Buzz
No creator works in isolation. Whether acknowledged or not, every artist and writer draws from a variety of inspirations, and George Lucas is no exception. Unlike many, Lucas has openly shared the influences that shaped his vision during the creation of the Star Wars saga. Below are the key cinematic and literary sources that contributed to the most iconic franchise in history.
10. Darth Vader: Inspired by The Lightning In The Fighting Devil Dogs
George Lucas once remarked, “With both Star Wars and Raiders, I began by asking myself, ‘What did I truly love as a child?’” His answer was the classic serial adventures from the 1930s.
Among the first cinematic supervillains was The Lightning, featured in the 12-part serial The Fighting Devil Dogs (1938). Clad in black leather attire, gloves, a helmet, and a cape, The Lightning’s design is believed to have inspired Darth Vader’s iconic look, though Lucas has never explicitly confirmed this. Both characters also commanded troops dressed in white armor and helmets.
Unlike Vader, The Lightning didn’t have a respirator. That distinctive feature came from artist Ralph McQuarrie, who created concept art for 1977’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. In an early script draft, Vader was to traverse space between ships, prompting McQuarrie to add a respirator to his mask. “George loved it,” McQuarrie recalled, and the eerie breathing became a defining trait of the Sith Lord.
9. Planet Naboo: Inspired by James Gurney’s Island Of Dinotopia
Lucas revealed that James Gurney’s children’s book Dinotopia: A Land Apart From Time (1992) was a favorite of his son Jett. In early 1994, Columbia Pictures collaborated with Lucasfilm to develop a film adaptation of Gurney’s book, allowing Lucas to review early conceptual designs. However, the project stalled by March, and Columbia Pictures withdrew, leaving it in development limbo.
Seven months later, Lucas started drafting the script for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He noted that the backstory for Episodes I, II, and III was loosely outlined during the creation of the original trilogy. While many story elements were established, specific scenes and characters were not fully developed at that time.
It’s evident that certain scenes and characters in The Phantom Menace were inspired by Gurney’s work. The film begins on the verdant, swamp-covered planet Naboo, echoing the lush jungles of Dinotopia. Theed, Naboo’s capital, bears a striking resemblance to Waterfall City. Even Jar Jar Binks shares similarities with Bix, a talking Protoceratops, in both appearance and demeanor.
The most striking parallel occurs at the end of The Phantom Menace, during the parade through Theed, which mirrors Gurney’s painting Dinosaur Parade. Gurney recalled his reaction to the scene: “I nearly dropped my popcorn, as it felt like Dinotopia come to life.” This moment sparked criticism, with some accusing Lucas of plagiarism and labeling him a “master thief.”
As the debate intensified, Gurney reached out to Lucasfilm. “Many are curious if I contributed to designing Theed in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. I did not,” Gurney stated on his website. “I’m currently investigating how scenes in the film appear to mirror those from Dinotopia. I’m in contact with representatives from Lucasfilm.”
The day following the film’s release, Lucas called Gurney directly to address the resemblances. Neither disclosed the details of their conversation, but their relationship remained cordial. In a subsequent interview, Gurney spoke highly of Lucas, expressing deep respect for his work.
8. Emperor Palpatine: Inspired by Ming The Merciless in Flash Gordon
As previously noted, Lucas was deeply inspired by 1930s serials, particularly Buster Crabbe’s Flash Gordon, which he often cited as the foundation for Star Wars. Unable to secure the rights for a remake, Lucas channeled the essence of Flash Gordon into his own creation. Both narratives are grand space operas featuring lasers, starships, and heroes battling a despotic ruler. Emperor Palpatine’s affinity for flowing robes, grand thrones, and a bald head mirrors Ming the Merciless from Flash Gordon. Ming’s rogue planet Mongo, which obliterates other worlds, parallels the destructive power of Palpatine’s Death Star.
The parallels extend further. Lucas adopted the term “episodes” for his films, echoing the “chapters” of Flash Gordon. The iconic rolling title crawl in Star Wars was directly inspired by Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940). In Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Cloud City, floating above the gas giant Bespin, draws a clear parallel to Flash’s own Cloud City. Similarly, Flash’s underwater adventures resemble the Gungan city in
7. Planet Coruscant: Inspired by Trantor in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series
In the initial draft of A New Hope, Lucas envisioned showcasing the emperor’s planet-wide imperial city, Jhantor, a nod to Isaac Asimov’s Trantor, one of the earliest planet-wide cities in science fiction. Asimov introduced Trantor in a short story, and it became central to his Foundation series. Due to 1970s special-effects limitations, Lucas removed Jhantor from the script, but it later resurfaced in the prequels as the planet-city Coruscant.
