Originally posted by: Chewy72
If Lucas never touched the OT back in 1997, do you think SW would have any less fans now that it already has?

Speaking from my personal experience, no. When I went to see the SE Star Wars in '97, I thought I was going to see an entirely new chapter, like a prequel to the original. I had never seen any promotional materials for the film, so I had no clue what it was. SW was certainly doing okay back in the 90's, and if I were to hypothesize, I would say that it would still be just as popular today as it was back then, dated effects and all.