EDITORIALS

Joe Johnston Directing a Boba Fett Movie Just Might Save 'Star Wars'

by Ethan Anderton
July 18, 2011
Source: Screen Rant

As we wait for Captain America: The First Avenger to hit theaters Friday (with lots of early screenings for Comic-Con audiences on Thursday), director Joe Johnston may have an even bigger project in mind. Since the filmmaker previously worked as a concept artist and effects technician on Star Wars and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects on Raiders of the Lost Ark, the folks at ScreenRant asked if he had shown the film to George Lucas. Johnston's response sparks interest elsewhere, as he says, "You know if he wants to see it, I would show it to him. I’m trying to get George to make a feature based on Boba Fett."

That's right, apparently Johnston is in the process of trying to get George Lucas to make a feature length Star Wars film centered around everyone's favorite bounty hunter Boba Fett. Though his appearances in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are brief, the character has become one of the most recognizable and loved characters in the Star Wars universe and has since enjoyed plenty of attention in various books, comics and video games taking place in Lucas' galaxy far, far away. However, this is the first time that a film based around the infamous character has been discussed by higher powers in the industry. When asked if he would direct the film, Johnston said, "I would like to, it would be a lot of fun.”

Aside from another film taking place in the Star Wars universe being big news on its own, an even bigger deal would be someone outside of George Lucas being at the helm of the film. Yes, Irvin Kirshner directed The Empire Strikes Back and Richard Marquand was behind the camera for Return of the Jedi, but with all the prequels, Lucas took it upon himself to sit in the director's chair. Of course, considering his work on the prequel trilogy, another director venturing into the Star Wars universe might be just what the doctor ordered for a franchise that has started to become a tired franchise.

Honestly, if there's any character who deserves his own film that would excite Star Wars fans, it's a film about Boba Fett. Though a weaksauce version of his origin made it on screen in Attack of the Clones, there's plenty of time between that film and his appearance in The Empire Strikes Back to make for a great story somewhere in there. I could easily envision a mesh of classic sci-fi with a story along the lines of the Jason Bourne films, and I think Johnston has the right blend of contemporary action experience with the feel for classic heroes and villains to pull off something like this.

In addition, this would be the first film that doesn't necessarily encompass an over-arcing story inthat has to fit into some sort of puzzle. The possibilities are endless. And while this would be even further down the road, this could open the doors for film adaptations of properties like Death Troopers or something long those lines. This could very well reinvigorate the entire franchise which hasn't really measured up to the greatness it once achieved decades ago. The question is whether or not George Lucas is willing to let another director put their hands in the Star Wars cookie jar. What do you think?

Filed under Editorial, Feat, Opinions

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