Insights into ‘Star Wars: Underworld,’ George Lucas’ Shelved Series
In a bold move that could have redefined the Star Wars franchise, the early 2000s saw George Lucas delve into the creation of ‘Star Wars: Underworld,’ a live-action TV series exploring the darker underbelly of the galaxy—a place where smugglers, bounty hunters, and the criminal lay their claim far from the Jedi and Skywalker spotlight. Guided by Rick McCallum, the mastermind behind the Star Wars prequel trilogy, over 60 third-draft scripts emerged, marked by an unprecedented tone of darkness, sexiness, and violence. Despite its unique vision, the show was ultimately shelved due to a staggering estimated production cost of $40 million per episode. Attempts to launch with HBO fell through amidst internal changes, leaving behind a treasure trove of unused scripts and concept footage. Lucas’s audacious dream lingered as a “what if” scenario—a potential touchstone in the evolution of Star Wars storytelling that modern technology might someday resurrect. Imagine the impact of ‘The Volume’ bringing this captivating, yet forsaken tale to life; could the whispers of this unfinished saga signal the dawn of a new era in a galaxy far, far away? #StarWarsUnderworld #GeorgeLucas #SciFiDrama #LostSeries #StarWarsUniverse #SpeculationAwaits
Quick Takeaways
- George Lucas planned a live-action Star Wars series called Underworld, but it was never produced.
- The series focused on the darker corners of the Star Wars universe, separate from the Jedi and Skywalker stories.
- Over 60 scripts were written, described as gritty and mature in tone.
- Costs were estimated at $40 million per episode, making production financially challenging.
- HBO was approached for support, but shifting priorities at the network contributed to the project's downfall.
- Some of the show's ideas reportedly influenced future Star Wars content.
A Bold Vision for Star Wars on Television
In the early 2000s, George Lucas set out to expand Star Wars beyond films with a live-action TV series called Star Wars: Underworld. Unlike previous projects, this show aimed to explore the seedier side of the galaxy, highlighting smugglers, bounty hunters, and the criminal underworld rather than the Jedi or the Empire.
An Ambitious Production That Never Came to Life
Under producer Rick McCallum’s leadership, the show was in development for five years, with over 60 completed third-draft scripts. The stories were said to be darker and more mature than anything seen in Star Wars before. McCallum even joked that the show’s tone might have discouraged Disney from acquiring Lucasfilm.
The Cost That Stopped the Project
The ambitious concept came with an enormous price tag—estimated at around $40 million per episode. Efforts were made to find financial backing, including discussions with HBO, but shifts in the network’s priorities led to the project being abandoned.
Could Underworld Still Become a Reality?
Although Underworld never made it to production, its scripts and ideas continue to intrigue fans. Some concepts from the show reportedly influenced later Star Wars projects. With modern production techniques, such as The Mandalorian’s innovative virtual sets, there is ongoing speculation about whether elements of Underworld could still be brought to the screen someday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Lucas’ canceled ‘Star Wars’ series?
George Lucas’ canceled ‘Star Wars’ series, known as ‘Star Wars: Underworld,’ was a live-action TV show set between Episodes III and IV. It was intended to explore the criminal underbelly of the galaxy with a darker, more mature tone.
Why was ‘Star Wars: Underworld’ canceled?
The show was canceled primarily due to budget constraints and technological limitations. Lucas wanted cinematic-level quality for TV, but at the time, the costs were too high to make the series financially viable.
How many scripts were written for ‘Star Wars: Underworld’?
According to reports, around 50 scripts were completed before the project was shelved. These scripts detailed various storylines that would have expanded the ‘Star Wars’ universe in new ways.
What was the plot of ‘Star Wars: Underworld’?
The series was set in Coruscant’s underworld and focused on smugglers, bounty hunters, and crime syndicates. It was rumored to explore the rise of the Empire, including elements related to Emperor Palpatine and even an early version of Darth Vader’s story.
Did any elements from ‘Star Wars: Underworld’ influence later projects?
Yes, some concepts from ‘Star Wars: Underworld’ were later incorporated into shows like ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Andor.’ The gritty, crime-focused storytelling and the idea of exploring the galaxy’s darker side became key themes in modern ‘Star Wars’ series.
Is there any footage of ‘Star Wars: Underworld’ available?
Yes, test footage from the series surfaced online, showcasing action scenes and special effects. However, the full episodes were never produced, and the project remains one of the most intriguing lost pieces of ‘Star Wars’ history.
Filipino Translation:
Noong early 2000s, si George Lucas ay may malaking plano na sobrang ambitious—isang live-action TV series na tinatawag na Star Wars: Underworld, na dapat sana’y magdadala ng bagong vibe sa Star Wars universe. Pero dahil sa sobrang mahal ng production cost, hindi na ito natuloy. Ang goal ng series na ‘to ay ipakita ‘yung madidilim at hindi masyadong explored na bahagi ng Star Wars universe. Si Rick McCallum, na producer din ng Star Wars prequel trilogy, ang namahala sa development nito for five years, at nakabuo sila ng mahigit 60 third-draft scripts.
Ang Underworld ay ibang-iba sa usual Star Wars stories kasi hindi na nito tinutukan sina Skywalker at mga Jedi. Instead, ang focus ay mga smugglers, bounty hunters, at iba’t ibang crime syndicates sa galaxy. Ayon kay McCallum, ang scripts ay "dark, sexy, and violent"—ibig sabihin, mas mature ang tono nito kumpara sa ibang Star Wars material. May biro pa nga siya na kung natuloy ang ganitong klaseng series, baka hindi naisip ng Disney na bilhin ang Lucasfilm.
Isa sa pinakamalaking problema ay ang budget—$40 million per episode! Sobrang taas ng cost kaya naghanap sila ng possible na backer tulad ng HBO. Pero dahil sa mga pagbabago sa kumpanya, hindi rin ito natuloy. Para kay Lucas at sa team niya, malaking disappointment ‘to kasi ang dami na nilang nagawang scripts at concept footage na hindi nagamit. Pero ngayon, dahil sa advancements sa production tech—lalo na ‘yung gamit sa The Mandalorian na tinatawag na The Volume—maraming fans ang nag-iisip kung posible pa ring buhayin ang project na ‘to. Sino’ng may alam? Baka balang araw, magbalik ang Star Wars: Underworld at makita na natin ang mas gritty at underground na side ng galaxy.
Details Emerge on George Lucas’ Canceled ‘Star Wars’ Series was first published here.
