Introduction
Why has Star Wars declined so much lately? Since the release of the sequel trilogy, many fans feel Star Wars has lost its way. This article explores why the quality has declined and highlights misunderstandings that have plagued the franchise.
The Misunderstanding of Key Philosophies in Star Wars and Its Impact on the Franchise’s Quality Post-Disney Acquisition
Since its start in 1977, George Lucas’s Star Wars has been a cultural cornerstone. It is revered for groundbreaking special effects, compelling storytelling, and deep philosophical themes. Central to its appeal are themes of family, legacy, redemption, and the battle against temptation. However, since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the franchise’s quality has noticeably declined. This decline is due to a fundamental misunderstanding and misapplication of these key philosophies in most new Star Wars media. Notable exceptions are “The Mandalorian,” “Rogue One,” and “Andor.”
Original Philosophies of Star Wars
At its core, Star Wars is about simple individuals overcoming immense obstacles, intertwined with themes that resonate universally.
Simple Man (or woman) Overcoming Obstacles
Characters like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo show the journey of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Luke starts as a farm boy and grows into a hero. Han, a smuggler, evolves into a key figure in the fight against the Empire. Their journeys are relatable and inspiring, showing that even the most unassuming people can make a significant impact. This makes the characters relatable and makes the story more immersive for the audience.
Family and Legacy
The original and prequel trilogies emphasize the bonds of family and the legacies they leave behind. The Skywalker family, with its complex relationships and history, drives much of the narrative. Luke’s quest to redeem his father, Anakin, underscores the importance of family ties. George Lucas even said once that at its core, Star Wars is a family soap opera.
Redemption
Anakin Skywalker’s fall and eventual redemption is a cornerstone of the original and prequel trilogies. His transformation into Darth Vader and redemption through his son’s faith in him highlights the potential for even the darkest individuals to find their way back to the light.
Temptation
The struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force mirrors the internal battle within each character. Luke’s temptation by the dark side and his ultimate rejection of it to save his father underscores themes of moral choice and the strength needed to overcome temptation.
The prequel trilogies deal with the theme of temptation in a different way. It shows us how Anakin was not able to resist temptation in multiple instances, which eventually led him to the dark side. When you contrast this with Luke’s journey, who constantly resisted temptation and eventually was able to help his father back into the light, it makes for a compelling story.
Disney Era: A Shift in Focus
Since Disney took over, there has been a significant shift in how these philosophies are portrayed and are even disregarded or overlooked. This has led to films and media that often feel disconnected from the original spirit of Star Wars. This shift is evident across most new Star Wars media, with a few exceptions.
Misunderstanding the Simple Person
Many new characters in Disney’s Star Wars, like Rey in the sequel trilogy, are presented as incredibly powerful from the start. They have little explanation or struggle, unlike the journeys of Luke and Han. This rapid acquisition of abilities without significant personal growth undermines the relatability and struggle that made the original characters compelling. This shift away from depicting ordinary individuals overcoming great odds has led to a disconnect with audiences.
Family and Legacy Missteps
The treatment of legacy characters and their descendants has been contentious. Luke Skywalker’s portrayal in “The Last Jedi” as a disillusioned hermit who contemplates killing his nephew starkly contrasts with his hopeful nature in the original trilogy. This alienated long-time fans and muddled the message of hope and redemption that Luke embodied. Furthermore, the sequel trilogy’s handling of Han Solo and Leia’s son, Kylo Ren, lacks the emotional depth and complexity of Anakin’s story.
Redemption and Its Complexity
Kylo Ren’s arc in the sequel trilogy attempts to mirror Anakin’s story but lacks the same depth and nuance. His redemption in “The Rise of Skywalker” feels rushed and unearned, failing to capture the emotional weight of Anakin’s return to the light. This undermines the powerful theme of redemption central to the original saga.
There are multiple missed opportunities in other shows to leverage this narrative aspect of Star Wars, such as in Kenobi, Ahsoka, or The Acolyte.
Temptation and Moral Struggle
The portrayal of the dark side in much of Disney’s Star Wars lacks the nuanced depiction of temptation and moral struggle seen in the original films. The conflict within characters like Kylo Ren and Rey is not explored with the same depth, resulting in a less impactful narrative. The notion that anyone can wield the Force without significant personal struggle dilutes the profound moral and philosophical choices that defined the original characters’ journeys.
Notable Exceptions: Rebels, The Mandalorian, Rogue One, and Andor
While much of Disney’s Star Wars has struggled with these themes, “The Mandalorian,” “Rogue One,” and “Andor” stand out as exceptions that have captured the spirit of the original saga.
