From galaxy to microscope: Lucas' controversial plans for the Star Wars universe!

When you think "Star Wars", the mind often races to distant galaxies, lightsaber duels, and the iconic battle between the light and dark sides of the Force. But what if George Lucas, the mastermind behind the legendary saga, had taken a different route, moving from the vastness of space to the unseen microscopic world?

The untold Trilogy: from stars to cells

Post the two epic "Star Wars" trilogies, before the iconic franchise transitioned to Disney's helm, Lucas had an uncharted plan for the universe he birthed. In a captivating conversation with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, Lucas confided about a potential journey into the "microbiotic world". "[The next three 'Star Wars' films] were going to get into a microbiotic world,” Lucas revealed. Instead of vast galaxies and planetary politics, Lucas had envisioned a narrative around mysterious entities termed the "Whills".

These Whills, according to Lucas, weren't just passive observers. They were central to the very essence of the Star Wars universe. “There’s this world of creatures that operate differently than we do. I call them the Whills. And the Whills are the ones who actually control the universe. They feed off the Force.” It was a stark shift, placing the crux of the narrative on beings that controlled and channeled the Force, rather than the iconic Jedi and Sith.

The return of Midi-chlorians

Many fans may recall the divisive introduction of midi-chlorians in "Phantom Menace". These microscopic life forms, associated with Force sensitivity, weren't well-received by all. In Lucas' envisioned trilogy, these entities would gain more prominence. “Everybody hated it in ‘Phantom Menace’ [when] we started talking about midi-chlorians,” Lucas acknowledged. Yet, in his storyline, humans and other beings were mere vessels. The true bridge between the Force and the universe? The midi-chlorians.

Despite potential backlash, Lucas firmly believed that if he had retained control over his company, this groundbreaking trilogy would have come to life. It might have been met with mixed reactions, just as "Phantom Menace" had, but it would've been a full-circle narrative, bringing closure to the expansive saga.

Reflecting on the legacy, even Cameron weighed in, appreciating the innovation and imagination Lucas brought to his original six films compared to the subsequent sequels.

As we nostalgically ponder upon what might have been, one thing remains clear - George Lucas, with his ceaseless creativity, has forever shaped the cinematic cosmos, even with tales left untold.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.