So I randomly thought about this interview between George and Leonard Maltin. It was on the last VHS release of the OOT (I always fast forwarded it as a kid). Interestingly George seems kinda relaxed here, and not awkward and bitter. Maybe because this is before hate towards him because of the Special Editions and the prequels. The flannel shirts are also absent…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-LvSbsEDI4
It’s pretty brief and was originally split over 3 tapes. However some tid-bits for this thread:
He says he first wrote his own space opera, inspired by Flash Gordon. Did he ever write his own version though?
Still claims SW is the “first act” of a much larger script. Also mentions the alleged “back story” about Anakin’s wife.
Says he’s writing all 3 prequels at once, but then during pre-production of one of them (maybe EpII?) he sees all the designers at work and says something like “I better start on this script”…
Claims the twins reveal and the redemption of Vader was always part of the back-story.
Wow! I must have watched that interview a dozen times in the 90’s, but I have absolutely no memory of Lucas discussing the PT. I remember a lot of that interview, but even seeing the PT part again doesn’t jog my memory of that.