I’ve never understood the argument I keep hearing from Disney Star Wars apologists when they argue Star Wars being a work of fiction as an excuse for its recent mediocrity under Disney. As if all the lore, legacy, and world-building in the Star Wars universe in the films, novels, comics, TV shows, etc, over the last 40+ years doesn’t mean anything and isn’t important – and when some fans get upset that a Star Wars film isn’t faithful to that legacy in its content and tone, then they’re accused of being unreasonable, toxic, fanboy-nerds who can’t be pleased.
This has been going on in Star Wars fandom since The Last Jedi released, but we also saw it when the Ghostbusters remake released and got a similar reaction to The Last Jedi.
Fiction is important. Stories are important. They have massive influence on our culture, the way we see the world, and relate to it. Stories have the power to show us things about the world we live in, the world as it used to be, the world as it could be, and they have the power to show us things about ourselves. The characters and the worlds they live in can be incredibly compelling, even life-changing. A story being fictitious isn’t an excuse for mediocrity.
However, that’s mostly what we’ve gotten from Disney Star Wars up to this point, and calling it mediocre is being kind. Many Star Wars fans aren’t going to be receptive to it, no matter how much condescending finger-wagging and brow-beating comes from those who insist ‘it’s just a movie’, and to just accept it.
The original Star Wars films were much more than ‘just movies’. They were cultural phenomenons, changed how films were made, and were a major part of the childhoods of so many ‘80s kids. If all you want out of Star Wars is spaceships and laser-swords, that’s fine, but don’t hold it against the fans that expect more.
This isn’t applicable just to Star Wars, but to any beloved fictional series or universe. Details matter. Legacy and lore matter. While fans shouldn’t be abusive (as I know some are), they should voice their displeasure when a beloved series is in danger of losing itself and its sense of identity to the point where it’s unrecognizable.
I want The Rise of Skywalker to be amazing, I really do, but I’m keeping my expectations low, if not non-existent. I learned that lesson the hard way seeing The Force Awakens the first time. If it wasn’t for The Mandalorian, the future of Star Wars would be bleak indeed. Hopefully, that series continues to give Star Wars fans new hope going forward for a universe with so much potential.
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