George Lucas established himself as a blockbuster filmmaker with 1977’s Star Wars, which has had an enduring legacy in cinema. However, before undertaking the epic space opera saga, Lucas was once considering directing a war drama film focusing on the Vietnam War, which Francis Ford Coppola eventually directed.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now was initially developed by George Lucas (Credit: United Artists).
The 1979 war drama Apocalypse Now was initially going to be helmed by Lucas, who was involved in the project since the writing stage. Moreover, Lucas and writer John Milius had an extremely outrageous idea for the film’s production as the duo intended to shoot on actual locations where the war was still taking place. Here is everything you need to know about what could’ve been George Lucas’ Apocalypse Now.
George Lucas Almost Directed Apocalypse Now Before Creating Star Wars
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now...
Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now was initially developed by George Lucas (Credit: United Artists).
The 1979 war drama Apocalypse Now was initially going to be helmed by Lucas, who was involved in the project since the writing stage. Moreover, Lucas and writer John Milius had an extremely outrageous idea for the film’s production as the duo intended to shoot on actual locations where the war was still taking place. Here is everything you need to know about what could’ve been George Lucas’ Apocalypse Now.
George Lucas Almost Directed Apocalypse Now Before Creating Star Wars
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now...
- 6/2/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford were major players in the original Star Wars trilogy as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. As part of the Resistance fighting to bring down the tyrannical Empire, the two played integral roles in bringing it down. While the first film set up the world and the overall rivalry between the two, the sequels go all out with their war against each other.
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope
The iconic lightsaber fight from Empire Strikes Back, and the twist, remain the most iconic moments in the franchise. Luke’s lightsaber was put on auction in 2017, a year before the passing of the franchise’s producer Gary Kurtz. The price of the lightsaber was less than Ford’s combined salary for the original trilogy.
Mark Hamill’s Lightsaber from Empire Strikes Back Was Auctioned At $450,000
Luke battles Darth Vader in Empire...
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope
The iconic lightsaber fight from Empire Strikes Back, and the twist, remain the most iconic moments in the franchise. Luke’s lightsaber was put on auction in 2017, a year before the passing of the franchise’s producer Gary Kurtz. The price of the lightsaber was less than Ford’s combined salary for the original trilogy.
Mark Hamill’s Lightsaber from Empire Strikes Back Was Auctioned At $450,000
Luke battles Darth Vader in Empire...
- 5/9/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
For all that fans have, and will ever continue to, argue about what is canon in the world of Doctor Who, the fact remains that it is a world of fuzzy edges, edges will only get fuzzier now that Russell T Davies has introduced “the Doctor-verse”.
The TV series itself is like a piece of grit in the oyster of fandom, and around that grit has formed a pearl made of Big Finish audios and novels and comic books and tabletop Rpgs and videogames. Then there are all the unofficial appearances that definitely still count. And beyond that? The vast expanse of fan-created content, most of it created for an audience of one, and yet it is not quite as distant from The Official Version as you might think.
After all, we now are at a point where multiple actors have spent more hours playing the Doctor in Big Finish...
The TV series itself is like a piece of grit in the oyster of fandom, and around that grit has formed a pearl made of Big Finish audios and novels and comic books and tabletop Rpgs and videogames. Then there are all the unofficial appearances that definitely still count. And beyond that? The vast expanse of fan-created content, most of it created for an audience of one, and yet it is not quite as distant from The Official Version as you might think.
After all, we now are at a point where multiple actors have spent more hours playing the Doctor in Big Finish...
- 2/20/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Clockwise from top left: Darth Vader helmet (Photo: Mj Kim/Getty Images); James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images); Dorothy’s ruby slippers (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images); A model X-Wing fighter (Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Sometimes, C-3Po just doesn’t understand human behavior.
Sometimes, C-3Po just doesn’t understand human behavior.
- 10/30/2023
- by Ian Spelling
- avclub.com
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Thanks to the release of "Star Wars" in 1977 — before it had any episode number or subtitle — Harrison Ford was transformed from being a mostly unknown character actor into cinema's ultimate cool guy. He was the roguish hero who could approach everything with a wink and a smirk, putting forth the veneer of someone whose loyalties you question but ultimately know will do the right thing. Not only did it change the trajectory of the actor's career, helping to make him one of the biggest movie stars in the world for the next nearly 50 years, but it redefined a new template for a character that every adventure movie tried to replicate thereafter.
The thing that is important to remember, though, is that Harrison Ford isn't Han Solo. Nor is he Indiana Jones or Richard Kimball. He is Harrison Ford, a regular...
Thanks to the release of "Star Wars" in 1977 — before it had any episode number or subtitle — Harrison Ford was transformed from being a mostly unknown character actor into cinema's ultimate cool guy. He was the roguish hero who could approach everything with a wink and a smirk, putting forth the veneer of someone whose loyalties you question but ultimately know will do the right thing. Not only did it change the trajectory of the actor's career, helping to make him one of the biggest movie stars in the world for the next nearly 50 years, but it redefined a new template for a character that every adventure movie tried to replicate thereafter.
The thing that is important to remember, though, is that Harrison Ford isn't Han Solo. Nor is he Indiana Jones or Richard Kimball. He is Harrison Ford, a regular...
- 10/8/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
George Lucas' original "Star Wars" was, at the time, probably the most technologically complicated undertaking since Stanley Kubrick took a space-crazed populace for a tour of the galaxy in "2001: A Space Odyssey." The motion control camera pioneered by John Dykstra (which he dubbed the "Dykstraflex") allowed Lucas to pull off the Death Star trench run, which ended the film on a rousing note and changed the medium forever.
But before it became a global sensation, 20th Century Fox didn't get "Star Wars." According to Lucas, Alan Ladd Jr., who greenlit the movie, told the up-and-coming director, 'I don't understand this movie, I don't get it at all, but I think you're a talented guy and I want you to make it.'" His gut instinct was based on the box-office success of "American Graffiti," which was a grounded, night-in-the-life tale of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. It was relatable.
But before it became a global sensation, 20th Century Fox didn't get "Star Wars." According to Lucas, Alan Ladd Jr., who greenlit the movie, told the up-and-coming director, 'I don't understand this movie, I don't get it at all, but I think you're a talented guy and I want you to make it.'" His gut instinct was based on the box-office success of "American Graffiti," which was a grounded, night-in-the-life tale of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. It was relatable.
