The Reasons Behind George Lucas’ $250,000 Fine for The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back stands as a monumental achievement in cinema history. Interestingly, even George Lucas faced significant financial repercussions related to this film, incurring a hefty fine of nearly $250, 000. At the time of its inception, Lucas had modest expectations; he anticipated that the initial Star Wars film would garner $15-20 million in box office revenue. However, due to an early screening with mixed reactions, only Steven Spielberg predicted its tremendous success. Ultimately, the film earned a staggering $775.8 million—a figure that equates to over $3 billion when adjusted for inflation.

The unexpected success of Star Wars paved the way for sequels, making them a foregone conclusion. To fund The Empire Strikes Back, Lucas sought to finance the project independently, amassing $33 million through loans along with profits from the first film. Released in 1980, he remarkably recouped his investment within merely three months. However, a decisive and contentious choice would eventually result in the aforementioned fine.

George Lucas Violated Guild Regulations with Star Wars, Leading to Serious Consequences

Han Solo on Tauntaun in The Empire Strikes Back

Luke and Leia in The Empire Strikes Back

Luke fights Vader in The Empire Strikes Back

Darth Vader at the Hoth Base in The Empire Strikes Back

Luke and Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back

Fans have become accustomed to the iconic opening crawls of Star Wars films, which efficiently set the stage before plunging into the storyline. However, this approach was quite unconventional during the 1970s and early 1980s, as most films traditionally began with credits for actors and directors, relegating these credits to the end instead. Initially, Lucas received leniency from the Writers’ Guild and Directors’ Guild for A New Hope, as its success was not predicted. But with the sequel, all eyes were on The Empire Strikes Back, which only acknowledged “Lucasfilm”in the opening, delaying recognition of director Irvin Kershner to the closing credits—a decision Kershner accepted.

In response, the guilds levied fines against both Lucas and Kershner. While Lucas chose to pay these penalties, he subsequently severed ties with the guilds entirely.

Lucas Encountered Challenges with Return of the Jedi After Leaving the Guild

Luke loses hand in The Empire Strikes Back

Darth Vader reveals truth to Luke in The Empire Strikes Back

Han Solo in Carbonite in The Empire Strikes Back

Lucas was unperturbed by his departure from the unions, stating to the New York Times in 1981, “I’ve never made a picture in Hollywood. Now I’ll never have to.”Nevertheless, this decision proved detrimental when selecting a director for Return of the Jedi (initially called Revenge of the Jedi).He settled on British director Richard Marquand, who was not affiliated with any American unions, allowing him to avoid the controversies that followed The Empire Strikes Back.

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