Star Wars: 20 Things You Didn't Know About Return Of The Jedi
13. George Lucas Allegedly Fired Producer Gary Kurtz Before Production Started
Gary Kurtz produced both A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, though was allegedly fired from Return of the Jedi by George Lucas before production started in earnest.
Kurtz and Lucas' professional relationship had suffered from the hectic production of the previous film, which ran over budget and behind schedule.
However, some sources suggest that Kurtz chose to leave Return of the Jedi due to disagreeing with its creative direction, particularly its merchandise-baiting storyline and plainly happy ending.
Either way, Kurtz was replaced by Howard G. Kazanjian, who had previously served as an executive producer for Lucas on Raiders of the Lost Ark.