Attached Link: http://www.avclub.com/articles/gary-kurtz-outlines-original-darker-ewokless-endin,44162/

> Quote - Let's not forgot from the original trilogy George Lucas was the writer and director on only the very first Star Wars film. Other people both helped write the screenplay and directed the other two films, Empire and Jedi. Which I was surprised to find out.

 

That's true.  One of the strongest influences on the Star Wars trilogy was Gary Kurtz, one of the co-producers on the first two films.  He was upset about Lucas's claims that audiences no longer cared about character and story.  He parted ways with Lucas right before Jedi.  It's probably one of the reasons why Ewoks showed up in the third film.

Kurtz wanted to end the Jedi with a much darker tone.  He also pushed for the more mystical/spiritual elements in Star Wars, unlike Lucas who increasingly leaned toward the dark side of merchandising.