Star Wars: Between the weight of the past and the need for a new future

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The Star Wars franchise holds a weighty legacy that few can match, dating back to its debut in 1977 by George Lucas. His space opera has captured generation after generation with its unique blend of adventure, fantasy, politics, and heartfelt family drama. However, this same legacy serves as both the franchise’s shining glory and its Achilles heel. Nowadays, the distant galaxy faces a paradox – despite being an enduring cultural icon, new releases often fail to meet the high expectations of fans and critics alike.

The Biggest Mistake: Zero Planning (Yes, Really)

It seems that there’s one point where everyone concurs: the latest Star Wars series has faced significant issues with organization. The sequel trilogy serves as a prime example. Instead of presenting a unified narrative, each movie appeared more like a hurried attempt to address criticisms from the last installment, leading to a disjointed plotline, underutilized characters, and an ending that caused even more division among fans than the meeting between Luke and Vader, which was never easy on family relations.

It turns out that it’s not only films from movies, but even Disney+ spin-offs such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “The Book of Boba Fett” have been met with inflated expectations, only to disappoint due to poor story development and a lack of distinct narrative identity. While “Eve The Acolyte” attempted something fresh by introducing new characters and unexplored eras, it demonstrated that being unique doesn’t matter if the underlying plot isn’t engaging.

It sure seems like Lucasfilm hasn’t quite figured it out yet! The “season 4” of The Mandalorian and Grogu is mysteriously transforming into a movie. Meanwhile, a film featuring Rey is unexpectedly at the top of their list (talk about taking risks). Unfortunately, this project has already cycled through four different writers, faced numerous delays, and seems to be lacking a clear direction. To add to the confusion, there’s suddenly a new Ryan Gosling project in the works that’s moving full speed ahead. All in all, it looks like poor planning remains the biggest challenge in this galaxy, and even the most epic lightsaber duel won’t resolve that issue.

What’s missing isn’t budget or CGI fireworks it’s coherence, boldness, and consistency

The Andor Exception: Story First, Fan Service Later

In the midst of all the confusion, Andor stepped into the spotlight as an unanticipated champion. No Jedi, no lightsabers, and not even a brief appearance from Darth Vader – instead, it delivered intricate characters, intense political drama, and mature storytelling. The risk was worth it. Not only did its second season receive rave reviews, but it managed to surpass the viewership of The Last Of Us Season 2, an incredible accomplishment given that HBO typically outperforms Disney+ in terms of top-tier TV production.

a franchise thrives not solely on continuous nostalgia or utilizing Skywalker appearances excessively. Instead, what truly captivates audiences is compelling storytelling. People are not merely searching for Easter Eggs; they crave narratives that value their intellect and offer something novel within the galaxy.

The Accessibility Problem

Another point often raised by critics is the complex network of interwoven content in the Star Wars universe, which can be a treasure trove for dedicated fans but may feel like assigned reading or academic study for newcomers and occasional viewers. It should not require a background in “Star Wars Knowledge Studies” to follow along.

The cumulative reliance on previous material in new projects can dilute even strong content, making it seem like a repetitive version of what’s come before. For instance, Andor was presented as an exception to the norm within the franchise, when ideally, it should have set the standard.

The continuous use of past material in new projects can make even strong content appear redundant or predictable. For example, Andor was marketed as a unique addition to the franchise, but it could have served as the foundation for what follows.

The Path Forward: Bold Stories, Not Just Nostalgia

The success of Star Wars in the future relies on acknowledging and rectifying past errors. Rather than continually revisiting the past for familiarity’s sake, a strategic approach with bold creativity is required. Essentially, it boils down to fundamental elements: strong narratives and engaging characters. By focusing on these essential aspects, victory can be achieved.

Kathleen Kennedy suggested that the studio is aiming to work with directors who want to tell unique stories, not necessarily fitting the conventional Star Wars mold initially. This is why shows like Andor succeeded. Its political thriller essence could have prospered independently from the galaxy, but within the Star Wars universe, it gained even more depth.

The intriguing aspect is that this galaxy offers ample room for different genres of films. Imagine a chilling horror tale unfolding in the gloom of the Sith, or perhaps a rugged space Western, or even a heart-pounding podracing flick! Let’s face it, it’s time to give the Skywalkers a well-deserved rest. Allow some distance, let the audience pine for them, and then reintroduce them when there’s a compelling narrative at stake.

Fans and the market are making a strong statement: Instead of rehashing old memories, Star Wars should focus on creating engaging, well-developed narratives that broaden the universe rather than limiting it.

If Lucasfilm manages to achieve it correctly, there’s a chance the Force could be on their side once more.

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2025-09-02 22:23