As I said, it’s only continued speculation. I don’t personally think it’s about George’s wishes. That doesn’t mean my view is correct, it’s just my own view of the speculation.
As I said it’s their property.But when the chief of the Lucasfilm canon department, one of the most important people there, basically states outright that it’s because of George’s wishes, it stops being speculation and starts being fact. I don’t see how there can be any more debate after what he said.
Because he didn’t say George and keep in mind we’re talking about a Tweet from like 3-4 years ago, before Disney bought Fox. If Disney hadn’t bought Fox, Fox would still have control over ANH. Disney owns the whole property now. Does this have anything to do with the OUT?? Most likely not but at the same time it’s easier to say “we’re not gonna do it because…” when at one point it doesn’t look like they’ll own the whole thing than to say that when they do.
Again I don’t see anything with the OUT happening any time soon but until I get an official confirmation that clearly says, not hinted, George Lucas is the reason it is not happening even though he more or less sold it all away back in 2012 and basically has no control over it anymore I will continue to chalk it up to speculation. Sorry for those who disagree with me.
One last thing. Restoring and releasing the OUT would only be disrespectful to George’s wishes if his preferred cuts became obsolete which even in a unlikely reality of the OUT being released again would not be the case. If anything it’ll be an optional cut in a future set with his preferred versions (if physical media is even still viable by then) or as others suggested something exclusive to Disney+.
With or without the OUT, George’s preferred versions aren’t going anywhere. Not to mention, and others have brought this up as well, if George was really adamant that the originals never see the light of day again he wouldn’t have released the GOUT. Yes they were outdated non-anamorphic transfers but they were released with his (begrudging) approval. Again as long as his preferred cuts remain the default versions and it’s not his money being put into it I really don’t think George cares at this point if the OUT is restored.