Star Wars fans probably wouldn't want to change anything about Return of the Jedi. But what would happen if the film was helmed by a director known for his work on body horror movies? David Cronenberg has just confirmed he was offered the chance to direct the sequel.
Cronenberg has just revealed to Entertainment Weekly that he received a phone call that would have made him a part of the Star Wars franchise. The Fly director even shared that he was given the original title for Return of the Jedi.
"Somebody said that they were from, I guess it was Lucasfilm, and asked me if I was interested in — at that point it was called Revenge of the Jedi, actually, until somebody pointed out that it was against Jedi philosophy to think in terms of revenge. But, anyway, I was asked if I would be interested in considering that, and meeting with everybody, and I said, with the arrogance of youth — relative youth, anyway — I said, ‘Well, I'm not used to doing other people's material.' And there was like a stunned silence and then ‘Click' — hang up. Basically, that was as close as I came to that."
The idea that Lucasfilm actually considered Cronenberg for Return of the Jedi is certainly a huge surprise. After all, the director was known for shocking films like Videodrome, Scanners, and The Brood when he received the call. We'll have to say that it was a good thing he rejected the offer and the film was eventually directed by Richard Marquand.
It's interesting that Cronenberg claimed he wouldn't do "other people's material" when he was offered Return of the Jedi. In 1983, he actually directed the adaptation of the Stephen King novel The Dead Zone. There may have been another reason why he said no, but again, we should be thankful for his actions.
Cronenberg's extensive career is being honored at LA's Beyond Fest this weekend.
Related: Star Wars: Darth Maul Voice Actor Shares Interesting Qi'ra Theory In Solo
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