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Our friend Ed Douglas at Coming Soon managed to score an exclusive sit down with fanboy Overlord George Lucas and got a chance to ask him a few questions about his upcoming projects. First and foremost, of course, is the eagerly anticipated Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated feature that will lead into the new animated series of the same name coming to your television in fall 2008. Footage from this animated bit of awesome was screened at SXSW recently at the Warner Bros’ The Big Picture presentation.

Perhaps most interesting though, is Lucas’ involvement as producer on the John Ridley written Red Tails, an upcoming World War II movie that chronicles the true life story of the Tuskegee Airman. For those of you not in the know, the Tuskegee Airman were America’s first all Black pilot squadron who were tasked with guarding bombers as they made their runs deep into German held territory. The Airmen were noted for their high success rate and rumors used to circulate about a perfect protection record; however recently it has been uncovered that the Tuskegee Airman lost some 25 bombers under their protection on various missions, still a low number and remarkable feat.

When questioned about whether or not he had time to devote towards Red Tails, Lucas had this to say:

“As a matter of fact, I’m working on it tomorrow. We’re getting towards a script, and probably start shooting before the end of the year, and it should come out next year, maybe. That’s probably going to be the last movie I do, apart from my own movies, but my own movies are going to be more esoteric and probably will come and go in a week and be in one or two arthouses. It’s basically the same as what Francis (Ford Coppola) is doing.”

Good news to hear that the Emperor himself is ready to get moving on Red Tails. Lucas has never been known as someone with a fast production slate, so it’s good to see things in his camp are finally moving along at a nice pace. Interesting to note are Lucas’ last comments about what his future holds – small arthouse films. I can’t say that I’m surprised to hear this, but I can say I’d love to see him rocking out with some more epic movies, but maybe that’s just me.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars hits theaters on August 15th, 2008. Red Tails aims for a 2009 release.

Source: ComingSoon

Sound Off: What are your thoughts on Lucas’ decision to go art house exclusive after Red Tails?