There are strange opinions of George Lucas out there. Everyone is willing to say that they love Star Wars (the original trilogy at least) yet they have an extreme hatred for Lucas.
Your viewpoint on Lucas will have a huge impact on the following news:
George Lucas is suing the prop designer who created the white stormtrooper body armor for the original 1977 film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (or just plain old Star Wars)
Andrew Ainsworth, owner of Shepperton Design Studios is selling the famous costumes for eighteen hundred pounds… roughly double that for a dollar figure.
Ainsworth’s company is using the original molds to manufacture the costumes and he has now counter-sued Lucasfilm for a portion of the Star Wars trilogy’s profits because he believes that he owns the copyright (or portion at least) of the world famous armor.
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What makes this case more interesting is that Lucas already sued Ainsworth (and won) in California, but because he is UK based, Lucas has to take him to London’s High Court.
So right now I’m guessing that you are either saying “George, You money grabbing memory trasher” or you are shouting “Go George Go!”.
Me?
Well, since I was a kid George Lucas has been my hero, he still is. Nine years ago I stood and waited outside the Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace premiere in London and got to see my idol. It was one of the greatest (and geekiest) moments of my life.
Since the release of The Phantom Menace Lucas hate has reached an all-time high. Blame the Internet, blame DVD or blame the fact that the prequel trilogy could never have met the fever pitch expectations of Star Wars fans around the globe. Hell, it might even have started way back in 1997 when Greedo shot first.
My opinions on Lucas’ Star Wars prequels?
I enjoyed them. I always knew that they would never be as good as the original trilogy. I think that I’ve said it before, but I feel that it’s a good quote…so I’ll say it again:
The original Star Wars movies are like the greatest meal that you have ever had. You want second helpings, and you get them, it’s just that they don’t taste as nice second time around. You can’t really complain to the chef. You got what you wanted - twice!
As far as the Ainsworth case goes- as much as he may be “just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe”, he has been making serious money from the Star Wars name. Money that has not been paid to Lucas.
Ainsworth may have helped design these costumes (then again he may not) and he may deserve to sell these designs, however he is making thousands of pounds (and dollars) and getting free advertising due to the Star Wars brand.
I don’t blame Lucas for suing, he likes to make sure that he is aware of what products have the Star Wars name, as he is accountable at the end of the day. A Lucasfilm spokesman said:
“We would never want to discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm for the movies. However, anyone who tried to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorisation … we will go after them.”
I’d love to know what you Screen Ranters think!
Source: The Guardian, Shepperton Design Studios
33 Comments
I’m not the biggest Star Wars fan but have always had a love for the three movies that I saw as a kid, and Darth was one of my favourite villains.
Coming to find he was actually a whiney bitch ruined a lot of the good will I had.
Lucas going round suing people also drains it.
He once worked a classic fairytale into scifi - boy becomes hero as rescues princess - but he couldn’t sustain it.
Much better at business than directing.
Well, I was brought up with Star Wars… It is simply something that is such a big part of me (No I don’t do dress up or watch star wars every weekend) but it opened up my eyes to the wonders of the universe and better yet, to what WE can do to make our dreams come true. That’s why I am in the business I am in. A big part of it is due to Mr. Lucas. I also spent a lot of time in Australia during the filming of the new Star Wars and I was with everyone else so excited to be there and be apart of it that I never even thought about the outcome. Do I like the new Star Wars? Hmmm, some parts of Episode I, I really enjoyed, but about 80% of the rest I didn’t. I can’t go into details as to why I don’t agree with the final version of Star Wars I, but I can say is that the choices for certain people involved in the process, weren’t helping Star Wars OR Lucas…
Do I agree with Lucas suing this man?
Here’s my take on it.
IF the man was poor and did this out of his passion for Star Wars to live out some childhood fantasy or some other humble situation, then I’d be disappointed in Lucas for HUNTING him down.
But as it is, this man is profiting from it. Making money off of something that’s in high demand in the world of Star Wars. I have a friend who constructed the new Lightsabers in The new Star Wars series. Well, if he didn’t ASK for permission, he would NEVER have gotten away with Master Replicas as a major boost to enter the replica business.
It’s all about ASKING first and taking action later. I know and have known some very sensitive informations about movies and things that no one really wants to talk about or is allowed to talk about. I manage to stay in the business because I keep my mouth shut and respect the creative people involved. I appreciate it when people do the same for me.
The Lucas Empire however much it may resemble the actual dark empire from Star Wars at its current state, it’s STILL where my childhood was born.
But most importantly, we have to remember, Lucas IS NOT personally sitting home and contemplating on how to get back at this man. He has a business, an empire to run. And those who protect it are the ones doing the hunting. Now, once such a person becomes a hunter, he or she raises too much attention to them selves. Meaning once any kind of news (like this one) surfaces, if they let one go on good faith, then it weakens their position. So they have to go all the way.