- 9/24/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The making of Apocalypse Now is the story of madness and disaster. As captured in the documentary Hearts of Darkness, the year plus filming saw every manner of bad luck, from conflicts with the Philippine government to massive storms to a constantly changing crew, to star Martin Sheen’s heart attack on set.
But the strangest behind the scenes tale of Apocalypse Now may actually be about the man who initially planned to direct it. The version of Apocalypse Now that hit theaters in 1979 matched the ambitions (and ego) of its director Francis Ford Coppola. But before Coppola took over, Apocalypse Now was actually the baby of the reserved and mild-mannered George Lucas.
Nirvana Now
Screenwriter John Milius wanted to go to war. One of the few conservatives within a group of lefty young filmmakers that included Martin Scorsese, Margot Kidder, and Paul Schrader, Milius had no interest in protesting the Vietnam War.
But the strangest behind the scenes tale of Apocalypse Now may actually be about the man who initially planned to direct it. The version of Apocalypse Now that hit theaters in 1979 matched the ambitions (and ego) of its director Francis Ford Coppola. But before Coppola took over, Apocalypse Now was actually the baby of the reserved and mild-mannered George Lucas.
Nirvana Now
Screenwriter John Milius wanted to go to war. One of the few conservatives within a group of lefty young filmmakers that included Martin Scorsese, Margot Kidder, and Paul Schrader, Milius had no interest in protesting the Vietnam War.
- 9/11/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Imagine being a young actor and getting a role in a feature film. It's a sci-fi adventure, and you're going to be the lead. You get all packed up and get on a plane to London to shoot, but when you get there, no one seems to care very much that you're around. That was the case for Mark Hamill, who was heading to the United Kingdom to play Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," which was simply "Star Wars" back then.
In the 2013 book "The Making of Star Wars: (Enhanced Edition)" by J.W. Rinzler (an upgraded version of the 2007 book of the same name), Hamill spoke about what it was like to head over there, all ready to go, and the odd situation he walked into that he didn't know anything about. That day was his first meeting with George Lucas and producer Gary Kurtz.
In the 2013 book "The Making of Star Wars: (Enhanced Edition)" by J.W. Rinzler (an upgraded version of the 2007 book of the same name), Hamill spoke about what it was like to head over there, all ready to go, and the odd situation he walked into that he didn't know anything about. That day was his first meeting with George Lucas and producer Gary Kurtz.
- 9/5/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
“Star Wars” is one of the biggest franchises of all time and has welcomed multiple generations to a galaxy far, far away for 45 years. George Lucas’ groundbreaking vision, which began all the way back in 1977 with “A New Hope,” changed the movie industry forever and, with that, made a mark on the Academy Awards that year with a Best Picture nomination. However, the relationship between “Star Wars” and the Oscars hasn’t always been as lovable as Han Solo and Chewie. In fact, there’s often been a touch of Vader-Luke in the conflicted dynamic between the two institutions. Here’s a breakdown of the history of every “Star Wars” movie at the Academy Awards, ranked in terms of Oscars success.
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
- 7/28/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Though "The Empire Strikes Back" is often regarded now as the best "Star Wars" film, the surprising runner-up in our poll two years ago was "Return of the Jedi," which is celebrating its 40th anniversary today. That "Jedi" should make such a strong showing was surprising if only because the film tends to take a slight critical drubbing in comparison to "Empire" and the first "Star Wars" movie, now known as "A New Hope."
With "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back," directors George Lucas and Irvin Kershner each carved out a distinct tone and vision for what the original "Star Wars" trilogy could be. Still, the contemporary love for "Empire" doesn't necessarily align with the immediate reaction audiences had to it back in the day. Last year, the Vice TV docuseries "Icons Unearthed: Star Wars" spliced in footage of one '80s fan exiting the theater, saying, "It could've been a better ending,...
With "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back," directors George Lucas and Irvin Kershner each carved out a distinct tone and vision for what the original "Star Wars" trilogy could be. Still, the contemporary love for "Empire" doesn't necessarily align with the immediate reaction audiences had to it back in the day. Last year, the Vice TV docuseries "Icons Unearthed: Star Wars" spliced in footage of one '80s fan exiting the theater, saying, "It could've been a better ending,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
As the story goes, George Lucas at one point planned to make a Skywalker family epic consisting of 12 movies across four trilogies, with Episode Xii serving as the true grand finale of the saga where our heroes would finally face the dreaded Emperor. But then he cut that outline down to nine films, with Luke’s sister (not originally Leia) joining the fray around Episode VIII, just in time for the final battle in Episode IX, according to Gary Kurtz, who produced the first two Star Wars films.
Then, in the early ’80s, Lucas decided to cut down the story further. He pushed up the final battle with the Dark Lord of the Sith to Episode VI, the initially titled Revenge of the Jedi, which would also reveal that Leia had been Luke’s long-lost sister all along (despite their famous smooch in The Empire Strikes Back). Lucas is something...
Then, in the early ’80s, Lucas decided to cut down the story further. He pushed up the final battle with the Dark Lord of the Sith to Episode VI, the initially titled Revenge of the Jedi, which would also reveal that Leia had been Luke’s long-lost sister all along (despite their famous smooch in The Empire Strikes Back). Lucas is something...
- 5/19/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
New Star Wars movies are finally on the way. Lucasfilm has recently announced a new Rey movie set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, as well as a movie tracking the origin of the Jedi from James Mangold, and a Mandoverse event film from Dave Filoni. Plus, Taika Waititi is writing a Star Wars movie he might also star in, while Deadpool 3 director Shawn Levy has signed up to do something in the galaxy far, far away, too. After years of waiting, fans have a whole slate of new Star Wars movies to look forward to, with the first said to be releasing as early as 2025.
But we’ve all been here before, haven’t we? It feels like only yesterday that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced a Rogue Squadron movie directed by Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins for a 2023 release. And remember when a Disney exec said Kevin Feige...
But we’ve all been here before, haven’t we? It feels like only yesterday that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced a Rogue Squadron movie directed by Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins for a 2023 release. And remember when a Disney exec said Kevin Feige...
