George Lucas Just Reminded Everyone What Star Wars Is All About

Summary George Lucas reminds fans that diversity & equality are central in Star Wars, emphasizing the acceptance of all beings, be they human or alien.

The Rebellion and more Star Wars heroes fight for a free galaxy and unite together against oppression, regardless of race or alien species.

The Empire in Star Wars represents discrimination, highlighting the importance of inclusivity overall in the franchise.

George Lucas' new comments about the Star Wars franchise are a great reminder of what the galaxy far, far away is truly all about. Having begun in 1977, Star Wars possesses a vast, multi-generational fanbase that's more often than not split over various elements seen throughout its movies, shows, and more content as one of the biggest transmedia franchises of all time. However, it's good to step back and be reminded of the core truth at the heart of Star Wars and Lucas' enduring vision.

While speaking at the Cannes Film Festival ahead of receiving the festival’s honorary Palme d’Or, Variety reports that Lucas reflected on the ideas of discrimination, race, and gender in Star Wars and the criticisms he's heard over the years. To that end, Lucas provides a great reminder about the heart of Star Wars and the ideals its heroes are fighting for:

“They would say, ‘It’s all white men,'” Lucas said of the films’ critics. “Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.”

Lucas also went on to speak about the powerful women in his films such as Leia Organa who became a key Rebellion general as well as her mother in the prequels, Queen Padmé Amidala who refused to give up fighting for her people and the galaxy at large. As such, it's a great reminder that Star Wars is all about the battle for a free galaxy where everyone is equal and on the same level.

The Heroes Of The Rebellion Champion Diversity & Equality

Fighting For The Cause Of A Free Galaxy (For Everyone)

In both the original and prequel trilogies helmed by Lucas, it's not hard to see how many different races and species of aliens are featured coming together in the name of fighting for a free galaxy. Wanting to be rid of the Empire and its grip over the entire galaxy, it doesn't matter what or who is fighting the regime. What matters is that anyone and everyone is fighting the same cause in the name of creating a better galaxy for anyone and everyone. This idea is at the heart of George Lucas' Star Wars.

This core truth still prevails in the modern era of Star Wars, even under Disney. Lucas' underlying vision and the cause of what was being fought for in the overall Skywalker saga still exists, especially as characters and casts for upcoming Star Wars shows and movies continue to become more inclusive and diverse, alien or human. On the most basic level, it doesn't matter who or what someone is if the goal in-universe is to make a better galaxy where everyone is equal.

It Is The Villains - The Empire - Who Stand For Discrimination

Oppressing The Star Wars Galaxy

This is why the villains of Star Wars, particularly the Empire, are predominantly human. Wearing the same white armor, Imperial stormtroopers and the vast majority of the Empire's officers are all human, representing a regime that stands for discrimination and tyranny. The same is true even as villains like the blue-skinned Grand Admiral Thrawn are reintroduced to the canon. Even Thrawn faced his share of discrimination among the ranks of his fellow Imperials. As such, Lucas' reminder about what Star Wars is really all about is most welcome, especially as Lucasfilm strives to uphold that truth in the current era.

Source: George Lucas/Variety