From a human perspective it’s wrong. But then it’s also wrong that this man is making money off of Star Wars. So they aren’t complimenting each other at all.
Does this make Lucas look like Lord Sidious? Ummmm… Nope…
We still LOVE star wars and we’ll always love it. The new ones, weren’t good, that’s the truth… but then they were entertaining and it DID give us a second course which tasted sometimes too bitter and sweet… but most of the times, it was remembering just how well it tastes in general. When you have the entire dinner in front of you.. you’re still going to drool a bit…
Lucas is totally within his rights.
I never bought into the Lucas hate that is out there.
The picture up top looks like that Trooper is ready to defend Lucas. (Nice product placement).
Unfortunitly for this prop guy he’s stealing.
I can see selling a few but to actually create a market source for these is stealing.
That being said does anyone have his contact info.
(I’m in kinda a hurry)…!
Well, the point is this; If he sued and won in CA already, then he is very justified to go after Ainsworth in the UK.
As long as Ainsworth was compsentated via whatever agreement he had with Lucas in 1977, then he has no luck at counter suing.
I’m not a legal mind (copyright law is the only thing that interests me) but we do need more details of the 1977 agreement and the CA ruling.
This guy would look like JarJar in a legal compatition with Lucas.
Shheet. They could film that court room slaugter and put it on widescreen dvd and I would buy it for 9.99 !
Again not seeing that contact info ?? Let’s get moving people.
If anyone wants to send me a Stormtrooper uniform that I can wear to the Star Trek convention this weekend. Let me know….!
I’m here….at Screen Rant.
Ill do it I wear that Stormtrooper uniform and have pictures taken with fans.
Swear!
I don’t know who is in the right as both are suing each other, however this is Ainsworth’s side:
Mr Ainsworth has a two-pronged defence; firstly, that the intellectual property rights to the designs have expired. Secondly, if they do still exist, as the designer he owns them rather than Mr Lucas, which would mean he deserves a cut of the merchandising market.
And a quote from Lucas Licensing:
We would never want to discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm for the movies. However, anyone who tries to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorization becomes an infringer and we will go after them.
I took both bits from the Telegraph over here in the UK.
I still don’t know who is right, but I know this much. Some time back someone put a game up online for star wars fans. I know someone who loved it. Then Lucas’ Legions came over and shut it down. NO money was being made, just a fun thing for fans. So I don’t believe their statement.
However I would understand not wanting someone else using your property. So I guess the courts over here will have to say who it belongs to, and I doubt very much a ruling in the US will affect it.
I’d also say Ainsworth isn’t exploiting anyone as he’s selling to grown adults, with money, who can make their own choices (unless he’s bringing out a mini range for kids, which would be so cute!).
Lucas, however, has redone his movies and sold them to the public again and again.
I don’t hate the bloke and still love the star wars universe (although it’s nothing that original - mystical samurai, etc). But I have more reasons to dislike his actions than cheer him on.
If he is in the right, that’s that.
But in truth I hope he isn’t.
Oh, and totally agree with Stephen about the prequels, especially on the character arcs. They have their moments, but overall unfulfilling.
Lucas has every right to sue. Even though he hired the designer the rights still belong to Lucas. This is like a Producer selling a film for his own gain and cutting out everyone else involved.
BTW, how cool would it be to have a storm trooper costume?
“Everyone is willing to say that they love Star Wars”
No, I’m not, because in my case, it’s not true. I don’t like Star Wars, and I never have.
That said, I have to side with Lucas on this one. Star Wars is his property, his trademark, and any possible copyrights on the designs undoubtedly lie with whoever hired the designer to make the armor. I can’t fault Lucas for doing the same thing I would do if someone tried profiting off of one of my creations without my permission.
I wish him success in this lawsuit.
FlameStrike witch Star Wars did you hate the least? Just curious???
Niall
“FlameStrike witch Star Wars did you hate the least?”
As far as I recall, I only ever saw the original movie from the 70’s. I didn’t like it, and I never bothered with the other 5. If I did see the other two of the original trilogy, I don’t remember them.
Wow … Well you saved a lot of money on Action figures and magazines and CCG cards.
It must be strange to not have seen those films.
What I’d love is for a group of people to buy the suits, wear them and just walk around in them. Love to see 20 storm troopers walking down the street or entering a library!
Funny line in Star Wars
“I can’t see a thing in this suit”. Luke Skywalker.
“Well you saved a lot of money on Action figures and magazines and CCG cards.”
Not really. Transformers collecting has probably more than made up for it.
“It must be strange to not have seen those films.”
Probably no stranger than you may feel not having seen some other popular/successful movie series or TV show. And I’m sure I’ve probably seen bits and pieces while channel flipping.