- 5/10/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Mark Hamill, Gary Kurtz, and Billy D. Williams in 1980.Photo: Fairfax Media Archives (Getty Images)
Imagine Star Wars without merch. Or Ewoks. Or another Death Star, just two movies after the first. Imagine if Leia and Luke weren’t related, and might have become lovers. Imagine Han Solo dying in...
Imagine Star Wars without merch. Or Ewoks. Or another Death Star, just two movies after the first. Imagine if Leia and Luke weren’t related, and might have become lovers. Imagine Han Solo dying in...
- 5/4/2023
- by Ray Greene
- avclub.com
George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi film "Star Wars" was made on a budget of $11 million in 1976, which, in 2023 dollars shake out to about $58 million. That's a sizeable amount of money, of course, but given that the last theatrical "Star Wars" feature film, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" cost anywhere from $275 to $460 million to make, the original's budget seems like a drop in the bucket. Because Lucas was working with a mere mid-size budget (by today's standards), he was forced to change a great deal of his original "Star Wars" script, removing many fantastical elements and characters for more grounded, human, easier-to-film counterparts. From the looks of the original script, though, "Star Wars" might have come out looking as dense and as odd as Jodorowsky's failed "Dune" adaptation.
In 2020, details of Lucas' first draft were explored in detail on the Biography website. It seems the filmmaker's early visions for "Star Wars" were...
In 2020, details of Lucas' first draft were explored in detail on the Biography website. It seems the filmmaker's early visions for "Star Wars" were...
- 3/18/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The majesty and mystery of the "Star Wars" universe can really be traced back to one character: Boba Fett. Although the infamous bounty hunter was first introduced in the much-maligned "Star Wars Holiday Special," everyone really remembers his original appearance alongside Ig-88, Dengar, Bossk, Zuckuss, and 4-lom in "The Empire Strikes Back." Who was this cool and calculated mercenary? What's his backstory? For dyed-in-the-wool fans of the original trilogy, Boba Fett should have remained an enigma, shrouded in secrecy.
In the decades since he ushered Han Solo away to Jabba's Palace aboard Slave-1, Boba Fett has also come to represent everything that's wrong with the "Star Wars" universe. Fans now know his backstory and then some. He's an unaltered clone of his father, Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison), who re-emerges from the Sarlacc pit 5 years after "Return of the Jedi" to take over the criminal underworld on Tatooine. A young Fett...
In the decades since he ushered Han Solo away to Jabba's Palace aboard Slave-1, Boba Fett has also come to represent everything that's wrong with the "Star Wars" universe. Fans now know his backstory and then some. He's an unaltered clone of his father, Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison), who re-emerges from the Sarlacc pit 5 years after "Return of the Jedi" to take over the criminal underworld on Tatooine. A young Fett...
- 2/15/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
When "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" was first released in theaters in 1980, fans were enraptured by the unique "look" of a certain background bounty hunter so much that he quickly elevated to fan favorite status. Not much was known about Boba Fett at the time — his backstory would later be colored by expanded universe material and a parentage established by the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. His design, however, was still compelling enough to capture the imagination of the most curious-minded fans of George Lucas's fantasy/sci-fi galaxy.
It's the sleek and effortless cool of the T-shaped visor on the helmet, the various intricate shapes that make up his weaponry and toolset, a dark green and black color palette, and even a jetpack that transformed into every kid's most desired action figure. With all this in mind, it may come as a shock to know that the...
It's the sleek and effortless cool of the T-shaped visor on the helmet, the various intricate shapes that make up his weaponry and toolset, a dark green and black color palette, and even a jetpack that transformed into every kid's most desired action figure. With all this in mind, it may come as a shock to know that the...
- 1/31/2023
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
"Star Wars" was an all-in gamble for George Lucas in 1977. Even with the blockbuster success of 1973's "American Graffiti," the filmmaker was taking a massive risk by creating a sprawling, richly imagined sci-fi/fantasy saga from scratch. Just about every studio in Hollywood passed on the project. No one understood it. Alan Ladd, then the head of 20th Century Fox, didn't get it either, but he believed in Lucas enough to give him a budget in the neighborhood of 10 million. This translates to 52 million in 2022: not exorbitant, but big enough that Fox would feel a bit of financial pain if the film flopped.
It was impossible to predict just how emphatically moviegoers would connect with "Star Wars," and there was no road map for how to capitalize on its unprecedented success. Lucas and the VFX wizards at Industrial Light & Magic had pioneered new techniques to capture the thrilling intergalactic...
It was impossible to predict just how emphatically moviegoers would connect with "Star Wars," and there was no road map for how to capitalize on its unprecedented success. Lucas and the VFX wizards at Industrial Light & Magic had pioneered new techniques to capture the thrilling intergalactic...
- 1/5/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Commission
Warner Bros. Discovery U.K. is re-teaming with Optomen TV to produce a follow-up to “Johnny vs Amber,” a two-part documentary which explored Johnny Depp’s defamation trial in the U.K. High Court with explosive evidence, intimate personal archive and in-depth interviews from both legal teams. Following the success of that documentary, the follow up will be focused on the recent and very high-profile legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, this time in the U.S. The two-part Discovery+ documentary will again look at the extensive evidence and testimony of both Depp and Heard. Each episode will present one side of the argument through legal teams, friends, family and key witnesses.
In addition, Discovery+ has also greenlit two further ‘vs’ series: “Coleen vs Rebekah,” will examine the recent U.K. court battle between high profile footballers’ wives Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy; and “Britney vs Jamie,...
Warner Bros. Discovery U.K. is re-teaming with Optomen TV to produce a follow-up to “Johnny vs Amber,” a two-part documentary which explored Johnny Depp’s defamation trial in the U.K. High Court with explosive evidence, intimate personal archive and in-depth interviews from both legal teams. Following the success of that documentary, the follow up will be focused on the recent and very high-profile legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, this time in the U.S. The two-part Discovery+ documentary will again look at the extensive evidence and testimony of both Depp and Heard. Each episode will present one side of the argument through legal teams, friends, family and key witnesses.
In addition, Discovery+ has also greenlit two further ‘vs’ series: “Coleen vs Rebekah,” will examine the recent U.K. court battle between high profile footballers’ wives Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy; and “Britney vs Jamie,...
