 Now fully in control of the "Star Wars" enterprise, Lucas chose not to direct the sequel because of his other production roles, including overseeing ILM and handling the financing.Lucas offered the role of director to Irvin Kershner, one of his former professors at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.Kershner was known for smaller character-driven films, but had more recently directed the true-life drama "Raid on Entebbe" (1977) and the thriller "Eyes of Laura Mars" (1978).