What risk did George Lucas take to break from Hollywood and begin truly building his empire?

George Lucas took a significant financial risk by forgoing his director's fee in exchange for the merchandising rights for "Star Wars." This decision was unprecedented in Hollywood at the time, as studiOS typically held onto merchandising rights. By retaining these rights, Lucas was able to capitalize on the massive success of the franchise through merchandise sales, which ultimately played a crucial role in building his empire. This risk paid off handsomely, as the "Star Wars" brand became a global phenomenon, solidifying Lucas' status as a pioneering filmmaker and entrepreneur.