- 5/31/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Mvd Entertainment Group has acquired worldwide rights to the autobiographical coming-of-age comedy 5-25-77, from writer-director Patrick Read Johnson (Spaced Invaders), slating it for release in North American theaters this fall, with an unveiling on digital and VOD to follow.
The film’s title stems from the 1977 release date of George Lucas’ original Star Wars film—which today celebrates its 45th anniversary. It’s inspired by the true story of a nerdy, alienated, hopeful filmmaker named Pat Johnson (John Francis Daley) about growing up, falling in love, and becoming the very first fan of the movie that changed everything. Austin Pendleton (My Cousin Vinny), Colleen Camp (Die Hard with a Vengeance), Neil Flynn (Scrubs) and Justin Mentell (G-Force) also star.
Gary Kurtz, Fred Roos, and Leigh Jones produced, in collaboration with Film.io Originals, with 5-25-77 marking Kurtz’s final film before his passing in 2018. Mvd...
The film’s title stems from the 1977 release date of George Lucas’ original Star Wars film—which today celebrates its 45th anniversary. It’s inspired by the true story of a nerdy, alienated, hopeful filmmaker named Pat Johnson (John Francis Daley) about growing up, falling in love, and becoming the very first fan of the movie that changed everything. Austin Pendleton (My Cousin Vinny), Colleen Camp (Die Hard with a Vengeance), Neil Flynn (Scrubs) and Justin Mentell (G-Force) also star.
Gary Kurtz, Fred Roos, and Leigh Jones produced, in collaboration with Film.io Originals, with 5-25-77 marking Kurtz’s final film before his passing in 2018. Mvd...
- 5/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
1978’s Star Wars Holiday Special is known for many things: continuing the adventures of Luke, Han, Leia, and Chewie; introducing fans to Life Day and Chewie’s son, Lumpy; and being an all-around terrible TV special. But it also marked the first onscreen appearance of one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars: Boba Fett.
In the animated portion of the special, the heroes first meet Boba as an ally, a mysterious man in imposing armor who offers to help Han and Chewie after they crash on a dangerous moon in the Panna system. But we soon learn of this Good Samaritan’s true allegiance — he’s working for Darth Vader and the Empire. It’s this backstory that would later inform Boba’s first live-action appearance in The Empire Strikes Back, in which he’s hired by Vader to track down the Millennium Falcon in order to set...
In the animated portion of the special, the heroes first meet Boba as an ally, a mysterious man in imposing armor who offers to help Han and Chewie after they crash on a dangerous moon in the Panna system. But we soon learn of this Good Samaritan’s true allegiance — he’s working for Darth Vader and the Empire. It’s this backstory that would later inform Boba’s first live-action appearance in The Empire Strikes Back, in which he’s hired by Vader to track down the Millennium Falcon in order to set...
- 11/12/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The divisiveness of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy remains powerful nearly two years after its conclusion. Yet, as topically wide-ranging—and, in some cases, strangely political—as debates over the Disney follow-ups to the sacred Original Trilogy became, the cold-hard metric of box office grosses confirms their status as Star Wars’ most lucrative mainline movies (excluding the anemic Solo). Now, the camp of sequel detractors has apparently gained a surprisingly authoritative ally in film editor Marcia Lucas, who, besides being the ex-wife of George Lucas, was a crucially grounding visionary in the franchise’s formation.
One of Star Wars’ early guiding forces, Marcia Lucas (born Marcia Lou Griffin), has offered some scathing criticism of Sequel Trilogy films The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), rife with the kind of adjectives that don’t beat around the bush. The stinging words stem from Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life by J.
One of Star Wars’ early guiding forces, Marcia Lucas (born Marcia Lou Griffin), has offered some scathing criticism of Sequel Trilogy films The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), rife with the kind of adjectives that don’t beat around the bush. The stinging words stem from Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life by J.
- 9/20/2021
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
Los Angeles, March 9 (Ians) What makes Hollywood star Mark Hamill cringe? Every time he sees a still of the first time Luke Skywalker, his iconic character in the Star Wars universe, holds up the lightsaber and points it at his face!
The 69-year-old on Monday took to Twitter, to declare his stance on the meme that has been doing the rounds on social media for a while now.
"This makes me cringe every time I see it. I don't remember doing this in the movie. I think it's just an on-set production still, otherwise Obi-Wan (Kenobi) wouldn't look so remarkably unconcerned," he wrote on Twitter.
This is not the first time Hamill has given the fans of the franchise some behind-the-scenes trivia on social media. Last week he shared a set photo from the sets of the film, "Star Wars: A New Hope", featuring a birthday cake.
"While shooting on...
The 69-year-old on Monday took to Twitter, to declare his stance on the meme that has been doing the rounds on social media for a while now.
"This makes me cringe every time I see it. I don't remember doing this in the movie. I think it's just an on-set production still, otherwise Obi-Wan (Kenobi) wouldn't look so remarkably unconcerned," he wrote on Twitter.
This is not the first time Hamill has given the fans of the franchise some behind-the-scenes trivia on social media. Last week he shared a set photo from the sets of the film, "Star Wars: A New Hope", featuring a birthday cake.
"While shooting on...
- 3/9/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Mark Hamill made the day for Star Wars fans when explained on Tuesday the backstory to a behind-the-scenes picture from the set of A New Hope. A Twitter user asked the iconic sci-fi actor whose birthday a small group was celebrating on what appears to be the Mos Eisley location.
Hamill broke it all down for his 4.5 million followers.
“While shooting on location for the original #StarWars in Tunisia-North Africa, Gary Kurtz, George Lucas [and] I raised a styrofoam cup half-filled with warm champagne to toast Alec Guinness on his 62nd birthday. That was on Friday, April 2nd 1976. (I Googled ...
Hamill broke it all down for his 4.5 million followers.
“While shooting on location for the original #StarWars in Tunisia-North Africa, Gary Kurtz, George Lucas [and] I raised a styrofoam cup half-filled with warm champagne to toast Alec Guinness on his 62nd birthday. That was on Friday, April 2nd 1976. (I Googled ...
Mark Hamill made the day for Star Wars fans when he explained the backstory to a behind-the-scenes picture from the set of A New Hope.
On Tuesday, a Twitter user asked the iconic sci-fi actor whose birthday a small group was celebrating on what appears to be the Mos Eisley location. Hamill broke it all down for his 4.5 million followers.
