Willard Huyck

Willard Huyck is an American screenwriter, film director, and producer, best known for his association with George Lucas. They met as students at USC. Along with his wife Gloria Huyck (nee Katz), Huyck has created the screenplays of films including American Graffiti and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. He has directed four films, the last being the notorious Howard the Duck (1986).

As friends of Lucas, the Huycks were asked to read the first draft of The Star Wars, and give their opinions. They were also requested to provide minor dialogue revisions to the fourth draft just before shooting began in 1976. George invited many close friends, including the Huycks, to the screening of his rough cut to get their feedback. The Huycks' opinion of the movie was rather dubious.

Their last name is pronounced "Hike." Also, the character, Vanden Willard, was named after Willard Huyck.