Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
One thing that made the original Star Warstrilogy such a cultural phenomenon was beyond all its groundbreaking visuals, the story had heart. Similar was the case for the prequels and irrespective of one’s stance on them, most can agree that its characters and story felt deeply personal as it was driven by Lucas’ passion for the acclaimed franchise.
But under Disney, things have been less than thrilling, and even though fans have been urging for the return of the good old days, it seems unlikely, at least under Disney’s current formula.
Disney’s Attempt to Cater to Everyone Has Backfired forStar Wars
In the age of social media, where everything is overanalyzed, whether it be glaring plotholes or minor editing mishaps, one can’t win over everyone, especially when it’s theStar Warsfandom. Taking to X, one fan pointed out one editing flaw fromReturn of the Jedi, stressing that it’d have come under heavy scrutiny if it was released today, and it’s hard to argue against it.
If Return of the Jedi was released today, people would use this two second goof as a way to whine about how the franchise is “ruined beyond repair”https://t.co/fW2krLOSBK
Following this divisive nature of the huge fanbase, unlikeGeorge Lucas, who had no problem telling stories that he wanted to, things seem opposite under the Disney regime. From Pete Docter’s recentstatementsabout Pixar, it’s evident that the studio execs prefer a storythat appeals to everyone. Considering telling deeply personal stories, which often contribute to great characters, also risks alienating a part of the fanbase, it makes sense why Disney higher-ups seem to be going in the other direction.
“I used to struggle a lot”: Hayden Christensen’s Rookie Mistake Forced George Lucas to Intervene While Filming the Most Crucial Star Wars Scenes
Unlike Lucasfilm under Lucas, which was open to new ideas, under the Disney structure, in which studio execs control the flow, appeasing the fanbase appears to be the priority. This has led to them prioritizing what might sit well with the entire fandom as opposed to the actual lore, which hasn’t worked well for either.
However, there have been exceptions, likeRogue One, which not only was a departure from the traditionalStar Warsstoryline, it’s considered the bestStar Warsfilm under Disney. On the streaming side of things, similar was the case withAndor, as being rated TV-14, the creators didn’t have to worry about everyone, which allowed them to tell a story they were passionate about.
George Lucas Didn’t Give Into Fans’ Demand When Criticized forStar WarsSpecial Edition
Although the divisive nature of theStar Warsfandom has been in the limelight following the constant mishaps from Disney, it isn’t exclusive to the IP under Disney. Back when Lucas released theStar Warsspecial edition, which incorporated some changes compared to the films that originally hit the screens, fans were pissed. Some even accused the filmmaker of ruining their childhood.
On the internet, all those same guys that are complaining I made a change are completely changing the movie
However, instead of taking the Disney way, Lucas stood beside his decision, stressing (viaThe Guardian), “Fine. But my movie, with my name on it, that says I did it, needs to be the way I want it.”
Following the ginormous size of the fandom, it’s safe to say whatever next comes from the Disney oven, not everyone will be pleased. So it’s high time Disney allowed filmmakers, passionate about the IP, to tell a story they’re passionate about to see more results likeRogue OneandAndor.
“Fans doing Billion times better than Disney”: George Lucas’ Obi-Wan vs Darth Vader Lightsaber Fight Pales in Comparison to This Fan Made Star Wars Video
Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryandAndorare available to stream on Disney Plus.
Santanu Roy
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2539
Santanu Roy is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on movies, with over 2,000 articles under his belt. He has been pursuing a degree in Animation and possesses a deep love for the medium of animation. Having spent the better part of the last two years pumping out articles for FW, Santanu excels at covering movie analysis and news surrounding Pixar, DCU, DreamWorks, and Batman’s cinematic legacy.With psychological thrillers and intimate slice-of-life dramas ranking among his favorite genres, Santanu is a big admirer of Luca Guadagnino, Shane Black, Park Chan-wook, and Brad Bird.