“While shooting on location for the original #StarWars in Tunisia-North Africa, Gary Kurtz, George Lucas [and] I raised a styrofoam cup half-filled with warm champagne to toast Alec Guinness on his 62nd birthday. That was on Friday, April 2nd 1976. (I ...
On Tuesday, a Twitter user asked the iconic sci-fi actor whose birthday a small group was celebrating on what appears to be the Mos Eisley location. Hamill broke it all down for his 4.5 million followers.
“While shooting on location for the original #StarWars in Tunisia-North Africa, Gary Kurtz, George Lucas [and] I raised a styrofoam cup half-filled with warm champagne to toast Alec Guinness on his 62nd birthday. That was on Friday, April 2nd 1976. (I ...
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmakers Podcast #207: How to make a Sky Original Feature with ‘To Olivia...
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmakers Podcast #207: How to make a Sky Original Feature with ‘To Olivia...
- 3/1/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Blockbuster movies, as we think of them now, were defined in the ‘70s. Arguably, the first Hollywood blockbuster was Jaws, but the first blockbuster that was strategically planned was Star Wars.
Have you ever asked yourself why countless people lined up to see Star Wars in 1977 on the day it came out? There was no internet and TV advertising was expensive. George Lucas was not yet a multi-billionaire. How did they do it? How did Star Wars find its audience? More importantly, how did Star Wars find its audience before it became a massive hit?
The answer is the late Charles Lippincott. Lippincott, who died this week at the age of 80, was a publicist who worked for Lucasfilm in 1976. Most famously, he was also the guy who secured merchandising tie-in deals with Marvel Comics and Kenner toys. If you’ve ever read a Star Wars comic or played with a Star Wars toy,...
Have you ever asked yourself why countless people lined up to see Star Wars in 1977 on the day it came out? There was no internet and TV advertising was expensive. George Lucas was not yet a multi-billionaire. How did they do it? How did Star Wars find its audience? More importantly, how did Star Wars find its audience before it became a massive hit?
The answer is the late Charles Lippincott. Lippincott, who died this week at the age of 80, was a publicist who worked for Lucasfilm in 1976. Most famously, he was also the guy who secured merchandising tie-in deals with Marvel Comics and Kenner toys. If you’ve ever read a Star Wars comic or played with a Star Wars toy,...
- 5/22/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Updated with Academy statement: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has responded to complaints about the exclusion of some entertainment figures from its annual In Memoriam segment on Sunday’s Oscar telecast.
“The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars In Memoriam segment,” the organization said in a statement obtained by Deadline. “An executive committee representing every branch considers the list and makes selections for the telecast based on limited available time. All of the submissions are included on Oscar.com and will remain on the site throughout the year.”
Previously: Kobe Bryant led off the Oscar telecast’s In Memoriam segment and Kirk Douglas was the last film personality it honored.
The annual portion late in the show, introduced this time by Steven Spielberg and accompanied by a rendition of “Yesterday” by Grammy winner Billie Eilish, appeared to avoid major controversy.
“The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars In Memoriam segment,” the organization said in a statement obtained by Deadline. “An executive committee representing every branch considers the list and makes selections for the telecast based on limited available time. All of the submissions are included on Oscar.com and will remain on the site throughout the year.”
Previously: Kobe Bryant led off the Oscar telecast’s In Memoriam segment and Kirk Douglas was the last film personality it honored.
The annual portion late in the show, introduced this time by Steven Spielberg and accompanied by a rendition of “Yesterday” by Grammy winner Billie Eilish, appeared to avoid major controversy.
- 2/11/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Ahr Aug 30, 2019
The executive producers of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance talk about how Jim Henson’s vision comes alive in the Netflix prequel.
There’s something about The Dark Crystal’s artistry in presenting characters and creatures that are designed and fabricated as fantastical figures controlled by human hands rather than by computer that transcends whatever motion capture or sophisticated visual effects can accomplish. With The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Jim Henson’s darkest tale will return to a more vibrant time in the planet of Thra’s history, and the marriage of puppetry, practical effects, and CGI will be a wonder to behold when the series arrives on Netflix on August 30, 2019. Creators Will Matthews and Jeffrey Addiss along with executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach told us all about how the 1982 film made the journey to the small screen.
The original movie was anything but the end...
The executive producers of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance talk about how Jim Henson’s vision comes alive in the Netflix prequel.
There’s something about The Dark Crystal’s artistry in presenting characters and creatures that are designed and fabricated as fantastical figures controlled by human hands rather than by computer that transcends whatever motion capture or sophisticated visual effects can accomplish. With The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Jim Henson’s darkest tale will return to a more vibrant time in the planet of Thra’s history, and the marriage of puppetry, practical effects, and CGI will be a wonder to behold when the series arrives on Netflix on August 30, 2019. Creators Will Matthews and Jeffrey Addiss along with executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach told us all about how the 1982 film made the journey to the small screen.
The original movie was anything but the end...
- 8/22/2019
- Den of Geek
In a Comic-Con without a massive Star Wars panel or even a Joss Whedon lecture, those looking for any lightning in Hall H, could rely on Mark Hamill this afternoon.
A lot of these panels have the same wash-rinse-repeat formula: Actors talking passionately about their roles in projects we haven’t seen yet. Or worse, a great deal of backslapping among the cast about their favorite on set moments. Oh, and let’s not forget a trailer. But at Netflix’s panel for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Hamill took everyone back down memory lane, and it gave the whole 45 minute panel a greater sense of fanboy spiritual dept, especially for a prequel streaming series to a 37-year-old cult fantasy movie.
In fact, at the end of the panel discussion for the Netflix series, and before the first episode of Dark Crystal was shown to the Hall, Hamill was...
A lot of these panels have the same wash-rinse-repeat formula: Actors talking passionately about their roles in projects we haven’t seen yet. Or worse, a great deal of backslapping among the cast about their favorite on set moments. Oh, and let’s not forget a trailer. But at Netflix’s panel for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Hamill took everyone back down memory lane, and it gave the whole 45 minute panel a greater sense of fanboy spiritual dept, especially for a prequel streaming series to a 37-year-old cult fantasy movie.
In fact, at the end of the panel discussion for the Netflix series, and before the first episode of Dark Crystal was shown to the Hall, Hamill was...
