George Lucas’ Axed ‘Star Wars’ Series Cost $40 Million an Episode
George Lucas’ Unmade “Star Wars: Underworld” Series Revealed by Producer Rick McCallum
Recently, Rick McCallum, the producer of George Lucas’ “Star Wars,” made an appearance on the “Young Indy Chronicles” podcast and shared details about the unmade television series, “Star Wars: Underworld.” This ambitious project was one of the last endeavors Lucas was working on before selling the franchise to Disney in 2012 for $4.05 billion. Set between the events of “Revenge of the Sith” and “A New Hope,” the series was meant to bridge the gap between the original trilogy and the prequels, offering a fresh perspective on the “Star Wars” universe.
McCallum revealed that they had developed over 60 scripts, each in its third draft, with the involvement of top-tier writers brought to Skywalker Ranch by Lucas. Describing the scripts as dark, sexy, violent, and complex, he expressed his enthusiasm for the challenging nature of the stories they had crafted.
While McCallum refrained from divulging specific plot details, he hinted that “Star Wars: Underworld” would have revolutionized the franchise, potentially altering its trajectory to the point where Disney may never have acquired it.
However, the series met an unfortunate end with the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney and George Lucas’ departure from the company. Kathleen Kennedy took over as company president, leading the charge on new “Star Wars” projects such as “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and more.
In a 2020 interview, Lucas expressed his mixed feelings about selling his company, citing the desire to focus on family and life outside of the “Star Wars” universe as a driving factor behind his decision. Despite the pain of relinquishing control, Lucas acknowledged that it was the right move for him at the time.
Reflecting on his legacy and the journey of creating “Star Wars,” Lucas admitted that giving up his creation was a difficult but necessary step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. While the “Star Wars: Underworld” series may never see the light of day, its legacy lives on in the rich tapestry of the franchise that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
