Empire Producer Gary Kurtz Reflects On Where It All Went Wrong

This year is the 30th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the “Star Wars” sequel that many fans consider the pinnacle moment in a franchise that has pulled in $16 billion in box office and merchandising. But 1980 was also the year that Kurtz and Lucas realized the Jedi universe wasn’t big enough for the both of them.

“I could see where things were headed,” Kurtz said. “The toy business began to drive the [Lucasfilm] empire. It’s a shame. They make three times as much on toys as they do on films. It’s natural to make decisions that protect the toy business, but that’s not the best thing for making quality films. The first film and ‘Empire’ were about story and character, but I could see that George’s priorities were changing.”

Read more Lucas-bashing from Kurtz at the LA TIMES while I go play with my toys.

Oh, and in a related story, here is a link to the “Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom” Show from Disney’s Last Tour to Endor event.

(I know, George. I feel the same way about it, too. And that’s coming from someone who likes Jar Jar)

New bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord for Electric Mandolin, Pro Audio (Right Angle to Straight, Black)

(28470)

$7.99 (as of February 23, 2025 08:28 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Anker Laptop Charger, 140W USB-C Charger, 4-Port Multi-Device Fast Charging, Advanced GaN Power Adapter, Intuitive Touch Controls, for MacBook, iPhone 16 Series, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, and More

(143)

$89.99 (as of February 23, 2025 08:29 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel

(155901)

$13.99 (as of February 23, 2025 08:28 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (newest model), our most powerful 4K streaming stick with Wi-Fi 6E support, 16GB Storage, free and live tv

(46126)

$59.99 (as of February 23, 2025 08:28 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

New Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 3GB memory, 32GB, designed for portable entertainment, Black, (2024 release)

(1999)

$99.99 (as of February 23, 2025 08:29 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)