Running out of time, George Lucas chose his museum over three more Star Wars films

In a new CBS sit‑down alongside his wife, Mellody Hobson, George Lucas said he walked away from filmmaking in 2012 knowing he had “three more” Star Wars movies mapped out — and chose instead to devote his remaining time and energy to building the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. Hobson noted the grind of his work had become worrisome for his health, and Lucas agreed that the museum became the priority.

“Well, I’m 82, so there is a limit to. When I did this, I decided to retire from making movies, which was a big deal because I had three more Star Wars to make, but I realized that I was running out of time, and I did want to make this museum,” he said.

Lucas expanded on that focus during a CBS Sunday Morning segment, explaining that after retiring he slowly shifted all of his attention to the museum project with Hobson. The institution centers on narrative art — including illustrators and visual storytellers — and is now open.

Big night at the museum

The opening gala drew a who’s who from entertainment and sports. Among the guests showing support:

• Kim Kardashian
• Katy Perry
• Justin Trudeau
• Michael B. Jordan
• Emma Watson
• Christopher Nolan
• Denis Villeneuve
• Spike Lee
• SZA
• Doja Cat

Event co‑chairs included:

• Greta Gerwig
• Guillermo del Toro
• Steven Spielberg
• Pharrell Williams
• Tom Cruise
• Sir Lewis Hamilton

A rare return to the mic

Though he’s been largely absent from major projects since retiring, Lucas did pop back up this year with a brief voice role in the film Minions & Monsters, according to reports. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri told Collider he met Lucas more than two years ago and discovered the filmmaker’s fondness for the Minions movies, which helped spark the cameo.

With the museum open, Lucas hasn’t announced any other entertainment projects.