George Lucas originally wanted to direct Star Wars Episode 7 – Movies News – Digital Spy
Lucas admitted that a 10-year commitment to make a new Star Wars trilogy, coupled with Disney’s interest in acquiring the franchise, prompted him to step aside from the series in a creative capacity. “It’s better for me to get out at the beginning of a new thing and I can just remove myself,” he said. “The time is more important to me than the money.” Lucas added that he is looking forward to watching JJ Abrams’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a fan. “The only thing I really regret about Star Wars is the fact I never got to see it – I never got to be blown out of my seat when the ship came over the screen,” he commented. “The next one, I’ll be able to enjoy it like anybody else.”