Unveiling Isaac Asimov's Secret Fascination with Star Wars

The Big Picture

Isaac Asimov, a prominent pioneer in science fiction, publicly declared his love for George Lucas' Star Wars films, particularly The Empire Strikes Back.

George Lucas' preoccupation with robots in his work reflects Asimov's profound impact, as the latter delved into the subject matter in his own literary works. Although Asimov acknowledged the triumph of Star Wars, he expressed concern that the film industry's emphasis on visual effects was eclipsing the recognition of skillful science fiction writing.

Isaac Asimov Declared He Was a Star Wars Fan on 'The David Letterman Show'

There is a certain indescribable gratification, heartwarming feeling, and undeniable fascination that comes with discovering that one of the key pioneers responsible for countless mind-bending, otherworldly science fiction novels and films we have enjoyed throughout the years is just as much of a fan as we are. Isaac Asimov, a revolutionary figure in the realm of spaceships, alternate galaxies, world-building, robots, and extraterrestrial beings, has shaped the foundation of some of the most unforgettable interstellar escapades ever witnessed by movie enthusiasts. This also encompasses the ever-expanding and captivating Star Wars universe. Yes, it's true – one of the founding contributors of this incredibly imaginative cinematic genre has an admiration for the works of George Lucas that mirrors that of other devoted film lovers.

Image via NBC

On October 21, 1980, the privileged individual granted access into the remarkable mind of the eminent author and physicist was none other than David Letterman. Ironically, this occurred just days before NBC canceled The David Letterman Show, only to later rework it into Late Night with David Letterman. But let us stay focused; the point is that amidst his numerous thoughts and reflections, Asimov embarked on an uninhibited dialogue expressing his adoration for George Lucas' initial two Star Wars films. He particularly commended the awe-inspiring effects of The Empire Strikes Back and, as he conveyed in the interview, "In fact, I enjoyed The Empire Strikes Back so much that when they finished it, I jumped up out of my seat and yelled start the third part!" With amusement filling the studio, he further added, "I assume at their current pace, they'll complete the other installments after I've departed, which doesn't strike me as fair." To clarify, Mr. Asimov did live long enough to witness The Return of the Jedi, but unfortunately, he passed away in 1992, seven years prior to the release of the prequel trilogy, which, given the contrasting approaches between the two, may have been a blessing.

How Did Isaac Asimov Influence George Lucas' Work?

Image by Federico Napoli 

In a video interview from the MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) in 2004, George Lucas spoke highly of Isaac Asimov's work, particularly in the realm of robotics and its portrayal in film. Lucas praised writers like Asimov for their profound influence on those who contemplate robots and incorporate them into their own creations. He found the concept of robots resembling humans to be utterly fascinating. Brian Aldiss, a British science fiction writer, drew parallels between Asimov's mastery of galactic politics in his Foundation series and Lucas' approach in his anthology of Galactic Empire stories from The New Yorker. Aldiss noted that Asimov bestowed his characters with a scientific understanding of history, enabling them to predict the future of humanity. On the other hand, Aldiss hailed Star Wars as an exploration of acceleration. He argued that the speed sequences depicted in all three original Star Wars films left a lasting impression. This comparison is reminiscent of Aldiss' evaluation of Foundation, which has captivated audiences for two seasons by delving into psychohistory and navigating humanity's past and future. It's important to note that this does not imply one is superior to the other; instead, it highlights the similarities between these visionary science fiction creators and their innovative thinking.

Isaac Asimov Loved 'Star Wars' but Acknowledged That Its Success Hurt Sci-Fi Writing

Image via LucasFilm

It's interesting, isn't it? Isaac Asimov's association with Lucas isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Back in 1988, he openly confessed in an article for the Los Angeles Times that although he appreciated Lucas' work and the magnificent cosmic realms portrayed in the initial three Star Wars movies, he remained doubtful about its impact on the world of science fiction literature. Asimov candidly expressed, "To be honest, I'd prefer staying at home and focusing on writing my books." Asimov did acknowledge George Lucas' Star Wars films, but he believed that well-crafted science fiction, devoid of excessive special effects, would not thrive as much because the majority of people longed for the spectacle. He even jokingly remarked, "If that weren't the case, then I would have 400 million readers of my books." The irony lies in the fact that what Asimov found particularly inspiring about Lucas' trilogy and its striking visual effects also played a role in diverting fans of the genre away from the intricate literary universes that Asimov was renowned for constructing. Asimov's literary legacy is now being impeccably carried forward as his daughter, Robyn Asimov, partners with David S. Goyer as a co-showrunner on Foundation. It seems that the Asimov family possesses an inherent understanding of what sci-fi enthusiasts crave, and George Lucas recognized this, earning himself the admiration of the distinguished author.

Foundation