50 Star Wars secrets that will blow your mind
By Josh Hill
43. Steven Spielberg Was Supposed To Direct Return of the Jedi
The relationship between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg is well documented, and it was a friendship that almost led to the latter directing a Star Wars film.
Lucas and Spielberg came up in the same golden era of filmmaking in the 1970s and later collaborated on the creation of the Indiana Jones franchise. But Lucas had eyes set on Steven Spielberg directing what would have been, at the time, the last film in the trilogy.
Spielberg passed on the chance to direct Return of the Jedi, while Lucas moved on to other potential top-notch directing targets like David Lynch and David Cronenberg. The director of the film ended up being Richard Marquand, who was fired during filming with Lucas assuming the role for what was left of production.
Next: 42. The Phantom Menace Helped Brad Pitt