George Lucas guests on Fox”s ”The O.C”

The force is with “The O.C.”

George Lucas will guest-star as himself on the May 12 episode of the Fox network’s youth-oriented nighttime soap.

The “Star Wars” creator will express interest in the graphic novel of the main character, Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), an avid “Star Wars” fan. The development also forces Seth to make a “difficult decision” in his relationship with Summer (Rachel Bilson), the network says.

It will be Lucas’ second prime-time television appearance in a scripted TV series. He had a cameo on an episode of NBC’s “Just Shoot Me” in 2003.

Earlier this season, the trailer for “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” premiered during “The O.C.” The film is being distributed by 20th Century Fox, corporate cousin to the Fox network.

The final installment of the “Star Wars” saga opens in theaters on May 19.