History of George Lucas in Timeline
George Lucas is a highly influential American filmmaker and philanthropist best known for creating the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. He is also recognized for founding several successful entertainment companies, including Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX. Lucas's innovative filmmaking techniques and blockbuster successes significantly impacted the New Hollywood era and modern cinema. Despite his Hollywood influence, he has predominantly remained an independent filmmaker throughout his career.
May 14, 1944: Birth of George Lucas
George Walton Lucas Jr. was born on May 14, 1944.
July 1955: Visit to Disneyland
Lucas and his family visited Disneyland during its opening week in July 1955, sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for the park.
June 12, 1962: Car Accident and Change of Aspirations
On June 12, 1962, Lucas was in a serious car accident that caused him to shift his career aspirations away from race car driving.
1967: Graduation and Move to San Francisco
George Lucas graduated from the University of Southern California in 1967 and moved to San Francisco.
1967: Return to USC and Early Filmmaking
Lucas returned to the University of Southern California as a graduate student in film production in 1967. He directed the short film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB, which won awards at a student film festival.
1967: Exemption from Military Service
Lucas was exempted from military service in Vietnam in 1967 due to his diabetes.
1968: Working on Finian's Rainbow
Lucas worked on the set of Finian's Rainbow in 1968, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
1968: Release of "2001: A Space Odyssey"
The film "2001: A Space Odyssey" premiered in 1968, captivating audiences with its revolutionary visual effects, orchestrated by Douglas Trumbull. The film would later inspire George Lucas in his pursuit of innovative special effects for "Star Wars."
1969: Marriage to Marcia Lou Griffin
George Lucas married film editor Marcia Lou Griffin in 1969.
1969: Camera Operator for Gimme Shelter
In 1969, Lucas was a camera operator for the Rolling Stones concert film Gimme Shelter.
1969: Co-founding of American Zoetrope
Lucas co-founded the studio American Zoetrope with Francis Ford Coppola in 1969.
1971: Founding of Lucasfilm
George Lucas established his film production company, Lucasfilm, in 1971, laying the foundation for his future cinematic endeavors, including the Star Wars franchise.
1971: Release of THX 1138
Lucas wrote and directed THX 1138, released in 1971. The film, based on his student short, was a critical success but a financial failure.
1972: Release of "Silent Running"
"Silent Running," a science fiction film featuring Douglas Trumbull's impressive visual effects work, was released in 1972.
1973: Release of American Graffiti
In 1973, Lucas wrote and directed American Graffiti, a film inspired by his youth. The film was a critical and commercial success.
1973: Founding of Lucasfilm and Success of American Graffiti
Lucas founded his own company, Lucasfilm, Ltd., and directed the successful American Graffiti in 1973.
1975: Establishment of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
Driven by his ambition to create groundbreaking visual effects for his upcoming film, "Star Wars," Lucas founded Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in 1975. Unable to utilize 20th Century Fox's in-house effects department, Lucas, on the recommendation of Douglas Trumbull, hired John Dykstra to assemble a team of talented individuals to form ILM.
September 12, 1977: Incorporation of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm, initially founded as a film production company in 1971, was officially incorporated as Lucasfilm Ltd. on September 12, 1977. This marked a significant step in the company's growth and evolution.
1977: Inkpot Award
George Lucas received the Inkpot Award in 1977, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of comics, science fiction/fantasy, film, animation, or fandom services.
1977: ILM's Contribution to "Star Wars"
In 1977, the team at ILM, established by Lucas two years prior, played a pivotal role in bringing his vision for "Star Wars" to life. Their innovative techniques and dedication to pushing the boundaries of visual effects were instrumental in the film's success.
1977: Release of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
The first Star Wars film, later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, was released in 1977. Despite production challenges, the film was a surprise hit.
1978: The Star Wars Holiday Special and Expansion of Lucasfilm
In 1978, Lucasfilm produced "The Star Wars Holiday Special" for 20th Century Fox Television. The company, initially comprising five employees, expanded to nearly 100, leading to increased management and expenses.
1979: Unsuccessful Project: More American Graffiti
In 1979, Lucas experienced a setback with the film 'More American Graffiti', which was not as successful as its predecessor. This was one of several unsuccessful projects in his career.
1979: Founding of Pixar
In 1979, the animation studio Pixar was founded as the Graphics Group, a division of Lucasfilm. This group later became famous for pioneering computer graphics in films.
