George Lucas May Be Completely Evil

gabec writes "Sci-fi Wire is reporting a couple rumors about the changes being made to the original Star Wars trilogy for its next release. That being that Natalie Portman may be being inserted into Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and that universally reviled Jar Jar Binks may be being inserted into Episode IV: A New Hope. May The Force forbid." Mind you this is reported as rumor, but it's so unsurprisingly possible...

Re:Another one?

[erasmus_]

This wasn't just a rumor, as that actor actually was at the Skywalker ranch and was reported to have auditioned for the role, which luckily did not work out. So that rumor actually had proof (visit to ranch), while this has no substance and is pretty speculative.

Not about copyright.

[BlueFrog]

There's a huge difference between supporting the public's rights to fair use, and wanting to emliminate copyright altogether. The current debate over copyright law centers on various partys' efforts to expand their rightful control over duplication to exert unrightful control over access.

So, to bring us back to the topic at hand: I support Lucas' right to do whatevery he wants with his own movies. But in the case of the Holy Trilogy, I wish he'd refrain, and leave them just as they are. (Or give us the option to view the old versions.)

Re:Special Special Edition

[kpansky]

> Yeah and while they're at it, that Mona Lisa chick could sure use a makeover.
> Maybe straighten that damned tower too.

Actually, the tower (Leaning Tower of Pisa, I assume) has been straightened out. since the tower was built on what is essentially a sand pocket, the tower has been leening further and further since its creation. Within the last few years many millions of dollars were spent to straighten and reinforce the tower to keep it from collapsing entirely. Just some background information.

Re:Not gonna happen

[Gomer Pyle]

Here's what Lucas had planned. From the prologue of the Star Wars novel written in 76 or 77:

Another galaxy, another time.

The Old Republic was the Republic of legend, greater than distance or time. No need to note where it was or whence it came, only to know that...it was *the* Republic.

Once, under the wise rule of the Senate and the protection of the Jedi Knights, the Republic throve and grew. But as often happens when wealth and power pass beyond the admirable and attain the awesome, then appear those evil ones who have greed to match.

So it was with the Republic at its height. Like the greatest of trees, able to withstand any external attack, the Republic rotted from within though the danger was not visible from outside.

Aided and abetted by restless, power-hungry individuals within the government, and the massive organs of commerce, the ambitious Senator Palpatine caused himself to be elected President of the Republic. He promised to reunite the disaffected among the people and to restore the remembered glory of the Republic.

Once secure in office he declared himself Emperor, shutting himself away from the populace. Soon he was controlled by the very assisstants and boot-lickers he had appointed to high office, and the cries of the people for justice did not reach his ears.

Having exterminated through treachery and deception the Jedi Knights, guardians of justice in the galaxy, the Imperial governors and bureaucrats prepared to institute a reign of terror among the disheartened worlds of the galaxy. Many used the imperial forces and the name of the increasingly isolated Emperor to futher their own personl ambitions.

But a small number of systems rebelled at these new outrages. Declaring themselves opposed to the New Order they began the great battle to restore the Old Republic.

From the beginning they were vastly outnumbered by the systems held in thrall by the Emperor. In those first dark days it seemed certain the bright flame of resistance would be extinguished before it could cast the light of new truth across a galaxy of oppressed and beaten peoples...

Re:Not 9 Movies. No, really. Just 6.

[Dirtside]

As an addendum to the above post, here's a quote from the Star Wars FAQ [starwars.com] on the official Star Wars website:

# Episode VII and Beyond

1. Wasn't Star Wars going to be nine or more parts? Will sequels be made set after Return of the Jedi?

Early on in the saga's development, some thought was given to have a trilogy set after Return of the Jedi. George Lucas has long since changed his mind, and the entire Star Wars saga will now encompass six episodes, starting with The Phantom Menace, and ending with Return of the Jedi. There will be no future Star Wars films set after Return of the Jedi.

Re:May not be that bad.

[rbird]

I wish that the guy who wrote Empire Strikes Back would write Episode 3. Could turn out pretty good...

Unfortunately, she's dead. :( Leigh Brackett only received co-screenwriter credit, but it is well known that Lucas and Kasdan only made a few revisions to her work.

Bob

Originals only on VHS? NOT! Try some LD action.

[fallen1]

I know I'm posting way late and I know there is no hope for modding up but I had to comment on the error in this post, to wit: The _original_ films now only exist as worn VHS tapes. You are most incorrect as they also exist in digital form via LaserDisc and I for one am very happy I have all three in their unedited, unchanged, unaltered format.