George Lucas talks of retirement, making "hobby" films Director George Lucas arrives at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in Los Angel...

George Lucas talks of retirement, making "hobby" films

Director George Lucas arrives at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, California February 17, 2012. (REUTERS/Fred Prouser)

"Phantom Menace" haters won't have George Lucas to kick around anymore.

The man who captivated generations of youngsters with his "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" films - only to see many of those same fans revolt after he returned to those franchises in recent years with critically derided new installments - is hanging it up.

Lucas tells Empire Magazine this month that he is retiring to make more personal "hobby" movies.

"I've always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theaters," Lucas said.

He implies that he will also be less active in LucasFilm, the special effects and production company he founded.

"I'm moving away from the company, I'm moving away from all my businesses, I'm finishing all my obligations and I'm going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies," Lucas said.

It is not the first time that Lucas has hinted publicly that he is ready to step away from the commercial filmmaking that forms the spine of his career.

While promoting his World War II aviation drama "Red Tails" last winter, Lucas told The New York Times that he was finished with "Star Wars."

"Why would I make any more, when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?" Lucas said.

He did hold out some hope for his admirers, saying he might be persuaded to make another "Indiana Jones" film.

If that doesn't come to pass and if Lucas ever gets bored with his garage, he can always join fellow filmmaking retiree Steven Soderbergh for bingo.

(Agencies)