George Lucas Opens $1B Museum, Reveals Plans for More Star Wars Films
George Lucas has opened the $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, a sprawling space that celebrates storytelling from cave paintings to comic books. In a CBS interview, the 82‑year‑old creator revealed he had intended to make three more Star Wars films before deciding to focus on…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On a bright Saturday morning, the doors of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art swung open beside the University of Southern California campus. The 300,000‑square‑foot building, with its polymer‑clad concrete and glass that resembles a spaceship, has become a new landmark in downtown Los Angeles. Visitors were greeted by the “Star Wars in Motion” exhibit, where fans could pose with Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder and Anakin’s pod‑racer. Yet the museum’s ambition goes far beyond a showcase of film memorabilia.
From Star Wars to Narrative Art
George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars saga and former owner of Lucasfilm, has long been fascinated by storytelling. After selling Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, he turned his attention to building a cultural institution that would trace the evolution of narrative art from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary comic books. The museum’s curator, Tracey Bates, explains that Lucas wanted to “elevate illustrators and artists who bring myths to life.” The galleries feature a mix of high and low culture: a 1940 Frida Kahlo self‑portrait sits beside a Batman suit designed by Lindy Hemming, while early works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Charles Schulz, and Frank Frazetta occupy dedicated spaces.
Lucas’ Unfinished Star Wars Vision
In a CBS Sunday Morning interview timed with the museum’s opening, Lucas admitted that he had originally planned to produce three more Star Wars movies before deciding to retire from filmmaking. “I’m 82, so there is a limit to…when I did this, I decided to retire from making movies,” he said. He revealed that notes and outlines for the planned films were handed to Disney when he sold Lucasfilm, but the company chose a different direction, leading to the release of the sequel trilogy featuring Rey and Kylo Ren.
Lucas’ decision to pivot reflects the time and resources required to build the museum. He has described the project as a “long haul,” noting that it was initially slated for San Francisco and then Chicago before finally settling near USC, where he once studied film. The 17‑year journey to secure a site, coupled with the eight years spent on construction, illustrates the challenges of realizing a vision that defies conventional expectations.
What the Museum Offers
Beyond Star Wars artifacts, the museum hosts a rotating collection of vehicles and props from Lucasfilm’s archives, which constitute only about seven percent of the total exhibition space. The goal is to celebrate the broader world of cinema and narrative art. The library, wood‑lined and horseshoe‑shaped, houses a collection of original comic strips, book covers, and magazine illustrations, allowing visitors to see the creative process from sketch to finished piece.
Critics have questioned the term “narrative art,” arguing that the museum needs to provide more context for its displays. Lucas and his team counter that the intent is for viewers to engage directly with the images, letting each frame tell its own story without explanatory text. This approach aligns with Lucas’ belief that “a picture is very powerful, and stories are very powerful, and you combine them together, and those two elements create a society.”
Future Plans and Unresolved Questions
While the museum is now open, Lucas’ plans for future Star Wars projects remain uncertain. He has not confirmed whether the three films he outlined before selling Lucasfilm will ever be revisited. The Disney‑owned franchise continues to expand with new releases, but Lucas himself has stepped back from active involvement.
The museum’s opening also raises questions about the preservation of narrative art in an increasingly digital age. Lucas notes that the production of original illustrations has become mechanized, and he hopes the museum will serve as a temple of preservation for these dying skills.
Key facts
- George Lucas opened a $1 billion museum in Los Angeles
- He had plans for three more Star Wars films but abandoned them
- The museum blends Star Wars artifacts with works by artists like Frida Kahlo and Batman
- Critics question the term "narrative art" but Lucas emphasizes viewer engagement
- The project took 17 years to secure a site and 8 years to build
Why it matters
The museum signals a new era for narrative art, bridging pop culture and fine art while preserving the craft of illustration in a digital age.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art?
A 300,000‑sq‑ft museum in Los Angeles dedicated to the history of storytelling through visual art, including works from cave paintings to comic books.
Did George Lucas ever plan to make more Star Wars movies?
Yes, he had outlines for three additional films before deciding to retire from filmmaking.
How much of the museum is devoted to Star Wars?
Only about seven percent of the space is dedicated to Lucasfilm archives.
What is the museum’s mission?
To honor illustrators and artists who bring myths to life and to preserve narrative art across history.
When did the museum open?
The museum opened in early 2024, coinciding with Lucas’ interview on CBS Sunday Morning.
Sources
- [1] gizmodo.com
- [2] independent.co.uk
