That's it, says Lucas
2005-05-17 07:44
London - Celebrated director George Lucas says he would "absolutely never" be tempted to pen another episode.
"This Star Wars tells the story of Darth Vader, and now we've had his birth and his end, so that's it," he said.
"I'm very relieved that the film is finished. It's one film now instead of six."
An intergalactic cast of Jedi Knights, stormtroopers and the formidable Darth Vadar braved a rainy sky on Monday to greet thousands of fans outside the London premiere of the final episode of Star Wars.
Lucas, along with leading actors Hayden Christensen and Scotland's Ewan McGregor were among the stars at Britain's first showing of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
"These fans have been waiting in the rain. That's dedication for you. These fans are hardcore," said Christensen, who plays young Jedi Anakin Skywalker.
Some 5 500 people, many dressed up as their favourite characters in the six-part saga, gathered outside the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square to catch a glimpse of the cast in the climax of a day of Star Wars mania.
"The turnout here is excellent," said Lucas, who also attended the world premiere of the film at France's glitzy annual film festival in Cannes on Sunday.
'There's something there for everybody'
"In Cannes, the people were standing in the sunshine; here they're in the rain. These fans are definitely the most dedicated. I give them all credit," Lucas told reporters.
Adding to the atmosphere at the day-long celebration, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed classic anthems from the epic much to the delight of the crowd.
There were also cheers when Darth Vader marched down a red carpet leading up to the cinema entrance, emitting his trademark breathing.
"Episode III is what it's all about, the fall of Anakin Skywalker. It's the main part of Star Wars. That's why we are here, to be part of the day," said Yvonne Horrocks, 26, who was dressed up as Princess Leia, while her husband Matt, 32, was kitted out as a Jedi Knight.
The couple were among a few dozen fans who took part in the festivities since early morning.
"It's the classic good and evil. There's something there for everybody - romance, action, fantastic special effects," said Yvonne, a childminder.
Revenge of the Sith is the last of three prequels to the landmark trilogy that burst onto the screens in 1977, 1980 and 1983.
It begins with a space battle as Anakin and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by McGregor, race across a galactic battlefield to rescue Senator Palpatine from the evil Count Dooku, played by Christopher Lee.
The premiere also marks the 28th anniversary of the original Star Wars film.