Rebels
This series introduces us to Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and their crew, emphasizing themes of hope, teamwork, and the fight against oppression. “Rebels” successfully bridges the gap between the prequel and original trilogies, enriching the lore with connections to both eras. The character arcs, particularly the mentor-student relationship between Kanan and Ezra, resonate with the classic Star Wars themes of growth and redemption.
The Mandalorian
This series returns to the theme of the simple man overcoming obstacles. Din Djarin, the Mandalorian, is a bounty hunter with no inherent Force abilities. Yet, his journey is compelling due to his personal growth, moral choices, and the challenges he faces. The show’s emphasis on found family, especially the bond between Din and Grogu (Baby Yoda), resonates deeply with audiences, harking back to the original trilogy’s themes of family and legacy.
Rogue One
This film stands out for its gritty portrayal of the rebellion against the Empire. The characters, led by Jyn Erso, are ordinary people who undertake an extraordinary mission to steal the Death Star plans. Their sacrifices and struggles emphasize the theme of redemption and the importance of individual contributions to a greater cause. The film respects the legacy of the original trilogy, seamlessly connecting to the events of “A New Hope.”
Andor
“Andor” delves into the backstory of Cassian Andor, a character from “Rogue One.” It explores his transformation from a self-serving individual to a dedicated rebel. The series emphasizes the internal and external struggles he faces, aligning with the theme of the simple man overcoming obstacles. It also explores the complexities of the rebellion and the moral ambiguities involved, enriching the narrative with themes of redemption and temptation.
Consequences of Misunderstanding Key Philosophies
These missteps have caused a noticeable decline in the storytelling and philosophical depth that defined Star Wars. This is evident in several key areas:
Fan Disenchantment
Long-time fans, who grew up with the original trilogy and found meaning in its themes, felt betrayed by the new direction. The backlash against “The Last Jedi” and the mixed reception of “The Rise of Skywalker” reflect this disenchantment.
Inconsistent Storytelling
The sequel trilogy suffered from a lack of a unified vision. Changes in directors and an apparent lack of a cohesive plan led to narrative inconsistencies and plot holes. This detracted from the overall story. This inconsistency extended to the portrayal of the Force, the evolution of characters, and the overarching themes.
Commercial Overemphasis
Disney’s approach to Star Wars has often been seen as prioritizing commercial success over storytelling integrity. The rapid release of films, spin-offs, and merchandise, while financially lucrative, has sometimes come at the cost of thoughtful, well-crafted narratives.
How They Can Still Make Things Right
To restore Star Wars to its former glory, future creators must revisit and honor the core philosophies that made the original trilogy timeless. This means:
Respecting the Journey of the Simple Person
Future stories should ensure that characters, regardless of their origins, are depicted with depth, struggle, and personal growth, reflecting the journey of ordinary individuals overcoming great odds.
Re-establishing Family and Legacy
The significance of family bonds and legacies should be central to the narrative, respecting the established arcs and ensuring that themes of hope, redemption, and legacy remain intact.
Deepening Redemption Arcs
Redemption stories should be given the emotional weight and complexity they deserve, capturing the profound transformation of characters in a way that resonates with audiences.
Nuanced Depiction of Temptation
The struggle between light and dark should be portrayed with the same depth and complexity as in the original trilogy, highlighting the moral choices and internal battles that define the characters.
In conclusion, the decline in the quality of Star Wars post-Disney acquisition can be traced to a fundamental misunderstanding and misapplication of the key philosophies that defined the original trilogy. By realigning with these core principles, future installments of the franchise can hope to recapture the magic that made Star Wars a cultural phenomenon.
FAQs
Why do fans dislike the Disney Star Wars movies?
Fans feel that the Disney movies misinterpret the core themes of Star Wars, focusing too much on spectacle over story and character development.
Is there any good content in the Disney Star Wars era?
Yes, “The Mandalorian,” “Rogue One,” and “Andor” are praised for capturing the spirit of the original trilogy.
How has Disney’s Star Wars affected legacy characters?
Disney’s portrayal of legacy characters like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo has been controversial, often contradicting their established character arcs.
What should future Star Wars creators focus on?
They should honor the original themes of family, legacy, redemption, and the struggle between light and dark.
Are there any notable exceptions in the Disney era?
Yes, “The Mandalorian,” “Rogue One,” and “Andor” are notable exceptions that have resonated well with fans.
What is the biggest criticism of the sequel trilogy?
The biggest criticism is the lack of a cohesive story and character development, leading to inconsistent narratives and character arcs.