Los Angeles, California – Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve recently opened up about his stance on directing a Star Wars film, revealing his reasons for not wanting to be involved in the iconic franchise. In a recent episode of The Town podcast, Villeneuve shared his thoughts on the Star Wars series and why he feels disconnected from it.
Villeneuve, known for his work on films like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, expressed his initial love for Star Wars as a child, describing how the original trilogy captivated him in his youth. However, the filmmaker admitted that his enthusiasm waned after the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983, citing concerns about the direction the franchise took.
The director expressed disappointment with the creative choices made in Return of the Jedi, particularly with the introduction of the Ewoks and what he perceived as a shift towards a more comedic and child-friendly tone. Villeneuve also criticized the franchise for becoming too formulaic and predictable, lacking the element of surprise that initially drew him in.
While discussing other science fiction franchises, Villeneuve revealed that he is not a fan of Star Trek, further emphasizing his preference for storytelling that is distinct and individualistic. He hinted at the possibility of returning for a potential Dune 3 but reiterated his preference for creating standalone films rather than being tied to a specific franchise.
In addition, Villeneuve expressed his reluctance to work with streaming services like Netflix, emphasizing his belief in the power of the theatrical experience. The director emphasized the importance of communal viewing in theaters, stating that the shared emotional experience of cinema is integral to the storytelling process. Villeneuve’s comments shed light on his dedication to the traditional theatrical experience and his commitment to creating immersive narratives for audiences to enjoy on the big screen.