The first Star Wars film, released in 1977, wasn’t Episode 1 because George Lucas conceived of a larger story, electing to begin the cinematic saga with a segment already in progress. This allowed him to create a familiar yet unexplored universe, immediately thrusting audiences into a rich and complex world brimming with history and conflict.
The Genesis of a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The seemingly unorthodox decision to begin the Star Wars saga with Episode IV: A New Hope wasn’t a last-minute change or a studio constraint. It was a deliberate creative choice by George Lucas, deeply rooted in his storytelling philosophy and his inspirations from classic serials and mythology. He envisioned a grand narrative, far too expansive for a single film, and chose to enter the story in medias res, a literary technique where the narrative starts in the middle of the action.
Lucas’s initial scripts were incredibly long and complex, detailing a vast history of the Force, the Jedi, and the Republic. Attempting to cram all this backstory into a single introductory film would have been overwhelming and likely sacrificed the pacing and excitement he aimed for. By focusing on a specific point in the ongoing galactic struggle, he could hint at a richer, more intricate past and future without getting bogged down in excessive exposition.
This approach also allowed him to build intrigue and mystery. Audiences were immediately presented with a galaxy already locked in conflict, with iconic characters already established in their roles. This created a sense of immediacy and engagement, drawing viewers into the Star Wars universe and making them eager to learn more about its history and its potential future. The audience got to be immersed into this journey right along the protagonist Luke Skywalker.
The Influences of Lucas’s Creative Process
Understanding the decision requires appreciating the influences that shaped Lucas’s filmmaking vision. He was a huge fan of classic science fiction serials like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, which often dropped viewers into the middle of an ongoing adventure without extensive explanations. He also drew inspiration from mythological narratives such as The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, which emphasizes archetypal characters and recurring motifs in storytelling.
Star Wars is heavily influenced by the hero’s journey, which is the common template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and then comes home changed or transformed. Lucas’s intent was to deliver an exciting and accessible story for the current era.
Furthermore, Lucas was an admirer of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films, particularly The Hidden Fortress. The influence of this film is clearly seen in the narrative structure of A New Hope, which focuses on the journey of two lowly characters who become entangled in a larger conflict. By starting with a relatively self-contained story that alluded to a wider universe, Lucas captured the audience’s imagination and paved the way for future installments.
Practical Considerations and Creative Freedom
While the creative vision was paramount, practical considerations also played a role in the decision to release Star Wars as Episode IV. The film’s budget was relatively modest, and Lucas had to make compromises to bring his vision to life. Focusing on a specific segment of the larger story allowed him to concentrate his resources on creating a compelling and visually stunning experience without attempting to depict the entire history of the galaxy.
Moreover, Lucas secured a significant amount of creative control over the project, which allowed him to deviate from conventional filmmaking practices. Had the studio insisted on a more traditional chronological approach, the resulting film might have been significantly different and perhaps less impactful.
Ultimately, starting with Episode IV proved to be a stroke of genius. It established the Star Wars universe as a vast and intriguing place, captivating audiences and paving the way for a franchise that would become a cultural phenomenon. The choice reflects Lucas’s confidence in his vision and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of his creative goals. It became an extremely iconic and popular movie and the rest, as they say, is history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions about the Star Wars saga and the decision to start with Episode IV:
FAQ 1: When did George Lucas decide to label Star Wars as “Episode IV”?
Initially, the film was simply titled Star Wars. It wasn’t until after its immense success that Lucas retroactively labeled it Episode IV: A New Hope, aligning it with his larger vision for the saga. This decision was made sometime before the release of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980.
FAQ 2: Were the scripts for Episodes I-III written before Episode IV was released?
No, the scripts for Episodes I-III were not written before A New Hope. Lucas had a general outline and backstory in mind, but the details of the prequels were developed much later, after the original trilogy was completed. The prequels were written and produced many years after the original trilogy’s run.
FAQ 3: Did the success of A New Hope influence the decision to create the prequels?
Absolutely. The overwhelming success of A New Hope gave Lucas the financial resources and creative freedom to revisit the earlier chapters of the Star Wars story. The financial success helped Lucas have the freedom to expand the universe.
FAQ 4: What were some initial reactions to the non-chronological storytelling approach?
Some viewers found the non-chronological approach confusing initially, but the overall reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The mystery and intrigue created by starting in the middle of the story outweighed any potential confusion. The mystery intrigued viewers and helped create a larger fan base.
FAQ 5: Did other filmmakers try similar non-chronological approaches after Star Wars?
Yes, Star Wars‘s success influenced other filmmakers to experiment with non-linear storytelling. Films like Pulp Fiction and Memento demonstrate the impact of Star Wars on narrative structure. The success of Star Wars paved the way for future similar movies.
FAQ 6: Would the Star Wars saga have been as successful if it had started with Episode I?
It’s impossible to say definitively, but many believe that starting with Episode IV was crucial to the saga’s success. The immediate action, compelling characters, and sense of mystery created a powerful hook that might have been lost in a more conventional origin story. It may have been less impactful if Episode I had been the introduction to the franchise.
FAQ 7: How did the Expanded Universe (now Legends) handle the backstory prior to Episode IV?
The Expanded Universe, now known as Star Wars Legends, explored the backstory extensively through novels, comics, and video games. These stories provided a rich and detailed history of the Old Republic, the Sith, and the events leading up to the rise of the Empire. The Legends series expanded on the universe and backstory extensively.
FAQ 8: Does the Disney canon follow the same backstory hinted at in the original trilogy?
The Disney canon, which began after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, diverges from the Legends continuity in many respects. While some elements of the Legends backstory are incorporated, the Disney canon establishes its own history and lore. The stories were changed and the canon was different after Disney acquired Lucasfilm.
FAQ 9: What are some examples of the “hero’s journey” in A New Hope?
Luke Skywalker’s journey perfectly exemplifies the hero’s journey. He receives a call to adventure, encounters mentors like Obi-Wan Kenobi, faces trials and tribulations, and ultimately confronts the antagonist, Darth Vader, returning home a changed individual. Luke’s journey to becoming a Jedi showcases the “hero’s journey” template.
FAQ 10: How does the opening crawl contribute to the non-chronological storytelling?
The opening crawl provides a brief summary of the galactic conflict, setting the stage for the events of A New Hope without delving into excessive exposition. It allows the audience to immediately understand the context of the story and the stakes involved. The opening crawl helps the audience understand the setting of the film.
FAQ 11: Did George Lucas ever express regret about not starting with Episode I?
There’s no public record of George Lucas expressing regret about starting with Episode IV. He consistently defended his decision as a deliberate creative choice that served the overall narrative. Lucas stands by his choice to start with Episode IV.
FAQ 12: What lessons can filmmakers learn from Star Wars‘ non-chronological approach?
Filmmakers can learn that unconventional storytelling structures can be highly effective when executed well. Starting in medias res can create intrigue and engagement, while hinting at a larger universe can captivate audiences and leave them wanting more. Unconventional structure can be effective when implemented properly.