Both Coruscant and Trantor are ecumenopolises—fully urbanized planets devoid of natural landscapes like oceans or mountains. Their climates are artificially regulated, and nearly all resources for their massive populations are imported. Asimov estimated Trantor’s population at 40 billion, a figure likely too low given Earth’s current population. A more realistic estimate would be four trillion, quadruple Coruscant’s population.
These planets serve as galactic hubs of power. Trantor hosted the Imperial government, while Coruscant was the capital of both the Galactic Republic and the Galactic Empire. Residents of both ecumenopolises enjoy wealth, residing in towering skyscrapers and expansive underground complexes.
6. C-3PO and R2-D2: Inspired by Tahei and Matashichi in The Hidden Fortress
Akira Kurosawa is hailed as one of cinema’s most impactful directors, inspiring filmmakers like Sergio Leone and the Coen brothers, who have created works honoring his legacy. Lucas openly acknowledged Kurosawa’s influence, particularly from the comedic adventure The Hidden Fortress, when crafting A New Hope. In a 1973 outline for Star Wars, Lucas expressed his desire to create a sci-fi adaptation of Kurosawa’s samurai epics, specifically citing Hidden Fortress.
The Hidden Fortress begins with two quarreling peasants, Tahei and Matashichi, fleeing a battle into dangerous lands. One is tall, the other short. They encounter an elderly man, secretly a retired general, who is determined to escort a princess to safety so she can rally her clan against a malevolent foe. Does this sound familiar?
Lucas revealed that Tahei and Matashichi inspired the creation of C-3PO and R2-D2, using them as sources of humor. He also borrowed other elements from Kurosawa’s films, such as the cantina fight scene, reminiscent of Yojimbo, and the horizontal wipe transitions, a hallmark of Kurosawa’s style.
5. Obi-Wan Kenobi: Inspired by Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings
Lucas and J.R.R. Tolkien, creators of two of the 20th century’s most iconic mythological universes, are often compared. While their personal styles differ, both were deeply influenced by heroic tales. Tolkien drew from classics like Beowulf, Le Morte d’Arthur, and The Kalevala, whereas Lucas found inspiration in films and comics. Though some critics dismiss the idea, Lucas himself has acknowledged the influence of The Lord of the Rings, and the parallels between their worlds are striking.
Superficial similarities abound: sword battles, princesses, and mystical powers. Tolkien’s epic was written as a single book (later divided into a trilogy), much like Lucas’s original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), which he claimed to have outlined simultaneously. Both begin by uniting the heroes and setting them on a quest. The second installment splits the group into separate journeys, while the third culminates in a climactic showdown against overwhelming evil, marked by sacrifice. Even the titles of the third entries echo each other: The Return of the King and Return of the Jedi.
Character parallels are also evident. Yoda and Gollum share traits: both are small, green, pointy-eared beings with unique speech patterns. Darth Vader, leader of the Sith and Palpatine’s enforcer, mirrors the Witch-king of Angmar, who commands the Nazgul under Sauron’s dominion.
The parallels between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Gandalf are striking. Both are wise, bearded figures clad in gray hooded robes, serving as wizards and mentors. Each wields a glowing blue sword and faces adversaries with red-glowing blades (Darth Vader and the Balrog). Additionally, both characters sacrifice themselves for their companions, only to return later in the story.
4. Han Solo: Inspired by Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind
Han Solo is a multifaceted character, sparking debates among fans about whether he’s more of a gunslinger or a pirate. Princess Leia labels him a “scoundrel,” and in truth, he embodies a mix of both—a self-serving anti-hero with a knack for breaking hearts.
During his time as a film student at UCLA in the late 1960s, Lucas was well-acquainted with the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind, which clearly left its mark on his work in Star Wars. Both narratives center on civil wars, with the rebels cast as the heroes.
The parallels become even more apparent when comparing Han Solo and Princess Leia’s dynamic to that of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara. Han and Rhett are both self-centered rogues who thrive as blockade runners. They prioritize wealth over the rebel cause, fall for spirited women from higher social classes, and ultimately win the affection of women initially drawn to more virtuous men.
Even their dialogues echo each other. In Gone with the Wind, Scarlett is taken aback when Rhett admits he’s only in it for profit, asking, “Are you saying you don’t believe in the cause?” He responds, “I believe in Rhett Butler; he’s the only cause I know.” Similarly, in A New Hope, Han tells Leia, “I’m not in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I’m in it for the money.”
Lucas further highlighted these similarities by approving a poster for The Empire Strikes Back that closely mirrors a 1967 re-release poster for Gone with the Wind.
When adjusted for inflation, Gone with the Wind remains the highest-grossing film of all time, with an estimated $3.4 billion in earnings. A New Hope ranks third, grossing $2.7 billion under the same adjustments.
