The original inspiration for Star Destroyers?

Author: Heilemann
Date: 22-Apr-2008, 4:07 PM

Author: Heilemann
Time: 22-Apr-2008 4:07 PM (Edited)
Post link

I wrote this as an entry on my blog last year, I was wondering if it might not be of interest to some of you?

http://binarybonsai.com/archives/2007/12/26/precursor-to-the-star-destroyer/

Did Joe Johnston sketch the Star Destroyer first, or did Cantwell do the first prototype from Lucas's notes alone? There's a great quote on page 67 of The Secret History of Star Wars where Lucas says he read all the sci-fi magazines he could get his hands on around 73-74, which is right when this was first published, so it seems plausible that he saw this and passed it on.

I don't mean to imply anything unsavory, I simply found the resemblance striking.

Kitbashed
Essays, videos and thoughts on the inspiration behind Star Wars.

Author: zombie84
Time: 22-Apr-2008 4:31 PM (Edited)
Post link

Actually, that picture is closer to the early prototypes than to the final design. I have to believe that, given the sci-fi fandom going on by the people involved in the films making, and given that Lucas constantly was handing out comic books and pulp sci fi stuff as reference, that this is not a coincidence.

At the same time though, its not that original a design. I mean the whole "wedge shaped spaceship" had already been done to death. But still, this is probably one of the specific points of reference Lucas was using. Excellent find!

Author: Anchorhead
Time: 22-Apr-2008 8:13 PM (Edited)
Post link

I could see him taking some inspiration from that. Lucas found ideas that became canon from many sources. I believe it's Zombie's book that speaks of Darth Vader's final form not being decided on until after Lucas saw a McQuarrie drawing were he was wearing a simple breathing mask for travel between two vessels. Lucas dug it and created a story to incorporate it.

Forum Moderator