Galactic Facts About George Lucas, The Man Behind Star Wars
Where to begin with George Lucas? He changed the face of Hollywood forever with Star Wars. His savvy business dealings made him unfathomably rich. His video game company was a juggernaut in the 90s. And yet, the man who could do no wrong began to stumble in his later career. The Star Wars prequels. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Strange Magic. What happened? Let's find out.
George Lucas Facts
1. Speed Dreaming
Lucas’s first love wasn’t filmmaking—it was racing. Up until his high school years, Lucas planned on becoming a racecar driver. He was a regular on the California underground racing circuit and spent a lot of time hanging out in garages.
In fact, some of his earliest 8mm films were of car races. Suddenly, the podrace makes a lot more sense...
2. Left for Dead
Lucas's risk-taking habits behind the wheel came at a steep price. Just days before he was supposed to graduate high school, he was in a horrific accident that changed his life forever.
A driver completely blindsided him, sending his custom Autobianchi Bianchina rolling across the road before it slammed into a tree. The collision was so violent that it snapped Lucas's seatbelt and he flew out of the car.
Remarkably, getting ejected very likely saved Lucas's life, though he still suffered brutal injuries and needed emergency medical assistance.
The crash ended Lucas's dreams of becoming a racecar driver—so he moved onto other interests, namely, filmmaking.
3. Join Me, and We'll Rule The Office Supplies Store as Father and Son!
Lucas's dad owned an office supplies store and imagined that his son would grow up to follow in his footsteps. The idea of working in the same place every single day horrified Lucas, and he ended up making his own path.
Is it any coincidence that he ended up making a movie about a hero who didn't want to become his father? That's up to you...
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