3. Tatooine: Inspired by Arrakis in Frank Herbert’s Dune
Lucas has frequently acknowledged the profound influence of Frank Herbert’s Dune series on A New Hope. Early script drafts featured warring dynastic houses, and Princess Leia, upon her capture, wasn’t smuggling Death Star plans but rather “aura spice.”
Even in the final films, the parallels are unmistakable. Both Lucas’s rebels and Herbert’s Fremen wage war against tyrannical empires. The Jawas’ Sandcrawler, a repurposed mining vehicle, shares its name with the Arrakins’ mining transport. Princess Leia’s name closely resembles Herbert’s Princess Alia (pronounced “a-leia”). Jabba the Hutt, Tatooine’s crime lord, bears a striking resemblance to Leto Atreides II, the slug-like god-emperor from Dune Messiah (1969) who ruled Arrakis. Herbert’s Sandworms are notably similar to the Sarlacc (introduced in Return of the Jedi). Both Tatooine and Arrakis are, of course, desert worlds.
The religions in Dune and Star Wars also share striking similarities. The Bene Gesserit sisterhood in Dune mirrors the Jedi Order, and both Paul Atreides and Luke Skywalker inherit their abilities from a parent (Paul from his mother, Lady Jessica, and Luke from his father, Anakin Skywalker). The Jedi and Bene Gesserit both enhance their physical and mental abilities through comparable training methods (Jedi Bendu and Prana Bendu), and the Jedi mind trick closely resembles the Bene Gesserit’s ability known as “The Voice.”
Family dynamics further highlight the parallels. In Dune, Paul’s grandfather is the antagonist, while in Star Wars, it’s Luke’s father. Both protagonists have sisters who share their powers, and both seek to rectify the errors of their fathers.
2. Princess Leia: Inspired by Dejah Thoris in Burroughs’s John Carter Series
As previously mentioned, Star Wars originated from Lucas’s attempt to secure the rights to a Flash Gordon film. After failing to obtain them, Lucas explored the inspirations behind Flash Gordon, particularly Edgar Rice Burroughs’s John Carter series. It’s evident that Lucas drew heavily from these works during his research.
First, there’s the recurring theme of a princess held captive by villains. While Leia’s personality differs from Dejah Thoris, Thoris’s penchant for wearing metallic gold bikinis inspired Leia’s iconic outfit.
Jabba the Hutt’s desert sail barge resembles the flying boats that glide over Mars’s dunes in Burroughs’s stories. Dismemberment is a common outcome in battles within the John Carter series, and four out of six Star Wars films feature similar limb-loss scenes (five if Darth Maul’s bisection is included).
Lucas also borrowed terminology from Burroughs’s works. The term “Jed” refers to Martian royalty, closely resembling “Jedi.” “Padwars” are junior officers, akin to “Padawans,” the apprentices of the Jedi. Banthas, elephant-like creatures on Tatooine, parallel the cat-like Banths of Mars. Similarly, the Sith, vicious Martian insects in Burroughs’s books, became the dark antagonists in Lucas’s universe.
1. Death Star: Inspired by German Cannon Placement in The Guns of Navarone
Lucas often credited war films as key inspirations for Star Wars. While editing the Death Star dogfight sequence, he combined footage from numerous cinematic dogfights to map out the movements of TIE and X-wing fighters. For the Millennium Falcon’s escape scene, where Luke and Han man the gun turrets, Lucas directly borrowed from the 1943 WWII film Air Force.
Lucas was raised on a steady stream of WWII films. “I loved the war,” he once remarked. “It was a major part of my childhood, present in books on coffee tables and TV shows like Victory at Sea. I was constantly surrounded by war imagery.”
Among the WWII films, 1961’s The Guns of Navarone stands out. It centers on a fictional Greek island, Navarone, where the Nazis have placed radar-controlled super cannons. These guns endanger the evacuation of British troops on Keros Island, much like the Death Star threatens the rebels on Yavin IV. Commandos must destroy the cannons before the British transports are in range, paralleling the X-wings’ race to destroy the Death Star. The Death Star’s laser-firing sequence is nearly identical to the super guns’ firing sequence in The Guns of Navarone.
The iconic X-wing trench run that destroyed the Death Star was inspired by another WWII classic, The Dam Busters (1955). This film depicted the true 1943 mission where Allied bombers used bouncing bombs to target a Nazi dam on the Ruhr River. Lucas directly incorporated lines from the movie, such as “Get set for your attack run!” and “Look at the size of that thing!”
Another pivotal scene was influenced by 633 Squadron (1964), which follows a squadron tasked with bombing a V-2 rocket fuel plant in Norway. A subplot involves Norwegian resistance fighters disabling anti-aircraft defenses before the attack. Lucas adapted this narrative for the climactic battle in Return of the Jedi.
