Rogue One: George Lucas has given his verdict on Star Wars spin-off

Director Gareth Edwards: 'It was the most important review to me'

Despite George Lucas selling the rights to Star Wars to Disney years ago, the creator remains integrally linked to the series.

According to Rogue One director Gareth Edwards, Lucas has now seen the upcoming spin-off and, much to everyone’s relief, thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Speaking to an audience of journalists, Edwards told of how Lucas’s opinion was the "most important" one, and his reaction meant he could ‘die a happy man’.

According to Sunday World, Edwards said: ”Two days ago we got to show George the more, and we all had a phone call and I got to speak with him yesterday, and I don't want to put words into his mouth, but I can honestly say that I can die happy now.

"He really liked the movie. It meant a lot. To be honest, and no offense to anyone here, it was the most important review to me.

"You know, you guys are important too, but he's kind of God... I will take that conversation to my grave. His opinion means the world to me.”

Despite being the creator of Star Wars, Lucas has not always spoken favourably about how Disney has treated the series. On JJ Abrams’ The Force Awakens, Lucas said: "They wanted to do a retro movie. I don't like that. I like -- every movie, I worked very hard to make them completely different, with different planets, with different spaceships -- you know, to make it new.”

In other Star Wars news, rumours have been spreading regarding Episode VIII and the possible appearance of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the film. Rogue One reaches cinemas 15 December.