The film Star Wars: A New Hope (originally just Star Wars) came first. While a novelization was released months before the film premiered, it was based on the final shooting script, making it a direct adaptation of the screenplay and not the source material itself.
The Myth of the Book Preceding the Film
For decades, a common misconception has persisted: that the Star Wars novel, Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker (ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster, but credited to George Lucas) predated the film’s release. This belief likely stems from the novel’s release in December 1976, months before Star Wars stormed into theaters in May 1977. However, the key distinction lies in the novel’s origin: it was derived from the screenplay, not the other way around.
George Lucas, in the early stages of developing his space opera, initially produced a lengthy and complex screenplay. This screenplay, which underwent numerous revisions, served as the blueprint for both the film and the novelization. Foster’s job was to translate Lucas’s cinematic vision into a compelling narrative form, expanding on certain scenes and adding details that couldn’t be conveyed visually. The novel, therefore, functioned as an ancillary product designed to complement the film’s release, not to pave the way for it. The primary creative drive was always the movie project.
This decision – releasing the novelization months before the film – was a strategic marketing move. Ballantine Books hoped to generate buzz and excitement for the then-relatively unknown science fiction film. It was a calculated gamble that ultimately paid off handsomely, but it doesn’t alter the chronological creative order. The film was first, then the book.
Debunking the Rumors: First Drafts and the Original Vision
It is crucial to understand the evolution of the Star Wars story. While George Lucas penned numerous drafts of the screenplay, some predating the novelization’s creation, these drafts were not fully realized novels. They were working documents, constantly being refined and reshaped. To be accurate:
- Early drafts of the screenplay existed before the novelization.
- These drafts were the basis of the film.
- The novelization was based on a later draft of the screenplay.
The notion of a complete, published Star Wars novel preceding the film simply doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The screenplay was the driving force behind the entire project.
Alan Dean Foster’s Role and Influence
While Alan Dean Foster is widely recognized for his pivotal role in crafting the novelization, it’s important to acknowledge the parameters of his work. He was given a complete script from which to work. He was responsible for fleshing out the characters, expanding the universe in his descriptions, and creating a compelling literary experience for readers. However, he didn’t invent the story; he adapted it. Foster’s contributions were invaluable in enriching the Star Wars universe, but the narrative architecture was undeniably Lucas’s.
Furthermore, Foster’s contract stipulated that he would not receive screen credit for his work on the Star Wars novelization. This decision has been a subject of much debate and controversy over the years, with many arguing that Foster deserved greater recognition for his significant contribution to the franchise.
FAQs: Star Wars Chronology and Creative Origins
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the timeline and creative process behind the birth of Star Wars:
FAQ 1: Was there a comic book adaptation before the film?
No. The Marvel Comics Star Wars series also debuted after the film’s release, based on the same screenplay.
FAQ 2: When did George Lucas start writing the Star Wars story?
Lucas began developing the concepts for Star Wars in the early 1970s, inspired by various science fiction and fantasy sources. The first formal screenplay draft, titled Journal of the Whills, was written around 1973. This draft was significantly different from the final film.
FAQ 3: Were there significant changes between the screenplay and the novelization?
Yes, there were some differences, primarily aimed at enhancing the reading experience. Foster added descriptive passages and internal monologues, providing greater insight into the characters’ thoughts and motivations. Some scenes were expanded upon, while others were slightly altered. These changes, however, were ultimately secondary to the core narrative established in the screenplay.
FAQ 4: How many drafts of the Star Wars screenplay did Lucas write?
Lucas wrote multiple drafts of the Star Wars screenplay, significantly refining the story and characters with each iteration. It’s estimated he wrote at least four major versions, plus countless revisions.
FAQ 5: Why was Alan Dean Foster not credited for the novelization?
The precise reason for the lack of credit remains a point of contention. It was likely a contractual arrangement designed to promote George Lucas as the sole creator of the Star Wars universe. In that way, it built the Lucas persona in the public eye.
FAQ 6: Did other novels expand the Star Wars universe before the film?
No. While Star Wars was heavily influenced by existing sci-fi literature, no original Star Wars novels predated the film.
FAQ 7: Was the novelization intended to be a faithful adaptation of the screenplay?
Yes, the primary goal of the novelization was to accurately reflect the events and characters portrayed in the screenplay. While Foster had some creative license, he was expected to remain true to Lucas’s vision. Any divergence was kept to a minimum.
FAQ 8: Did the success of the novelization influence the film’s popularity?
Undoubtedly. The novelization generated significant pre-release buzz, piquing the interest of potential moviegoers. It provided a tangible representation of the Star Wars universe, whetting appetites for the cinematic spectacle to come. This pre-release hype certainly contributed to the film’s ultimate box office success.
FAQ 9: How did George Lucas feel about the novelization?
Lucas appears to have been generally pleased with Foster’s adaptation. He trusted Foster to translate his cinematic vision into a compelling novel. And he saw the strategic value in having a book to promote the film.
FAQ 10: Are there any major discrepancies between the original script and the movie?
Yes, there are many differences that exist in the various scripts and what made it onto film.
FAQ 11: What other works did Alan Dean Foster author that are worth reading?
Alan Dean Foster is a prolific science fiction author in his own right, and has written popular titles such as Splinter of the Mind’s Eye (another Star Wars novel), as well as The Pip & Flinx series and several novelizations for other sci-fi films like Alien and Alien 3.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the original screenplays for Star Wars?
While finding original screenplays can be difficult (and expensive), many versions of the Star Wars screenplays, including early drafts, are available online through fan sites and academic archives. Some are even available for purchase in published form.
Conclusion: Film First, Novel Second
Ultimately, the answer to the question “Was Star Wars a book or a film first?” is unequivocally the film. While the novelization played a crucial role in building anticipation and expanding the Star Wars universe, it was fundamentally an adaptation of the screenplay. The cinematic vision of George Lucas was the genesis of this iconic franchise, making Star Wars a film that spawned a literary phenomenon, not the other way around. The book served as fuel to the fire that was the movie, ensuring Star Wars‘ legendary launch into popular culture.