1980: Restructuring of Lucasfilm and Skywalker Ranch Decision
Following financial disagreements with Charles Weber, whom he had hired to manage the company, Lucas made significant changes to Lucasfilm in 1980, including dismissing Weber and laying off half of the Los Angeles staff. He decided against selling Skywalker Ranch, reaffirming his commitment to independent filmmaking.
1980: Executive Producer of Kagemusha
In 1980, George Lucas was credited as the executive producer for Akira Kurosawa's film 'Kagemusha'. This period saw Lucas contributing to various projects as a producer and sometimes as a story writer.
1980: Release of The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back, the sequel to Star Wars, was released in 1980. Lucas produced and co-wrote the film.
1981: Adoption of Amanda Lucas
George Lucas and Marcia Lou Griffin adopted their daughter, Amanda Lucas, in 1981.
1981: Leaving Writers Guild of America West
In 1981, George Lucas left the Writers Guild of America West and maintained financial core status, marking a significant decision in his professional career.
1981: Release of Raiders of the Lost Ark
Lucas collaborated with Steven Spielberg to create, produce, and co-write Raiders of the Lost Ark, released in 1981.
June 1983: Financial Challenges
By June 1983, George Lucas was worth $60 million but faced significant financial challenges following his divorce and a drop in Star Wars license revenues after the release of 'Return of the Jedi'.
1983: Release of Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi, the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy, was released in 1983, produced and co-written by Lucas.
1983: Divorce from Marcia Lou Griffin
George Lucas and Marcia Lou Griffin divorced in 1983.
1983: Executive Producer of Twice Upon a Time
In 1983, George Lucas served as the executive producer for John Korty's animated film 'Twice Upon a Time'. This was part of his ongoing involvement in various film projects during this era.
1983: Founding of THX
In 1983, George Lucas and Tomlinson Holman founded the audio company THX, which specialized in stereo, digital, and theatrical sound for films and music. THX became known for its high-quality sound standards.
1984: Executive Producer of Ewoks: Caravan of Courage
In 1984, Lucas was the executive producer for 'Ewoks: Caravan of Courage', a television film set in the Star Wars universe. This project expanded the Star Wars franchise into new media formats.
1984: Release of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The second film in the Indiana Jones franchise, The Temple of Doom, was released in 1984. Lucas collaborated with Spielberg on the project.
1985: Executive Producer of Multiple Films
In 1985, George Lucas was credited as the executive producer for 'Ewoks: Battle for Endor' and 'Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters'. These projects showcased his diverse interests in storytelling.
1986: Executive Producer of Labyrinth
In 1986, Lucas served as the executive producer for Jim Henson's fantasy film 'Labyrinth'. Despite its initial lackluster performance, the film later became a cult classic.
1986: Sale of Pixar to Steve Jobs
In 1986, Steve Jobs purchased Pixar from Lucas for $5 million and invested an additional $5 million into the company. This sale helped Lucas stop financial losses from research projects.
1987: Financial Hesitation Post-Divorce
In 1987, following a costly divorce, George Lucas was hesitant to produce additional Star Wars films. However, the resurgence of Star Wars popularity through comics and novels began to change his perspective.
1988: Adoption of Katie Lucas
George Lucas adopted his daughter, Katie Lucas, in 1988.
1988: Executive Producer of Willow and The Land Before Time
In 1988, Lucas was the executive producer for two films: Ron Howard's 'Willow' and Don Bluth's animated feature 'The Land Before Time'. Both films showcased his commitment to diverse genres.
1989: Release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, Lucas and Spielberg released Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
1991: The George Lucas Educational Foundation
George Lucas founded The George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation in schools, in 1991.
1991: Irving G. Thalberg Award
George Lucas was honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Award at the Academy Awards in 1991, recognizing his exceptional contributions as a creative producer.
1992: Indiana Jones Television Prequel
In 1992, Lucas contributed to the creation of 'The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles', a television series that served as a prequel to the Indiana Jones films. The series ran until 1993.
1993: Adoption of Jett Lucas
George Lucas adopted his son, Jett Lucas, in 1993.
1993: Announcement of Star Wars Prequels
In 1993, it was announced that George Lucas would be developing the Star Wars prequels. He began drafting the story, focusing on Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side, which would eventually form the beginning of the Star Wars saga.