- 7/20/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
John Saavedra Dec 19, 2019
George Lucas was consulted about the story of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker before J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio wrote the script.
George Lucas was consulted about the story of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, according to director and co-writer J.J. Abrams in an interview with IGN.
“This movie had a very, very specific challenge, which was to take eight films and give an ending to three trilogies, and so we had to look at, what is the bigger story? We had conversations amongst ourselves, we met with George Lucas before writing the script,” Abrams said. “These were things that were in real, not debate, but looking at the vastness of the story and trying to figure out, what is the way to conclude this? But it has to work on its own as a movie, it has to be its own thing, it...
George Lucas was consulted about the story of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker before J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio wrote the script.
George Lucas was consulted about the story of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, according to director and co-writer J.J. Abrams in an interview with IGN.
“This movie had a very, very specific challenge, which was to take eight films and give an ending to three trilogies, and so we had to look at, what is the bigger story? We had conversations amongst ourselves, we met with George Lucas before writing the script,” Abrams said. “These were things that were in real, not debate, but looking at the vastness of the story and trying to figure out, what is the way to conclude this? But it has to work on its own as a movie, it has to be its own thing, it...
- 4/18/2019
- Den of Geek
Updated with more info: Stanley Donen, the legendary director of classics like Singin’ in the Rain, whose death at age 94 was just confirmed a day and a half before the Oscars, was the most prominent omission of the annual “In Memoriam” reel in tonight’s telecast.
Other notables left out included Star Wars and American Graffiti producer Gary Kurtz, actress Carol Channing, experimental filmmaker Jonas Mekas and marketing and distribution executive Mark Urman. Despite a petition urging her inclusion, Stand and Deliver and ER actress Vanessa Marquez also did not make the cut. Also missing were actors Dick Miller, whose work included Gremlins and The Terminator, and Julie Adams, known for Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The Academy did post a more comprehensive photo gallery on its site tonight that included Donen and Channing. A total of 211 photos are included.
Donen was a renowned figure whose films spanned decades and...
Other notables left out included Star Wars and American Graffiti producer Gary Kurtz, actress Carol Channing, experimental filmmaker Jonas Mekas and marketing and distribution executive Mark Urman. Despite a petition urging her inclusion, Stand and Deliver and ER actress Vanessa Marquez also did not make the cut. Also missing were actors Dick Miller, whose work included Gremlins and The Terminator, and Julie Adams, known for Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The Academy did post a more comprehensive photo gallery on its site tonight that included Donen and Channing. A total of 211 photos are included.
Donen was a renowned figure whose films spanned decades and...
- 2/25/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
For Sunday’s Oscars 2019 ceremony, producers had a difficult decision of which film industry people would make the cut and who would be left out of the “In Memoriam.” For the segment, Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic performed music by Oscar winner John Williams.
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
SEEDirector Stanley Donen, dead at 94, was light on his feet and a movie musical heavyweight
Stanley Donen would have certainly been included, but he died on the weekend after the segment had been finalized (look for him on the 2020 show). Here is list of some of the people included in the Memoriam tribute for the ceremony (Academy members are indicated with ** by their names):
Susan Anspach (actor)
Bernardo Bertolucci (director)
Yvonne Blake (costume designer)**
Paul Bloch...
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
SEEDirector Stanley Donen, dead at 94, was light on his feet and a movie musical heavyweight
Stanley Donen would have certainly been included, but he died on the weekend after the segment had been finalized (look for him on the 2020 show). Here is list of some of the people included in the Memoriam tribute for the ceremony (Academy members are indicated with ** by their names):
Susan Anspach (actor)
Bernardo Bertolucci (director)
Yvonne Blake (costume designer)**
Paul Bloch...
- 2/25/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Every year, during the in memoriam section at the Oscars, Hollywood celebrates the talent that has died over the last year and every year there are some glaring omissions.
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
- 2/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
While Academy Awards producers have strived for a much shorter ceremony this year, the annual “In Memoriam” segment will definitely remain. In fact this moment on Sunday’s 2019 event should be extra classy since Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic will be performing as part of the tribute.
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. But which ones will be featured in the short segment? There are generally outcries each year from family members upset about people being left out. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
Virtually certain to be part of the montage are Oscar-winning directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Milos Forman, Oscar-nominated actors Carol Channing, Albert Finney and Burt Reynolds, director and actress Penny Marshall, executive producer and entertainment icon Stan Lee and many more.
SEEDana Carvey, Mike Myers, Queen Latifah, Barbra Streisand...
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. But which ones will be featured in the short segment? There are generally outcries each year from family members upset about people being left out. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
Virtually certain to be part of the montage are Oscar-winning directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Milos Forman, Oscar-nominated actors Carol Channing, Albert Finney and Burt Reynolds, director and actress Penny Marshall, executive producer and entertainment icon Stan Lee and many more.
SEEDana Carvey, Mike Myers, Queen Latifah, Barbra Streisand...
- 2/22/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
There are a lot of old documentaries and behind-the-scenes “making of” videos from the 70s and 80s that have been made for George Lucas’ Star Wars films. Most hardcore fans have seen many of them, but today we have a rare one to share with you that has said to have been lost and you don’t want to miss it!
The hour-long 1980 documentary puts the focus on the making of The Empire Strikes Back and it’s packed full of all kinds of awesome behind-the-scenes footage! It’s so cool to get a new in depth look at the development of the Star Wars film that so many fans love.
The doc also features some wonderful interviews with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. George Lucas isn’t around much, but listening to director Irvin Kershner and Gary Kurtz talk about the film is so cool. It’s...
The hour-long 1980 documentary puts the focus on the making of The Empire Strikes Back and it’s packed full of all kinds of awesome behind-the-scenes footage! It’s so cool to get a new in depth look at the development of the Star Wars film that so many fans love.
The doc also features some wonderful interviews with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. George Lucas isn’t around much, but listening to director Irvin Kershner and Gary Kurtz talk about the film is so cool. It’s...
