In an interview with "Variety", director Luigi Cozzi described "Starcrash" as "science fantasy" as opposed to science fiction. Cozzi also stated that although people assume "Starcrash" was an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of "Star Wars", the design of the picture and its script were developed prior to the release of "Star Wars". The film's producer and screenwriter, Nat Wachsberger, and his son, producer Patrick Wachsberger, who had just developed the American production company Film Enterprises Productions, signed on to the film in May 1977 during the Cannes Film Festival after viewing sample work created by Cozzi for investors.