David Bridges
In an exciting culmination of San Diego Comic-Con, the legendary George Lucas graced the pop culture event with his presence alongside acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and esteemed Lucasfilm designer Doug Chiang. This highly anticipated panel, however, did not delve into a new Star Wars project. Instead, the discussion focused on the critical importance of making art accessible to everyone, particularly during challenging times, as the Lucas Museum prepares for its grand opening next year in Los Angeles.
For devoted fans, there was a thrill to be had. During a dynamic sizzle reel showcasing various artistic works, sharp-eyed attendees were thrilled to spot detailed renderings of a life-size Naboo Starfighter among the curated exhibits. Additionally, viewers caught a fleeting glimpse of the menacing General Grievous on his wheel bike, along with captivating concept art for the beloved Indiana Jones franchise.
The Lucas Museum confirmed to io9 that these remarkable pieces are officially part of the museum’s extensive collections, with exciting announcements about the inaugural installations anticipated in the near future. Previous reports from io9 have highlighted that the museum’s collection will also feature iconic artifacts such as Luke Skywalker’s full-size landspeeder from A New Hope, the original blueprints and model of the legendary Millennium Falcon, a striking Darth Vader costume, and a life-sized model of Yoda.
The panel primarily explored the profound themes of storytelling and the necessity of accessibility in art. Lucas passionately expressed, “This museum is dedicated to the idea that stories and mythology—any kind of narrative that resonates with people and fosters community—is crucial for society. Art is essential in illustrating these stories, as it plays a pivotal role in building community. Even in the Renaissance or the Stone Age, stories that people embraced as mythology—though not necessarily true—served to unite them under shared beliefs. This museum aims to raise awareness about the mythologies shaping our lives while providing visitors with an emotional connection to art that reflects modern mythology.”
He elaborated further, stating, “The artistic component is designed to make these narratives truly accessible to everyone and to enhance their belief in the stories presented.”
“It’s vital for the cohesion of society. Even in difficult times, much of the art we encounter revolves around our shared beliefs and the significance of community. This is particularly relevant today, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. There exists a multitude of diverse beliefs. In the past, interactions with distant cultures were challenging, but now we face a reality where numerous beliefs coexist, often clashing. A society cannot thrive without a unified belief system,” Lucas emphasized.
Guillermo del Toro, serving as a board member of the museum, articulated his hopes that the museum’s principles will actively contribute to the preservation of knowledge in an era marked by widespread historical erasure. “Stories shape reality. Narratives that misinform individuals about their identities or their roles in society are often rooted in propaganda. The art of illustration not only honors the incredible talents behind films and artistic endeavors,” he remarked.
Del Toro proceeded to highlight some legendary artists—such as Ralph McQuarrie, Ron Cobb, and Jim Steranko—and underscored the museum’s overarching vision. “This space also commemorates an emotional connection that belongs to all of us. Myth is a collective experience, while propaganda is dictated by a select few. Myth fosters unity; propaganda fosters division,” he asserted.
Continuing his thoughts, Del Toro remarked, “Popular mythology, especially in comic books—whether you prefer underground comics or avant-garde pieces unrelated to genre, or you enjoy genre-specific works—offers universal emotional access. These narratives are ours; they do not belong to the powerful, our parents, or any authority, but to us collectively.”
He likened the 300,000-square-foot Lucas Museum to an ark, describing its design by Ma Yansong as devoid of sharp edges, symbolizing the unimpeded flow of knowledge. “This museum celebrates concepts that resonate with each of us individually while simultaneously unifying us collectively. Its vastness declares its significance in the world today,” Del Toro explained. “It stands as a testament to the celebration of artistic expression.”
Renowned Academy Award-winning designer and longtime collaborator with Lucasfilm, Doug Chiang, credited the vibrant arts celebrated at San Diego Comic-Con for shaping his career trajectory. He expressed gratitude for the accessible public spaces that fostered his passion for art.
“Comic art and magazine illustration have historically faced skepticism, yet they provided me with a gateway to enjoy and learn about art,” he reflected. As a native of Los Angeles, his career stems partly from a deep appreciation for museums, libraries, Free Comic Book Day, and educational programming on PBS. This accessibility is essential for everyone, not just a privileged few, to find meaning and purpose. The museum’s location near George’s alma mater, USC, is significant. Interestingly, USC also hosts the LA Times Festival of Books, where I discovered my first chapter book, The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Chiang emphasized, “This is George’s gift to the community, and what I find most rewarding is that narrative art serves as an educational tool for children, validating their creativity and encouraging them to illustrate their fantasies. It’s essential to embrace comic books and narratives, which should never be dismissed. My hope is that this museum will inspire the next Norman Rockwell or Frank Frazetta—or perhaps, the next Doug, Guillermo, or George.”
The Lucas Museum is slated to open its doors in 2026. For further details, please visit here.
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