Try me Flamestrike. I’ve seen everything.
“Try me Flamestrike. I’ve seen everything.”
Then it might well seem strange to you. Maybe I should have tried reading as a comparison.
I’m confused Flamestrike?
I just meant that you may have seen everything, but there’s no way you could have read everything. So maybe I should have asked how it feels to not have read a particular book/series as a comparison to how I feel not having seen all the Star Wars movies.
Point taken Flamestrike.
Your correct on that…..
“I can’t see a thing in this suit.”
Good point, a squad of storm troopers could be bumping into each other as they go!
Oh, and never forget the classic moment of head hitting door. Did they ever edit that out?
I have a friend who, every time I mention a book, she says read it or got it. Not so up on the movies.
Me I love both!
I have a few points to make on this quote:
“The original Star Wars movies are like the greatest meal that you have ever had. You want second helpings, and you get them, it’s just that they don’t taste as nice second time around. You can’t really complain to the chef. You got what you wanted - twice!”
The thing I think is missing from this statement is the fact that different ingredients were used for the “same” meal. It may be packaged the same way, only with brighter colors and a flashier ad campaign, but the parts that make up the whole are COMPLETELY inferior to the original. If you weren’t disappointed with the prequels, then you weren’t paying attention.
Well I was semi_concious when I saw those prequels and they were very entertaining.
Star Wars was a iconic event of historic proportions.
I say Lucas was lucky Empire and Return didn’t suck compaired to “A new hope”.
Well Empire was directed by someone else and I think it shows. That is clearly the best of the six.
Quite agree on the ingredients too. Compare Luke’s transformation from farm kid, to wannabe Jedi, to Shaft, strutting around as he takes down Jabba and then the Empire.
Then take Anakin’s arc. Whiney kid, to whiney teenager, to whiney, um, teenager. They just don’t compare.
I do think the PM was a good little scifi flick, but the prequels just don’t satisfy as part of the Star Wars universe.
(I mean in RotS Chewie and Yoda know each other?!)
I’d like to add my twist to this whole comparison between Star Wars and food.
Like you say : The thing I think is missing from this statement is the fact that different ingredients were used for the….
Well, here’s the thing that would sum it up nicely.
Star Wars Episode 4,5 and 6 were produces with the best and most organic raw materials possible. Freshly grown ideas, a healthy amount of inspiration and innovation. All very organic and healthy… Right? That’s why they were so easily digestible for the general public.
Now come the new and improved repackaging of Star Wars. This time it’s Episode 1,2 and 3! Jam packed with a lethal dose of MSG (artificial food enhancer) and tons of tons of aspartame (fake sugar) to leave you with serious holes in your mind. The amount of regurgitated dialogue with too much eye candy (artificial colors were used in this meal). Then the eye candy became bitter and pointless… leaving you with a bad taste after you’re done with the main course. After all, the eye candy you were just exposed to has taken it’s effect. Like aspartame you enjoy a momentary rush if joy and excitement, you’re even a bit hyped up at the end. But then that high subsides quite quickly, leaving you to wonder if it was even worth it.
Ok, I’ve done my bid to add to the whole food comparison…
NOW I AM A PART OF THE GANG!! YAY!!!
;p
LOL, I’m loving these food analogies.
Stephen, you pretty much said what I was thinking, pretty much right on the money.
Vic
Your one of us now!!!!
Ya know it was kinda loosely established that Chewee new Yoda based on the premise that Obi Wan knew Chewee in the Cantina bar (TNH).
The worst part of (PM) was that troll looker yoda puppet. Wow wow they blew that one.
Ahhh,
It’s good to be part of the gang… ;p
I guess we can all be food critics now… just imagine some of the movies IF THEY REALLY WERE a meal you had to eat.
Hmmm, I think I’d be fat and stupid right now with all the movies I’ve watched… but that’s not what I really meant… Cause in that universe no one would get fat watching movies. But, I can imagine some pretty horrible dishes, even dogs would turn their backs on… and I pretty much ate em all…
I watched a movie called Ghost Voyage the other night, that one would have enabled me to sue the chef! No taste, no substance, and a waste of my time to consume.
Last night I saw the the Crow: Whispered Prayer, a new version with the guy who played John Connor in T2, and David Boreanz (Angel) as a psychopath. Sometimes it was ok, but often just tasted weird as flavours clashed. Not well put together and some parts were a bit stale.
Hey, this is fun!
oops, forgot to say totally agree with the Star Wars freshness versus artificial gloss.
In fact the fakeness is spot on for me. I just felt, among many things, the CGI in the prequels was too clean and shiney. When we had real Yoda and troopers and such, they were there, interacting, solid and grimey. The CGI just slide through it all. Almost ethereal for me. No good.
What's your opinion? Leave a comment!