SilverWook said:

imperialscum said:

ATMachine said:

Kasdan on the other hand challenges Lucas all the time

Well these conversations prove that the notion that prequels failed because no one challenged Lucas is wrong. It is pretty clear to me now that he always had it his way. Luckily in OT he had relatively great ideas as opposed to the prequels.

Except he didn't always get his way on Empire. Which might be why he sought out someone like Marquand for the next film. And notice Gary Kurtz didn't stick around for Jedi.

Well even in Jedi I don't think everything went his way, but most did (like in ESB).

According to rumours, Kurtz was effectively replaced by Kazanjian already at some point during the production of ESB. When confronted with the question about this matter everyone seem to be reluctant to talk about it so I believe it may actually be true.

Unlike ANH, ESB was an independent film production. According to Secret History of Star Wars, Lucas didn't even want to take Kurtz on board for ESB but eventually Kurtz convinced Lucas to take him. So I don't think he had any power to overrule anything Lucas wanted.