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Disney cutting back on Star Wars TV could be a long term problem

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Disney cutting back on Star Wars TV could be a long term problem

As a lifelong fan who’s seen more Star Wars movies than I’ve had hot dinners, I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern about the rumored reduction in live-action shows. It’s like when the Red Sox are struggling in the early season and everyone starts muttering about trading Mookie Betts again. We’ve been here before, and we know that this franchise has the knack for surprising us.

There’s a point in every baseball season when I have to talk myself as a Red Sox fan out of feeling like all is lost. We can’t tell this early on if, in the end, the result will make us groan at the end of the season. We’ve seen our team overcome bigger obstacles before. Success could hinge on one or two factors or players. This is the pep talk I am also using to deal with the rumor that Disney and Lucasfilm may be reducing their output of live-action Star Wars shows.

Tried and true model of Star Wars TV

In one perspective, this action could make sense as part of Star Wars’ evolution. Throughout much of my adult life, I’ve been immersed in the publishing industry. A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of stocking the world’s book shelves is understanding the audience. Publishers aim to identify “comps,” or established works that your book can be likened to, to help them grasp both the story and its appeal. This isn’t about finding who’s copying Indiana Jones and blending it with Gossip Girl. Instead, it serves to provide insight into the narrative and its likely appeal. Occasionally, on social media, I come across announcements in the writing community where authors will introduce their plot by saying “Peter Pan meets Percy Jackson” or “Jane Austen meets Tom Clancy.

My hypothesis suggests that if the rumor is accurate, Disney and Lucasfilm are focusing on stories that they believe will be commercially successful – aka “comps.” Given the popularity of Western-style narratives, it’s unlikely that Boba Fett and Din Djarin will retire. The Star Wars saga revolves around the Force, so featuring fan favorites like Ahsoka wielding lightsabers won’t lead us astray. Similarly, fan favorites such as Captain Rex and Grand Admiral Thrawn are difficult to go wrong with.

Let me clarify. I enjoy and appreciate all these shows because the Star Wars universe captivates me with its diverse aspects. I’m excited about delving into Tusken Raider societies and New Republic-era Imperial reeducation endeavors. However, as a visual medium, Star Wars hasn’t expanded in the ways many of us anticipated, and this potential decrease in production might suggest that they are becoming more risk-averse.

Neglecting the larger world of storytelling in Star Wars

Disney cutting back on Star Wars TV could be a long term problem

Neal A. Maxwell, a well-regarded religious orator, once expressed that “Repetition stifles creativity.” I share this sentiment, as the prospect of drastically reduced Star Wars TV shows echoes my concerns. If Star Wars continues to merely rehash its most popular stories, there won’t be enough space for fresh development.

This year, “The Acolyte” has faced backlash from hate campaigns that have influenced public opinion. Despite brief appearances by Master Yoda and Ki-Adi-Mundi, the series dared to explore uncharted territories in its storytelling, which led to the creative team receiving a great deal of criticism.

I recall seeing The Clone Wars in cinemas as I had never pondered what it might be like to witness Anakin Skywalker with an apprentice. On the other hand, Rogue One captivated me because I was familiar with the lore of how the Rebels acquired the Death Star plans; however, I was keen to explore a more detailed portrayal of characters whose destiny seemed grimly fated.

Star Wars, at its core, offers an opportunity for personal growth by introducing us to worlds and characters beyond our own understanding. For instance, we empathize with Rey’s fascination for unfamiliar jungles as she originates from a desert planet. Similarly, I find myself connecting with Kai, Lys, and Nubs in Young Jedi Adventures, who marvel at every new plant and animal they encounter. Each episode of the movie series encourages me to reflect on my role within my own world in a unique light.

Should Disney limit themselves to launching a single new live-action adaptation annually, I sincerely hope they will do justice to the expansive universe we’ve been fortunate to explore. However, for now, I must keep in mind that it’s premature to predict whether our story will end happily or not.

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2024-09-07 23:51

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