- 10/17/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Welcome to this week’s Smackdown review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have… The Miz! Yeah, I know. Who cares? Actually, I like The Miz, but he doesn’t sell tickets, so it’s hard to get folks excited about a guy who isn’t a star. Oh, legendary film producer Gary Kurtz died. Kurtz worked with George Lucas all the way through The Empire Strikes Back and was very talented. Kurtz could be accused of being a bit too stubborn on many occasions, but he was passionate and seemed to be a good man. If The Miz had produced Star Wars, it would have just been him licking things for two hours. Let’s wrestle, Chico!
Match #1: The Miz def. R-Truth The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
With each of their talk shows on the line, The Miz squared off against R-Truth,...
Match #1: The Miz def. R-Truth The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
With each of their talk shows on the line, The Miz squared off against R-Truth,...
- 9/26/2018
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
Producer who worked on the first two Star Wars films, American Graffiti and Return to Oz
The producer Gary Kurtz, who has died aged 78 after suffering from cancer, was one of the driving forces behind George Lucas’s 1977 blockbuster Star Wars and its masterful sequel, The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His duties extended to shooting parts of both films – directing some second-unit footage on the first, and selected scenes set on the ice planet Hoth in the sequel – during the race to finish on schedule.
But Kurtz was also one of the few dissenting voices to emerge from Lucas’s inner circle, mourning the turn that the series took after Empire towards empty, repetitive spectacle and the hawking of merchandise.
The producer Gary Kurtz, who has died aged 78 after suffering from cancer, was one of the driving forces behind George Lucas’s 1977 blockbuster Star Wars and its masterful sequel, The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His duties extended to shooting parts of both films – directing some second-unit footage on the first, and selected scenes set on the ice planet Hoth in the sequel – during the race to finish on schedule.
But Kurtz was also one of the few dissenting voices to emerge from Lucas’s inner circle, mourning the turn that the series took after Empire towards empty, repetitive spectacle and the hawking of merchandise.
- 9/26/2018
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Word has come in that celebrated U.S. filmmaker Gary Kurtz, who produced such iconic films as Star Wars and American Graffiti, has passed away at the age of 78. Reports state that Kurtz died yesterday in London, after a year-long battle with cancer. Kurtz began his career as an assistant director on Montel Hellman’s western Ride In The Whirlwind, starring Jack Nicholson. After...
- 9/24/2018
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Award-winning producer of “Star Wars,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “American Graffiti,” Gary Kurtz has passed away at the age of 78 after his battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family.
Gary Kurtz is perhaps one of the biggest unsung heroes of the “Star Wars” franchise. Having worked with director George Lucas on “American Graffiti,” Kurtz was pivotal in launching “Star Wars” back in 1977.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars’ & ‘The Dark Crystal’ Producer Gary Kurtz Passes Away At 78 at The Playlist.
Gary Kurtz is perhaps one of the biggest unsung heroes of the “Star Wars” franchise. Having worked with director George Lucas on “American Graffiti,” Kurtz was pivotal in launching “Star Wars” back in 1977.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars’ & ‘The Dark Crystal’ Producer Gary Kurtz Passes Away At 78 at The Playlist.
- 9/24/2018
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Veteran U.S film producer Gary Kurtz, producer of movies including Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and America Graffiti, has died in London aged 78.
Kurtz passed away yesterday, Sunday September 23, after a year-long battle with cancer.
Starting as an assistant director on Montel Hellman’s western Ride in the Whirlwind, starring Jack Nicholson, he also worked on Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet and Dennis Hopper’s Queen of Blood. After military service, he was an associate picture on Chandler and Two-Lane Backdrop before meeting George Lucas in 1971. He co-produced American Graffiti, before making a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce Star Wars; he set up the second unit and directed many pick ups, including most of the cockpit dog fight scenes, as well as the special effects.
The UK-based Kurtz then worked on Empire Strikes Back, his last collaboration with Lucas. He helped to direct alongside Irvin Kershner.
Kurtz passed away yesterday, Sunday September 23, after a year-long battle with cancer.
Starting as an assistant director on Montel Hellman’s western Ride in the Whirlwind, starring Jack Nicholson, he also worked on Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet and Dennis Hopper’s Queen of Blood. After military service, he was an associate picture on Chandler and Two-Lane Backdrop before meeting George Lucas in 1971. He co-produced American Graffiti, before making a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce Star Wars; he set up the second unit and directed many pick ups, including most of the cockpit dog fight scenes, as well as the special effects.
The UK-based Kurtz then worked on Empire Strikes Back, his last collaboration with Lucas. He helped to direct alongside Irvin Kershner.
- 9/24/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
John Saavedra Sep 24, 2018
Gary Kurtz, the producer who helped bring the original Star Wars to the big screen, has passed away.
Hollywood has lost one of the pioneers who helped bring Star Wars to the big screen. Longtime producer Gary Kurtz passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Kurtz's official Facebook page.
“Gary Kurtz was considered by many as a pioneer in the film industry and a master of the art of filmmaking,” the Facebook post reads. “He found any opportunity to share his expansive knowledge of the film industry with budding filmmakers and those seeking knowledge. He was a real humanitarian and a gentleman; some have said that he is one of the gentlest souls in the film profession, modest and humble, and a very unique man.”
Kurtz is best known as the producer of the original Star Wars and The Empire...
Gary Kurtz, the producer who helped bring the original Star Wars to the big screen, has passed away.
Hollywood has lost one of the pioneers who helped bring Star Wars to the big screen. Longtime producer Gary Kurtz passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Kurtz's official Facebook page.
“Gary Kurtz was considered by many as a pioneer in the film industry and a master of the art of filmmaking,” the Facebook post reads. “He found any opportunity to share his expansive knowledge of the film industry with budding filmmakers and those seeking knowledge. He was a real humanitarian and a gentleman; some have said that he is one of the gentlest souls in the film profession, modest and humble, and a very unique man.”
Kurtz is best known as the producer of the original Star Wars and The Empire...
- 9/24/2018
- Den of Geek
Gary Kurtz, a producer on “Star Wars” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” has died. He was 78.
According to a statement by The Kurtz/Joiner Archive, the producer died from cancer on Sunday in North London, England.
“Gary Kurtz, Star Wars producer passed away on Sunday the 23rd of September at 4.47 p.m. after living with Cancer for the last year,” read the statement. “We have him to thank for these wonderful memories that he made for us all. Gary Kurtz helped to create the force and it is with us always. Gary Kurtz left behind Clare Gabriel, Tiffany Kurtz, Melissa Kurtz, and Dylan Kurtz. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Also Read: Gary Kurtz, 'Star Wars' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' Producer, Dies at 78
Actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in various “Star Wars” films, tweeted Monday: “Rip Gary Kurtz. A great filmmaker and man has just passed. Without him...
