writing the prequels for another 20 years, the structure of that story has never changed very much; it has always been one epic story of a father who is redeemed by his children.”

In many ways, Lucas says, the events of Episode III will change audiences’ perspectives on the story told in A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. “Watching the films starting with Episode I and ending with Episode VI will be a different experience,” he says. “What drove me to direct Episodes I, II and III was the larger story about Anakin, who starts out as a good person but who becomes evil Ð and, ultimately, is redeemed by his children. It’s exciting to see it all come together.”