George Lucas Threatens to Make Smaller Movies … Again

Director George Lucas of “Star Wars” has had enough of big-budget movie making.

The multi-millionaire behind one of cinema’s most beloved film franchises keeps telling anyone who will listen he wants to scale down his movie empire to focus on smaller, more intimate stories.

Lucas is at it again, courtesy of Empire Magazine:

“I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies,” the “Star Wars” director told Empire Magazine. “I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theaters.”

Lucas’ declaration sounds as empty as an aging rocker promising his latest tour will be his last. What’s crystal clear is that Lucas lacks the eye of the tiger he once had, the kind that forces broke filmmakers in their 20s and 30s to cast aside bills and other frivolous constraints to bring their vision to the big screen.

There’s not a darn thing stopping Lucas from noodling around with any type of film he wishes. Actors will likely sign on just for the chance to work with a legend, and his mere presence can guarantee a modicum of press and good will – except for those who won’t forgive him for endlessly tinkering with the “Star Wars” features.

And with Video on Demand and streaming services in full bloom, Lucas could channel his “hobby” energies toward modestly distributed projects.

But who else suspects Lucas, our most fickle filmmaker, just wants attention at this point?