Dissecting the Sequel Trilogies: Why People Think the Third Trilogy 'Retroactively Destroyed' Star Wars
The Star Wars franchise has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years. From the Original Trilogy to the Prequel Trilogy, and now the Sequel Trilogy. Many have argued that the latter 'retroactively destroyed' the franchise, but what led to such a perception? This article dissects the reasons behind it, focusing on the Sequel Trilogy, directed primarily by JJ Abrams and Rian Johnson.
From Loose Realizations to Directional Shifts
It’s important to understand the evolution of the Star Wars universe. The Original Trilogy and the Prequel Trilogy were loosely realized concepts before filming began. George Lucas had a broad framework in mind but the details were clarified and fleshed out during the production process.
However, the Sequel Trilogy adopted a different approach. JJ Abrams, with his background in creating complex narratives and serialized stories, Lost, brought a meticulous attention to detail and narrative structure. He did the same for the Star Trek Reboot, setting up a series of loose ends that could be explored across multiple films and a possible series. His planning for Star Wars: Episode VII was designed to provide a solid foundation for the next directors to build upon.
Missteps and Expectations
The central issue with the Sequel Trilogy lies in the failure to establish a coherent narrative direction. JJ Abrams had a clear plan, one that would have led naturally to the next phase. However, it all went downhill when Rian Johnson was hired to direct Episode VIII. The problem stemmed from the fact that no one had a solid plot established for the Sequel Trilogy. There was no consensus on what was to come.
Rian Johnson’s choice to subvert the audience’s expectations, in a multi-faceted manner, resulted in a series of plot points that contradicted what JJ Abrams had previously established. The result was a film that left many fans feeling unsatisfied and directionless. The final moments of Episode VIII featuring the remaining rebels fitting aboard the Falcon left a cliffhanger that was too open-ended to serve as a stepping stone for future films.
The Tragedy of the Extended Universe
Apart from the narrative confusion, another significant factor was the cancellation of the Star Wars Extended Universe. This universe, meticulously crafted and maintained by Lucas Arts over 15 years, contained a wealth of material that could have provided a rich foundation for storytelling. The content included books, video games, comic books, and graphic novels, all adhering to the same rules and lore.
The Extended Universe was not just a collection of stories but a cohesive ecosystem of characters, plotlines, and lore. If Disney had embraced and continued this, the Sequel Trilogy could have benefited from the pre-existing narratives. However, instead, Disney decided to 'shit-canel' this universe, a decision that only exacerbated the problems with the Sequel Trilogy.
Closed Opportunities
Imagine if Disney had used the vast library of existing content in the Extended Universe to build upon. They would have had a wealth of storylines, arcs, and character developments that could have been used in a multitude of ways. From the Iskalon Effect to the Star Hoppers of Aduba-3, and the adventures of characters like Crimson Jack and Joli. All these elements would have added depth and richness to the franchise.
Conclusion
The Sequel Trilogy of Star Wars has divided audiences and critics alike. While JJ Abrams laid a solid foundation and Rian Johnson brought innovative storytelling, the lack of a cohesive narrative direction and the squandering of the Extended Universe played a crucial role in the perception that they 'retroactively destroyed' the Star Wars franchise.
The Star Wars saga is far from over, and what happens next will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise. But until then, the debate over the role of the Sequel Trilogy continues to captivate fans and creators alike.