Behind-The-Scenes Secrets From The Star Wars Universe

Steven Spielberg Almost Added His Touch

Yet another big name that would become attached to the Star Wars franchise is Steven Spielberg. He and George Lucas are good friends, and Lucas wanted him to direct one of the Star Wars films. They would later collaborate on the Indiana Jones franchise, but Spielberg passed on directing Return of the Jedi.

Lucas then considered David Lynch and David Cronenberg to direct the last film of the original trilogy, before eventually hiring Richard Marquand. Things may have turned out very differently had Spielberg been the director. Marquand ended up being fired during filming, leaving Lucas to direct the rest of the film.

Meet Joe Black

The Phantom Menace, the first film of the second trilogy, helped the Brad Pitt film Meet Joe Black a box office success. Back in 1998, people did not rely on the internet for the news or for entertainment. When it was announced that the trailer for the newest Star Wars film would be played before Meet Joe Black, fans went nuts.

Many of them purchased tickets to Meet Joe Black just to see the trailer for The Phantom Menace, leading to inflated box office numbers. Despite the fact that Brad Pitt was already a superstar, diehard Star Wars fans were more excited for a sneak peek of The Phantom Menace than to see the latest Pitt film.