Legendary movie producer and director George Lucas has announced his retirement via this month’s Empire Magazine. Responsible for blockbuster series such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and most recently the producer of Red Tails, Lucas will be calling it quits to focus on his own personal “hobby” films.
“I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theaters,” Lucas said.
Lucas will also be stepping back from LucasFilm, the special effects and production company he founded, and named producer Kathleen Kennedy as his successor on Friday.
“I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies,” Lucas said.
During his promotion for Red Tails earlier this year, Lucas hinted at his departure from the movie industry. He has been the subject of scrutiny recently, as the newer iterations and re-releases in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises have been somewhat poorly received.
“Why would I make any more, when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?” Lucas said.
Since founding LucasFilm in 1971, Lucas has managed to raise his total net worth to approximately $3.2 billion.