1994: Work on Episode I Screenplay
In 1994, George Lucas started working on the screenplay for the first Star Wars prequel, tentatively titled Episode I: The Beginning. This marked the start of a new era for the Star Wars franchise.
1994: Unsuccessful Project: Radioland Murders
In 1994, Lucas faced another career challenge with the release of 'Radioland Murders', directed by Mel Smith. The film did not perform well, adding to the list of his less successful ventures.
1996: Support for the E-rate Program
George Lucas, through his foundation, actively supported the E-rate program, part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which aimed to provide affordable internet access to schools and libraries.
1997: Special Editions of Star Wars
In 1997, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Star Wars, George Lucas restored and modified the original trilogy using new digital technology, re-releasing them as 'Special Editions'.
1997: Star Wars Special Edition Release
The Special Edition of the original Star Wars trilogy was re-released in 1997, featuring modifications.
1999: Release of The Phantom Menace
In 1999, George Lucas released 'Episode I – The Phantom Menace', the first Star Wars prequel and the first film he had directed in over two decades. The film marked his return to directing and the start of a new trilogy.
1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Lucas returned to directing with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, the first film in the prequel trilogy.
2001: Release of "2001: A Space Odyssey"
The film "2001: A Space Odyssey" was released in 2001.
2001: Inspiration from "2001: A Space Odyssey"
The film "2001: A Space Odyssey," released in 2001, served as a significant source of inspiration for George Lucas, particularly in his pursuit of groundbreaking visual effects for "Star Wars."
2002: Release of Attack of the Clones
In 2002, Lucas released 'Episode II – Attack of the Clones', the second installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The film continued to explore the rise of Anakin Skywalker.
2002: Release of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Lucas directed Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, released in 2002, the second film in the prequel trilogy.
2004: Director's Cut of THX 1138
In 2004, Lucas released a director's cut of his film 'THX 1138', featuring new CGI additions. This was part of his ongoing effort to enhance his earlier works with modern technology.
2004: Reflection on Career Transition
In 2004, George Lucas reflected on his transition from independent filmmaker to corporate filmmaker, drawing parallels with the story of Darth Vader. He expressed contentment in being able to make films his way.
2004: Star Wars Home Media Release
Home media versions of the Star Wars trilogy with further changes were released in 2004.
June 9, 2005: AFI Life Achievement Award
The American Film Institute honored George Lucas with its prestigious Life Achievement Award on June 9, 2005, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.
2005: Donation to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
George Lucas donated $1 million in 2005 to support the construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
2005: Meeting Mellody Hobson
George Lucas met Mellody Hobson at a business conference in 2005.
2005: American Film Institute Recognition
In 2005, the American Film Institute recognized the Star Wars score, composed by John Williams, as the greatest film score of all time.
2005: Release of Revenge of the Sith
In 2005, the final Star Wars prequel, 'Episode III – Revenge of the Sith', was released. The film depicted the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader, completing the prequel trilogy.
2005: Release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
The final film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, was released in 2005.
September 19, 2006: Donation to USC School of Cinematic Arts
On September 19, 2006, George Lucas made a substantial donation of $175–180 million to the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, marking the largest single donation to the university and the largest ever to a film school.
2006: Relationship with Mellody Hobson
George Lucas began dating Mellody Hobson in 2006.
2006: Induction into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted George Lucas in 2006, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre through his films and creative works.
2007: Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade
George Lucas served as the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade and participated in the coin toss ceremony at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day 2007.
2007: Appearance at the 79th Academy Awards
George Lucas, alongside Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, appeared at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony in 2007 to present the Best Director award to Martin Scorsese.
June 24, 2008: Advocacy for Educational Broadband
On June 24, 2008, George Lucas testified before a United States House of Representatives subcommittee, advocating for a free wireless broadband network for educational purposes.
September 2008: Recognition as One of the "Greatest Americans"
The Discovery Channel recognized George Lucas as one of the 100 "Greatest Americans" in September 2008 for his significant contributions to American culture and society.
2008: Premiere of Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a CGI-animated movie and television series, premiered in 2008. Lucas collaborated on the project.
2008: Release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Lucas and Spielberg continued their collaboration with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, released in 2008.
2008: Indiana Jones and Star Wars: The Clone Wars
In 2008, Lucas co-wrote 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' and served as the creator and executive producer for 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' animated series. The latter premiered with a feature film before its television debut.
