.
According to Coppola, he was approached by Lucas to discuss the possibility of directing the film. “George called me up and said, ‘I think you should direct Star Wars. You have the right sensibility for it,’ ” Coppola recounted in an interview. “I was flattered, but I had just finished The Godfather Part II, and I was exhausted. I thought it was a good idea to take a break from directing.”
Despite his initial enthusiasm, Coppola decided to pass on the opportunity. He felt that it was time to step back and recharge his creative batteries. In his place, Lucas turned to his friend and collaborator, George Lucas, to take over the reins of the project. This decision would prove to be a pivotal moment in the history of cinema.
Star Wars, directed by George Lucas, was released in 1977 and became an instant cultural phenomenon. The film’s success laid the foundation for the lucrative franchise that would span decades and include several sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. Coppola, on the other hand, continued his career with other notable films like One from the Heart and The Conversation.
While Coppola’s involvement in Star Wars was a brief one, it remains a captivating piece of Hollywood lore. The question of whether Coppola could have brought a different perspective to the franchise is one that will likely continue to be debated by fans and film historians alike. In the end, the fact that Coppola almost directed Star Wars serves as a testament to his talent and the enduring appeal of the film itself.
