George Lucas Says He Has Moved On From Star Wars, Focuses on Museum Project

Key facts

• George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012.
• The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is under construction in Los Angeles.
• Lucas said, 'Of course I’ve moved on—I have a life. I’m building a museum, and that’s harder than making movies.'
• Disney has produced the sequel trilogy and live-action series since acquiring Lucasfilm.
• The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for release in May 2026.
• Star Wars: Starfighter will explore events after the sequel trilogy.
• Lucas stated, 'Disney took it and put their vision on it—that’s what happened.'

A Definitive Break With the Galaxy Far, Far Away

George Lucas has made it clear that his relationship with Star Wars is firmly in the past. In a recent interview, the 81-year-old filmmaker stated he has moved on from the saga he created, focusing instead on his latest passion: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. 'Of course I’ve moved on—I have a life. I’m building a museum, and that’s harder than making movies,' he said. Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, handing over creative control of the franchise. Reflecting on the transfer, he noted, 'Disney took it and put their vision on it—that’s what happened.' The comment underscores a clean break, with Lucas now channeling his energy into a project he describes as more demanding than filmmaking.

The Lucas Museum: A Monument to Narrative Art

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, currently under construction in Los Angeles, represents Lucas’s primary focus. He has described the endeavor as far more challenging than producing movies, a statement that highlights the scale and complexity of the project. The museum aims to celebrate the art of visual storytelling, encompassing film, illustration, and digital media. While Lucas has not disclosed an official opening date, the museum is expected to become a major cultural institution in Los Angeles. The project has been years in the making, reflecting Lucas’s dedication to preserving and showcasing narrative art in all its forms.

Disney’s Stewardship and the Sequel Era

Since acquiring Lucasfilm, Disney has produced the sequel trilogy—The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker—along with a slate of live-action series on Disney+. The films received mixed reviews, but the studio has continued to expand the franchise. Disney is now shifting focus to stories set after The Rise of Skywalker, venturing into uncharted narrative territory. Several new productions are in development, signaling a long-term commitment to the Star Wars universe. The studio’s strategy appears to be moving beyond the Skywalker saga, opening the door for new characters and timelines.

Upcoming Films: The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter

Star Wars will return to theaters with The Mandalorian & Grogu, slated for release in May 2026. The film is expected to continue the story of the popular characters from the Disney+ series. Following that, Star Wars: Starfighter will push the timeline forward, exploring events set after the sequel trilogy. These projects represent Disney’s effort to reinvigorate the franchise on the big screen after several years without a theatrical release. The studio is betting on familiar faces and new narratives to draw audiences back to theaters.

Lucas’s Legacy and the Future of Star Wars

George Lucas’s departure from Star Wars marks the end of an era, but his influence remains embedded in the franchise. His decision to sell Lucasfilm allowed Disney to expand the universe in ways he might not have pursued. However, Lucas has expressed no interest in revisiting his creation, focusing instead on his museum and other personal projects. The future of Star Wars now rests entirely with Disney, which faces the challenge of satisfying a global fanbase while exploring new creative directions. With The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter on the horizon, the studio is poised to write the next chapter of the saga—one that Lucas will watch from a distance.

The bottom line

• George Lucas has definitively moved on from Star Wars, focusing on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
• Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, and Disney has since produced the sequel trilogy and multiple series.
• The Lucas Museum is described by Lucas as harder to build than making movies.
• Disney is shifting Star Wars stories to after The Rise of Skywalker, with two films announced: The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) and Starfighter.
• Lucas’s comment that Disney 'put their vision on it' highlights the creative transition.