2009: Induction into the California Hall of Fame
George Lucas was among the 13 individuals inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing his significant contributions to the state's history, culture, and society.
July 2, 2010: "Telling Stories" Exhibition
An exhibition titled "Telling Stories," featuring Norman Rockwell paintings and drawings from the collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, opened at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on July 2, 2010.
January 2, 2011: Conclusion of "Telling Stories" Exhibition
The "Telling Stories" exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which showcased Norman Rockwell artworks from the collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, concluded on January 2, 2011.
2011: Star Wars Home Media Release
Further modified versions of the Star Wars trilogy were released on home media in 2011.
2011: Blu-ray Release of Star Wars
In 2011, the Star Wars trilogy received further modifications and restorations for their Blu-ray release, continuing Lucas's commitment to updating the films with new technology.
January 2012: Announcement of Retirement
In January 2012, George Lucas announced his retirement from producing large blockbuster films. He stated that he would focus on creating smaller, independently budgeted features.
June 2012: Appointment of Kathleen Kennedy
In June 2012, Kathleen Kennedy was announced as the co-chair of Lucasfilm Ltd. She was set to work alongside Lucas for at least a year before succeeding him as the company's sole leader. This transition coincided with the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney.
2012: Sale of Lucasfilm and Continued Industry Influence
Despite selling Lucasfilm in 2012, Lucas continued to have a significant financial influence on the film industry through his companies Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound.
2012: Executive Producer for Red Tails
In 2012, George Lucas self-funded and served as the executive producer for 'Red Tails', a war film about the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He also took over directing reshoots for the film.
2012: Sale of Lucasfilm to Disney
In 2012, George Lucas sold his company, Lucasfilm, to The Walt Disney Company for $4.05 billion, with the intention of donating a majority of the proceeds to charity.
2012: Lucasfilm Sold to Disney
In 2012, George Lucas sold his company, Lucasfilm, to The Walt Disney Company.
2012: Acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney
In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, marking a significant turning point for the Star Wars franchise. This acquisition led to the production of a new sequel trilogy, starting with "The Force Awakens."
2012: Release of Red Tails
Lucas collaborated on the war film Red Tails, released in 2012.
January 2013: Engagement to Mellody Hobson
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson announced their engagement in January 2013.
June 2013: Lucas Explores Museum in San Francisco
By June 2013, Lucas was actively considering establishing the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum, envisioning it at Crissy Field in San Francisco. The museum, estimated to cost $300 million, would have housed his extensive collection, valued at over $1 billion. However, negotiations with The Presidio Trust regarding the site proved unsuccessful.
June 22, 2013: Marriage to Mellody Hobson
George Lucas married Mellody Hobson on June 22, 2013, at his Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California.
July 2013: National Medal of Arts
President Barack Obama bestowed the National Medal of Arts upon George Lucas in July 2013, in recognition of his significant contributions to American cinema.
August 2013: Birth of Daughter
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson welcomed their daughter, born via surrogate, in August 2013.
2013: Donation to After School Matters
In 2013, George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, made a $25 million donation to After School Matters, a Chicago-based non-profit organization providing after-school programs.
May 2014: Museum Proposal for Chicago's Museum Campus
In May 2014, a potential lakefront location on Museum Campus in Chicago was proposed as a possible site for the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum. This marked a shift in location after plans in San Francisco fell through.
June 2014: Chicago Selected for Lucas Museum
By June 2014, Chicago was chosen as the location for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, contingent upon approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, which was granted. The project moved forward with a new name and location.
October 2014: Honorary Membership of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
George Lucas received Honorary Membership of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers in October 2014.
2014: End of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Involvement
By 2014, the animated series 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' ended, marking the last major Star Wars project in which Lucas was heavily involved. The series bridged the events between 'Attack of the Clones' and 'Revenge of the Sith'.
2014: Conclusion of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (initial run)
The initial run of Star Wars: The Clone Wars concluded in 2014.
January 2015: Lucas's Involvement in "The Force Awakens"
In January 2015, Lucas revealed that Disney, having acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, had opted not to use the story ideas he had developed for Episodes VII-IX. Despite selling the franchise rights, Lucas contributed to the first sequel film, "The Force Awakens," as a creative consultant, participating in early story meetings and providing guidance on the Star Wars universe.
