George Lucas Hasn’t Seen ‘The Force Awakens’ Teaser, Here’s Why It Doesn’t Matter

The internet has blown up following the release of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser back on November 28th. The video has amassed over 100 million total views online, and it is quickly approaching legendary status.

Just about everyone who has even a tiny interest in the saga has seen the teaser. That is, everyone except the original creator of Star Wars, George Lucas. Speaking with Page Six, Lucas said he has yet to see the 88 second teaser:

"The original “Star Wars” creator astonishingly told Page Six when we asked him what he thought of Abrams’ 88-second teaser that’s managed to dominate popular culture, “I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t seen it yet.”"

So Lucas hates Star Wars, right? Or maybe he is sick and tired of J.J Abrams? Or could it be that he is too good to waste his time on the new film?

Not quite.

The internet blew up over the first part of the story, without using context. Here’s what he said after the first sentence to Page Six:

"When we further asked Lucas why he hasn’t seen the clip, he explained, “Because it’s not in the movie theater. I like going to the movies and watching the whole thing there.“I plan to see it when it’s released.”"

George Lucas spent almost four decades creating Lucasfilm and Star Wars. He blazed many trails, and it is easy to say film making would not be what it is today if Lucas hadn’t fought to be independent and live out his vision.

Back in October of 2012, Lucas sold his company to Disney, and retired from making these films. If you spent over 30 years at a company, would you run right back to it shortly after you retired? Lucas will always love Star Wars and what it has done for society, but to expect a man who has a young kid, a wife, a new life, and is recently retired to rush to the internet and watch a teaser is ridiculous.

He will see the new film, and he will likely view it in high spirits. His preference to see it in the theater is also not uncommon. Star Wars Rebels actor Freddie Prinze Jr. has come out publicly and said he wants to go into movies fresh without seeing any teasers or trailers.

Also, from ABC News:

"“It is true — he has not seen the trailer,” the rep said. “He ideally would love not to see any footage until he walks into the theater next December. He has never been able to be surprised by a Star Wars film before and he said he was looking forward to it.”"

Other sites may use this for clicks, but make sure we have all the facts straight before we rush to assumptions. After spending a decade making three good films ten years ago, he was blasted by uninformed fans and even the media. Would you rush back to that if it was you?