GEORGE LUCAS' ABANDONED STAR WARS: UNDERWORLD SERIES WOULD HAVE COST $2.4 BILLION TO PRODUCE

Imagine a Star Wars universe with dark allure and untapped potential—a daring, unproduced series titled “Star Wars: Underworld” sought to delve into the chaotic criminal underbelly of Coruscant during the height of the Empire. With award-winning talents penning 60 intense scripts, former producer Rick McCallum described them as edgy and intricate, teeming with mature themes that starkly contrast the family-friendly Star Wars we know today. Monumental production costs, estimated at $40 million per episode, ultimately halted this transformative vision, raising intriguing questions about how this grittier angle might have reshaped the franchise’s destiny. Could it have deflected Disney’s eventual acquisition, altering Star Wars’ path forever? The mystery of what might have been lingers, enticing fans to ponder the alternate galaxy far, far away.

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Quick Takeaways:

George Lucas developed a live-action Star Wars TV series called Underworld.
Around 60 scripts were completed, described as mature, dark, and ambitious.
Production costs—estimated at $40 million per episode—kept it from moving forward.
The tone and content would have marked a major shift from traditional Star Wars.

The Lost Star Wars Series That Almost Changed Everything

An Ambitious Concept

Fans have long been intrigued by George Lucas’ ambitious but never-produced TV project, Star Wars: Underworld. The series aimed to explore the criminal world of Coruscant during the reign of the Empire, set between the events of the prequel and original trilogies. With nearly 60 scripts completed by what former producer Rick McCallum called “the most wonderful writers in the world,” Underworld was set to take the franchise in a new creative direction.

A Grittier Galaxy

In recent interviews, McCallum revealed that the series tackled much darker themes than anything previously seen in the Star Wars universe. The scripts were written for an older audience and featured intense storytelling with violence, mature themes, and layered character arcs. “These were dark scripts. They were sexy. They were violent,” he said. “They were absolutely wonderful, complicated, challenging scripts.”

Budget Woes

Despite its creative potential, the show faced a massive financial hurdle. According to McCallum, producing each episode would have cost about $40 million using the technology available at the time. That added up to a projected series budget of $2.4 billion—an amount that made even the most enthusiastic networks hesitate.

A Turning Point That Never Happened

McCallum believes that if Underworld had made it to air, it could have reshaped the entire future of the franchise. “It would've blown up the whole Star Wars universe,” he claimed, suggesting the show’s more mature tone might have prevented Disney from acquiring the property. Instead, the franchise shifted toward a more family-friendly tone under Disney’s stewardship.

Though it never materialized, Star Wars: Underworld remains a project that still captures the imagination of many fans—offering a glimpse into a version of Star Wars that might have redefined what stories could be told in that galaxy far, far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was George Lucas’ final Star Wars project?

George Lucas’ final Star Wars project was an early concept for a sequel trilogy that introduced new lore and characters before he sold Lucasfilm. Although it was never fully produced, many story ideas and elements influenced later Star Wars works.

What new lore did George Lucas add in his final Star Wars plans?

Lucas introduced new characters, planets, and deeper Force mythology, including the Whills—mysterious beings tied to the Force. His ideas expanded on the microscopic and spiritual aspects of the Star Wars universe.

Who are the Whills in George Lucas’ Star Wars universe?

The Whills were envisioned as ancient, Force-sensitive beings recording the events of the galaxy. Lucas imagined them as entities influencing the Force and shaping the destiny of Jedi and Sith alike.

Did any of George Lucas’ ideas for his final Star Wars trilogy appear in the sequels?

Some elements from Lucas’ unused scripts made their way into the Disney-era sequels, such as Luke training a new Jedi and the concept of a disillusioned Jedi Master. However, much of his original vision was reworked or discarded.

Why didn’t George Lucas create his final Star Wars trilogy?

Lucas chose to retire and sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, which led him to set aside his sequel trilogy plans. He wanted to focus on his personal life and believed it would take too many years to complete.

Were any new characters created for George Lucas’ final Star Wars idea?

Yes, Lucas envisioned new protagonists, including a female Jedi named Kira, who later evolved into Rey in the Disney trilogy. He also planned to explore more of Leia’s political role as a galactic leader.

What role would Darth Maul have played in Lucas’ final Star Wars plans?

Lucas had plans to bring back Darth Maul as the primary villain leading a crime syndicate. He would have trained a new apprentice, Darth Talon, and posed a major threat to the rebuilding galaxy.

Filipino Translation:

Alam mo yung mga Star Wars fans, matagal na silang curious tungkol sa isang malaking TV project ni George Lucas na tinawag na "Star Wars: Underworld" — kaso nga lang, never siyang na-release. Supposedly, i-eexplore sana nito yung madilim at kriminal na side ng Coruscant during the Imperial era, para i-connect yung prequel at original trilogies. Sabi pa nga ng former producer na si Rick McCallum, nasa mga 60 scripts na yun, and they were written by "the most wonderful writers in the world." Parang ang laki talaga ng plano—new level sana siya for the Star Wars universe.

Ang dami ring juicy na details na shinare ni McCallum tungkol sa series. Apparently, mature-themed siya, pang-adults talaga. "These were dark scripts. They were sexy. They were violent. They were absolutely wonderful, complicated, challenging scripts," sabi niya during a recent interview. Pero ang laki rin ng budget na kailangan—parang around $40 million per episode daw, tapos total budget umabot ng $2.4 billion. Kaya hindi talaga siya natuloy, kasi sobrang laki ng gastos—hindi kinaya ng mga networks.

Kung natuloy sana 'tong series na 'to, baka nag-iba totally ang direction ng buong Star Wars franchise. Sabi pa ni McCallum, "would've blown up the whole Star Wars universe and Disney would've definitely never offered George to buy the franchise." Unlike sa mas family-friendly na direction ng Star Wars ngayon under Disney, itong Underworld sana, iba — mas gritty, mas mature, at mas hardcore yung vibes.

10 Pieces of Star Wars Lore Created for George Lucas’ Final Project was first published here.