August 2015: Induction as a Disney Legend
George Lucas was officially recognized as a Disney Legend in August 2015, a prestigious honor bestowed by The Walt Disney Company.
December 6, 2015: Kennedy Center Honors
George Lucas was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors on December 6, 2015, for his lifetime artistic achievements and contributions to American culture.
December 18, 2015: Release of "The Force Awakens"
"The Force Awakens," the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy directed by J. J. Abrams, premiered on December 18, 2015. Produced by Lucasfilm under the ownership of The Walt Disney Company, the film marked the continuation of the Star Wars saga after Lucasfilm's acquisition in 2012.
December 24, 2015: Lucas's Interview with Charlie Rose
On December 24, 2015, during an interview with Charlie Rose, George Lucas discussed his decision to sell Lucasfilm to Disney, drawing a parallel to a divorce. Lucas outlined creative differences with the producers of "The Force Awakens" and emphasized his need to support the company and its employees financially. He defended his vision for the original Star Wars films while expressing criticism towards "The Force Awakens" for its "retro feel." Lucas also apologized for a controversial remark comparing Disney to "white slavers."
2015: Release of Strange Magic
Lucas worked on the CGI film Strange Magic, released in 2015.
2015: Release of "Strange Magic" and Indiana Jones 5 Announcement
In 2015, Lucas ventured into the musical genre with his CGI film "Strange Magic," produced at Skywalker Ranch and directed by Gary Rydstrom. This year also saw the announcement of a fifth Indiana Jones film, with Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg returning, although Lucas's involvement was initially unclear following the Lucasfilm sale.
April 15, 2016: Donation to the Obama Foundation
On April 15, 2016, it was reported that George Lucas, through the Lucas Family Foundation, donated a significant amount, between $501,000 and $1 million, to the Obama Foundation to support the construction of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
June 24, 2016: Lucas Withdraws Museum Plans from Chicago
On June 24, 2016, Lucas announced his decision to withdraw his plans to build the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum in Chicago. Facing legal challenges from a local preservation group and disagreements over the proposed lakefront site, Lucas opted to seek alternative locations.
October 2016: Lucas Steps Down from Indiana Jones 5 Story
In October 2016, Lucas announced his decision to not participate in the story development of the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, despite remaining an executive producer. This marked a step back from his previous involvement in the series.
2016: Support for Hillary Clinton
George Lucas showed his support for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
January 17, 2017: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Finds Home in Los Angeles
On January 17, 2017, Lucas revealed his plans to establish the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on an eleven-acre campus in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. The $1 billion project, encompassing a five-story, 300,000-square-foot building, will showcase his collection of illustrations and pop art, with a projected completion date of 2025.
2017: Release of "The Last Jedi"
The second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, "The Last Jedi," was released in 2017. Lucas, who had sold Lucasfilm to Disney, described the film as "beautifully made."
2018: Lucas's Cameo Appearances and Involvement in Star Wars Projects
In 2018, Lucas made brief appearances in projects like "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and the Star Wars streaming series "The Mandalorian." Additionally, he attended the premiere of the eighth season of "Game of Thrones."
2019: 4K Release of Star Wars
In 2019, the Star Wars trilogy was released in 4K, featuring further modifications and restorations, showcasing Lucas's dedication to preserving and enhancing the visual quality of his films.
2019: Release of "The Rise of Skywalker"
The final film in the sequel trilogy, "The Rise of Skywalker," premiered in 2019. George Lucas met with director J. J. Abrams before the scriptwriting process, offering insights for the concluding chapter of the saga.
2020: Star Wars: The Clone Wars revival
Star Wars: The Clone Wars was revived in 2020.
2021: Release of Star Wars Action Figure
As part of Lucasfilm's 50th anniversary celebration in 2021, Hasbro released a special edition Star Wars action figure depicting George Lucas in a stormtrooper disguise as part of their "The Black Series."
2021: Establishment of the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts
George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, donated to New York University in 2021 to establish the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts.
2023: Release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Lucas served as an executive producer on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, released in 2023.
May 2024: Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2024, George Lucas was honored with the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious accolades in the film industry.
2025: Projected Completion of Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, is projected to be completed in 2025. The museum will house George Lucas's extensive collection of illustrations and pop art, serving as a testament to his legacy and contributions to art and storytelling.