So, I reading a book about the making of Empire Strikes Back by Alan Arnold, the film's publicist. He recounts that in November of 1978 the director, Irvin Kershner flew out alone to the summit of the glacier near Finse, Norway in order to visualize the Hoth setting. Kershner asks that the helicopter head back to base camp and he'll radio in when he needs to be picked up. After a few hours up there, with night falling, the temperature almost -20F, and "wearing clothes better suited through a stroll through Hyde Park in winter" Kershner radios in only to find out that the helicopter has had engine trouble and can't take off. Somehow the 56 year old Kershner manages to hike the four miles back to base.
Now, let's say things turned tragic and Kershner ended up dead. Would the production still go on? Would they simply change filming locations? Would Lucas look for another director or take up directing himself?
Even if the film is made it's going to be very different then OTL Empire Strikes Back. Kershner was willing and eager to listen to actors suggestions (as shown in this excerpt from Arnold's book. http://fd.noneinc.com/secrethistoryofstarwarscom/secrethistoryofstarwars.com/magicofempire.html )
Now, let's say things turned tragic and Kershner ended up dead. Would the production still go on? Would they simply change filming locations? Would Lucas look for another director or take up directing himself?
Even if the film is made it's going to be very different then OTL Empire Strikes Back. Kershner was willing and eager to listen to actors suggestions (as shown in this excerpt from Arnold's book. http://fd.noneinc.com/secrethistoryofstarwarscom/secrethistoryofstarwars.com/magicofempire.html )