George Lucas, the creator of the 'Star Wars' franchise, spoke candidly at the Cannes Film Festival about the criticism the original films have received regarding diversity and the portrayal of women.
As per report via Variety, during a conversation ahead of receiving the festival's honorary Palme d'Or, Lucas responded to accusations of the films featuring predominantly white men by emphasising the diverse alien characters. He stressed that the message of 'Star Wars' is to accept people for who they are, regardless of their appearance.
Lucas also highlighted the discrimination against robots in the 'Star Wars' universe as a commentary on society's tendency to discriminate, even against artificial intelligence. He pointed to Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian and Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu as examples of prominent Black characters in the series.
Addressing criticism of female representation, Lucas defended the strong female leads in the films, particularly Princess Leia and Queen Amidala. He emphasised their intelligence, leadership, and resourcefulness, arguing that true heroism goes beyond physical appearance.
Lucas's presence at Cannes is significant as he receives the honorary Palme d'Or, recognizing his contributions to cinema through the 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises. The festival holds a special place in his heart, as his first film, 'THX 1138,' was shown there in 1971.
This year's Cannes Film Festival has been a haven for legendary filmmakers, with Francis Ford Coppola premiering his sci-fi drama 'Megalopolis' and Paul Schrader showcasing his Vietnam drama 'Oh, Canada.'
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