Star Wars is one of the most beloved and influential franchises in the history of fandoms. It has inspired generations of fans, filmmakers, and storytellers with its epic saga of heroes, villains, and galactic adventures. However, after more than four decades of expanding the Star Wars universe, it may be time to start fresh and reboot the franchise.
The Original Star Wars Trilogy is Outdated
The original Star Wars trilogy, consisting of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi (all three can be streamed on Disney+), is widely regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction and fantasy. However, these films were made in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and they reflect the limitations and conventions of their time. The special effects, the dialogue, the acting, and the storytelling are all dated by today’s standards. Moreover, the original trilogy has been altered several times by George Lucas and Disney, adding new scenes, characters, and changes that have been controversial among fans.
Princess Leia feeds the secret plans for the Death Star—a planet-killing space station—into R2-D2’s memory banks. Image Courtesy of StarWars.com
The original trilogy also does not account for the vast amount of content that has been created before and after it in the Star Wars timeline. The prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy, the spin-off films, the animated shows, the comics, the novels, and the games have all added new layers of complexity and richness to the Star Wars lore. However, they have also created inconsistencies, contradictions, and gaps in the original story. For example, how did Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader? Why did Obi-Wan Kenobi age so much in 19 years? How did Palpatine survive his fall in Return of the Jedi? How did Rey become so powerful in the Force?
A reboot of the original trilogy would allow for a fresh and modern retelling of the classic story that incorporates all the new elements and developments that have been introduced in the Star Wars canon. It would also give an opportunity to fix some of the flaws and mistakes that have plagued the original films. A reboot would not erase or replace the original trilogy, but rather create a new version that respects and honors its legacy while updating it for a new generation of fans.
The Skywalker Saga is Over
Another reason why Star Wars needs a reboot is that the Skywalker saga is over. The sequel trilogy, consisting of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker (all also available on Disney+), concluded the story of the Skywalker family that began with Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace. The sequel trilogy was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some praising its diversity, creativity, and nostalgia, and others criticizing its lack of coherence, originality, and logic. Regardless of one’s opinion on the sequel trilogy, it is clear that it marked the end of an era for Star Wars.
Later, the Skywalker saga ends where it started: on the sands of Tatooine. Rey buries the lightsabers of her masters at the dilapidated Lars Homestead before igniting her own yellow-bladed weapon. The force ghosts of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa smile at Rey Skywalker—Jedi, pilot of the Millennium Falcon, and future of the galaxy. Image Courtesy of Starwars.com
The Skywalker saga has been the core of Star Wars for more than 40 years. It has defined the themes, characters, and conflicts that have shaped the franchise. However, it has also limited the scope and potential of Star Wars. By focusing on the same family and their struggle against the dark side of the Force, Star Wars has become predictable and repetitive. There are only so many ways to tell the same story over and over again.
A reboot of Star Wars would allow for a new direction and vision for the franchise. It would free Star Wars from the constraints of the Skywalker saga and open up new possibilities for exploring different aspects of the galaxy far, far away. A reboot could introduce new characters, new planets, new cultures, new factions, new enemies, new allies, new mysteries, and new adventures. A reboot could also explore different genres, tones, styles, and themes within Star Wars. A reboot could make the franchise fresh and exciting again.
Should Star Wars be rebooted?
Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon that has captivated millions of fans around the world. It has been a source of inspiration, entertainment, and joy for many people. However, after more than four decades of expanding and continuing the Star Wars universe, it may be time to start anew and reboot the franchise.
A reboot of Star Wars would not diminish or disrespect the original films or their fans. Rather, it would celebrate and honor them by creating a new version that updates them for a modern audience while staying true to their spirit. A reboot would also allow for a new direction and vision for Star Wars that would explore new horizons and possibilities for the franchise.
Star Wars needs a reboot because it deserves to be reborn. Follow That’s Entertainment for more Star Wars news and articles.
- Why Star Wars Needs a Reboot - October 30, 2023