The Spotlight: Denis Villeneuve absolutely hates 'Return of the Jedi' but has ideas on the kind of 'Star Wars' movie he'd like to make

(image via Paramount Pictures)

Like many of us, acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve was a child infatuated with "Star Wars."

Born in 1967, he's part of the generation of OG fans that waited years between films with little to no intel on the future. All wee Denis had was hope.

Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the "Happy, Sad, Confused" podcast, Villeneuve explains that, unfortunately, his love affair with "Star Wars" ended in 1983.

"In 1977 I was 10 years old," says Villeneuve. "So I was the target audience and a victim of [Star Wars mania]. The first two "Star Wars," "A New Hope" and "Empire Strikes Back" were ... I think "Empire Strikes Back" is the movie I had the most apprehension [for]. Two years [of waiting].

"It died with "Return of the Jedi." No, I'm not [an ewok guy]. I was like a pure believer, you know? I hate the third one so much. That was the end for me."

Villeneuve didn't mention the prequels but it's safe to assume he isn't the biggest fan. Despite the baggage, there seems to be interest in maybe helming a future project at Lucasfilm.

"I would be intrigued," Villeneuve says. "I don't know. It's very difficult. What's dangerous about "Star Wars" right now is that it becomes its own vocabulary. I think "Rogue One" was very interesting. An interesting way to get out of [break] the mold."

One thing is certain; the "Blade Runner 2049" director isn't interested in continuing the Skywalker saga.

"I think it would be time to do that," Villeneuve says of moving on from the Skywalker story. "There's a limit to how many daughters, neighbors, cousins, uncles [can be related to Skywalkers]. I think it would be a great idea to get out of there. To go in a new part of the galaxy, *that* I would be open to."

Could Villeneuve join Rian Johnson in a galaxy far, far away? We can only hope.

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AND THE REST

Covers.

Thanks @VanityFair for letting my friends and I bombard your cover in our super causal attire! #infinitywar @Marvel #thorragnarok #thor #casualfriday pic.twitter.com/gQhJreYHPt
— Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) November 27, 2017

Avengers assemble! (This is the photoshoot I may have accidentally Facebook Live-d. I’m perpetually sorry @Marvel!) Read the @VanityFair cover story here: https://t.co/0bywQiy1XU pic.twitter.com/V54qr3V2p9
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) November 27, 2017

I had a pretty surreal photo shoot while filming #avengers #infinitywar We took this photo (which will appear on the cover of some issues of @vanityfair) We also shot a “Marvel 10th Anniversary Class Photo” which included just about anyone that’s ever been in the 22 Marvel movies made in that time! That was really something. I kept looking around, flabbergasted. So many big stars. So many awesome actors. It was a real “pinch me,” moment. So naturally I pinched Benedict Cumberbatch and he was so in character he literally opened up a portal to the astral plane! I was like “whoa!” And then he pushed me in! At first it was cool. But now I’m starting to get concerned. I’ve been here for hundreds of years. As you know from seeing Dr. Strange time is kinda tricky in the Astral plane. I’m hoping he’ll contact me soon to let me out? I don’t know if he has Instagram. Someone tell him? I know @tomholland2013 follows me. Can you tell him Tom? Hope he didn’t forget about me. I love being in Marvel movies. I’d hate to miss the premiere of #infinitywar next summer.

A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Nov 27, 2017 at 1:47pm PST

I love multiple covers, but they always turn into a contest to see who sold the most copies. Who cares?! We are ALL a part of the #StarWars family! (That said: How did the #4 of 4 covers #SpaceTwins do, @EW?) Asking for a friend... 🙄- mh #LongLiveLukeAndLeia pic.twitter.com/TwsGJTn1yw
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) November 27, 2017

Master and Commander.

For the Aubrey Maturin lovers , I do hear whispers indeed that a second voyage is perhaps potentially pre-proposed a possibility . So O’Brian affectionate’s and aficionados , let @20thcenturyfox know of your pleasure . pic.twitter.com/HqyE8y15Uu
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 27, 2017

Wisdom.

Day One of Principle Photography on Too Old To Die Young 👁

A post shared by NWR (@nwrefn) on Nov 27, 2017 at 5:19pm PST

I want to go to there.

Commentary track time

A post shared by Rian Johnson (@riancjohnson) on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:32pm PST

Rude.

This "article" is so many different kinds of needless, and irrelevant. Also, just mean for no reason.
— Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) November 26, 2017

Buds.

The Ladies of Marvel. @vanityfair photoshoot afterparty. Why am I not surprised that I'm eating in this pic? 🤔#alwayseating . #marvelladies #marvellousladies

A post shared by Evangeline Lilly (@evangelinelillyofficial) on Nov 27, 2017 at 4:22pm PST

Uma.

sitting alone in the hudson theater, painting my face. thank you for hearing me, it's so much better not to sit alone. a new feeling. i am so grateful.

A post shared by Uma Thurman (@ithurman) on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:36pm PST

Still angry.

When filming scene I was assured my lightsaber swipe toward camera (creature not on set) would simply singe fur 2 scare him off-Horrified to later see amputation & unnecessary cruelty-Wampa was HUNGRY (not EVIL)-Luke would never do this! #StillAngry2017 https://t.co/QhIkOILZmw
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) November 27, 2017

Time Travel Trivia.

Whoa.

finished stranger things 2 and its got upside down. no joke…
˙uoᴉsuǝɯᴉp ɹno ɹǝʇuǝ-ǝɹ oʇ ʍou uᴉɐƃɐ ɹǝʌo uosɐǝs ǝloɥʍ ǝɥʇ ƃuᴉʇɹɐʇs ɯ,I ‘ʎɹɹoʍ ʇ,uop pic.twitter.com/EbrgypYO6a
— Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) November 27, 2017