According to a statement by The Kurtz/Joiner Archive, the producer died from cancer on Sunday in North London, England.
“Gary Kurtz, Star Wars producer passed away on Sunday the 23rd of September at 4.47 p.m. after living with Cancer for the last year,” read the statement. “We have him to thank for these wonderful memories that he made for us all. Gary Kurtz helped to create the force and it is with us always. Gary Kurtz left behind Clare Gabriel, Tiffany Kurtz, Melissa Kurtz, and Dylan Kurtz. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Also Read: Gary Kurtz, 'Star Wars' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' Producer, Dies at 78
Actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in various “Star Wars” films, tweeted Monday: “Rip Gary Kurtz. A great filmmaker and man has just passed. Without him...
- 9/24/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz died of cancer on Sunday, his family said in a statement. He was 78.
In addition to helping bring the Skywalker stories to the big screen, Kurtz produced “American Graffiti” and “The Dark Crystal.” His career was closely aligned with that of George Lucas, but the two parted ways after the troubled production of “The Empire Strikes Back.”
Kurtz had championed “Star Wars” through multiple drafts and helped Lucas navigate 20th Century Fox’s lack of enthusiasm for a movie they dismissed as a B-picture. After “Star Wars” stunned everyone by turning into a massive hit, Lucas and Kurtz sat about crafting a sequel. Lucas handed the reins over to director Irvin Kershner, but production went over schedule and Lucas was forced to dip into his own pocket to complete the movie. Kurtz stepped in to direct second-unit work on the film. When it came time...
In addition to helping bring the Skywalker stories to the big screen, Kurtz produced “American Graffiti” and “The Dark Crystal.” His career was closely aligned with that of George Lucas, but the two parted ways after the troubled production of “The Empire Strikes Back.”
Kurtz had championed “Star Wars” through multiple drafts and helped Lucas navigate 20th Century Fox’s lack of enthusiasm for a movie they dismissed as a B-picture. After “Star Wars” stunned everyone by turning into a massive hit, Lucas and Kurtz sat about crafting a sequel. Lucas handed the reins over to director Irvin Kershner, but production went over schedule and Lucas was forced to dip into his own pocket to complete the movie. Kurtz stepped in to direct second-unit work on the film. When it came time...
- 9/24/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. He was 78.
In a statement Monday, his family said Kurtz died Sunday from cancer in London.
"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," the statement read. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman and a kind, compassionate human being. His life’s work was to share the wonder of audio visual storytelling through the art of film. Well-known for ...
In a statement Monday, his family said Kurtz died Sunday from cancer in London.
"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," the statement read. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman and a kind, compassionate human being. His life’s work was to share the wonder of audio visual storytelling through the art of film. Well-known for ...
- 9/24/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. He was 78.
In a statement Monday, his family said Kurtz died Sunday from cancer in London.
"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," the statement read. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman and a kind, compassionate human being. His life’s work was to share the wonder of audio visual storytelling through the art of film. Well-known for ...
In a statement Monday, his family said Kurtz died Sunday from cancer in London.
"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," the statement read. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman and a kind, compassionate human being. His life’s work was to share the wonder of audio visual storytelling through the art of film. Well-known for ...
- 9/24/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On August 1, 1973, Universal brought George Lucas' directorial debut, American Graffiti, to the big screen in Los Angeles. Just weeks after the film's initial release, The Hollywood Reporter took a close look at the making of the $780,000 project: how co-producer Gary Kurtz dealt with studio rejection, why "the crew sometimes was ready 'to kill each other,'" and, when it became a clear hit, how the relatively unknown cast became "inundated" with offers. The original THR article, headlined "'Graffiti' Survived Studios' Rejection to Score at B.O.," is below: ...
On August 1, 1973, Universal brought George Lucas' directorial debut, American Graffiti, to the big screen in Los Angeles. Just weeks after the film's initial release, The Hollywood Reporter took a close look at the making of the $780,000 project: how co-producer Gary Kurtz dealt with studio rejection, why "the crew sometimes was ready 'to kill each other,'" and, when it became a clear hit, how the relatively unknown cast became "inundated" with offers. The original THR article, headlined "'Graffiti' Survived Studios' Rejection to Score at B.O.," is below: ...
Producer Gary Kurtz, director Greg Hall and screenwriter Francis Hamit are teaming up for Christopher Marlowe, a film about the 16th-century British playwright, a friend and rival to William Shakespeare, who may also have been a spy.
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
- 5/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Producer Gary Kurtz, director Greg Hall and screenwriter Francis Hamit are teaming up for Christopher Marlowe, a film about the 16th-century British playwright, a friend and rival to William Shakespeare, who may also have been a spy.
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
- 5/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz and British crime film director Greg Hall are teaming on an untitled feature film about iconic British poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe.
Kurtz and Hall announced the project on Wednesday, the 425th anniversary of the death of Marlowe at the age of 29. Marlowe is best remembered as William Shakespeare’s friend and rival, but the film will explore the aftermath of his role as a spy for the British crown while a student at Cambridge University.
Marlowe wrote “The Jew of Malta,” “Edward the Second” and “Doctor Faustus.” His death has long been assumed to have been as a result of a fight between friends over a bar bill. But, according to the filmmakers, he was assassinated as a matter of state policy because of his involvement in secret affairs.
The script, by Francis Hamit, details Marlowe’s career as a spy as part of the early English Secret Service,...
Kurtz and Hall announced the project on Wednesday, the 425th anniversary of the death of Marlowe at the age of 29. Marlowe is best remembered as William Shakespeare’s friend and rival, but the film will explore the aftermath of his role as a spy for the British crown while a student at Cambridge University.
Marlowe wrote “The Jew of Malta,” “Edward the Second” and “Doctor Faustus.” His death has long been assumed to have been as a result of a fight between friends over a bar bill. But, according to the filmmakers, he was assassinated as a matter of state policy because of his involvement in secret affairs.
The script, by Francis Hamit, details Marlowe’s career as a spy as part of the early English Secret Service,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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