Marcia Lucas, renowned film editor and ex-wife of “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age of 80. Known for her work on several landmark Hollywood films, including “Star Wars: A New Hope,” Marcia succumbed to cancer. She leaves behind her former husband, daughters Amanda Lucas and Amy Soper, three grandchildren, and her chosen family, who confirmed her passing.
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In an official statement shared with Variety, Lucas’s family described her as a captivating storyteller and a pioneering figure for women in the film industry. They said, “Marcia will be remembered for her brilliance, her trailblazing spirit, her roles as a loving mother and grandmother, and her generosity as a host and friend. Her humor and sparkle lit up every room she entered. Her contributions to film are timeless, yet those close to her cherished how she made life brighter and more joyful. Her editing was distinguished by emotional depth and a unique ability to bring truth, heart, and clarity to the screen.”
Born and raised in California, Marcia Lucas began her career as an assistant editor and soon caught the eye of the legendary Verna Field, a groundbreaking film editor who inspired future generations of women in the field, including Sally Menke and Thelma Schoonmaker. Lucas made her mark by editing several of Martin Scorsese’s films, such as “Taxi Driver,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” and “New York, New York.”
Her collaboration with George Lucas was equally notable, as she worked on films like “Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” “THX 1138,” his debut “Filmmaker,” and “American Graffiti.” However, Marcia was critical of the direction of the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy after her ex-husband passed the baton to others. In J.W. Rinzler’s book “Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life,” she expressed her disapproval, stating, “It seems to me that Kathy Kennedy and J.J. Abrams don’t have a clue about ‘Star Wars.’ They don’t get it” (via IndieWire).
Marcia Lucas edited films for directors like George Lucas and Martin Scorsese
Columbia Pictures
A born and raised Californian, Marcia Lucas toiled as an assistant editor before making a connection with the legendary film editor Verna Field, a pioneer in her (no pun intended) field who paved the way for other female editors like Sally Menke and Thelma Schoonmaker. In fact, besides Schoonmaker, Lucas edited films by Martin Scorsese like “Taxi Driver,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” and “New York, New York.”
Lucas also, naturally, edited films by George Lucas — including “Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” “THX 1138,” his first-ever film “Filmmaker,” and “American Graffiti.” Still, it should be noted that, after her ex-husband handed over the reins of “Star Wars” to others for the sequel trilogy, she wasn’t a fan. “Now that she’s running Lucasfilm and making movies, it seems to me that Kathy Kennedy and J.J. Abrams don’t have a clue about ‘Star Wars.’ They don’t get it,” Lucas said in J.W. Rinzler’s book “Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life” (via IndieWire).
Marcia Lucas will be remembered by her family, friends, and the entertainment industry.