Is Disney Responsible for Ruining Star Wars?
As a dedicated fan of the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI), one might wonder whether Disney has truly ruined the franchise. While Disney's efforts to expand the Star Wars universe have been commendable, the franchise has faced significant changes and criticisms since the acquisition. This article explores these changes and whether they were a departure from the original vision created by George Lucas.
Do Disney's Shows Damage the Franchise?
While I give credit to Disney for delving into the larger Star Wars universe and exploring new storylines, not all of these shows have resonated with fans. In particular, the prequel trilogy and subsequent edits have been widely criticized for altering the core storytelling elements and beloved special effects.
The Prequel Controversies
George Lucas had already introduced significant changes with the prequel trilogy, which involved the 'special edition' releases. These editions not only replaced classic special effects but also indirectly affected the original trilogy:
Introducing Jar Jar Binks, a character that many fans found disruptive to the narrative flow. Replacing classic special effects with CGI that did not mesh well with the original film's visual style. Clashes between original and new effects. The legal difficulty in obtaining the original releases, with no legal way to purchase the first edition prints on DVD or Blu-ray.The Jar Jar Controversy
A significant transformation involving Jar Jar Binks occurred in the special edition of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. In the original film, Han Solo was not supposed to shoot first. However, the special edition cut changed the initial battle scene, making Greedo shoot first and requiring Han to dodge the blast unnaturally. This alteration was seen as a disruption of the original story.
Plot Changes and Character Development
One of the most notable changes was George Lucas' decision in The Empire Strikes Back to introduce the revelation that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father. This shift fundamentally changed the franchise:
From a narrative perspective, it transformed Star Wars from a stand-alone story to a saga focused on the Skywalker family. The original intention for Star Wars was to establish a playground for numerous writers to create new films with new characters and stories. This vision was largely lost with the prequels. The transition of the Force from an energy field to a religion in the fictional universe has also been a source of critique. The involvement of Irvin Kershner and Gary Kurtz in the prequel trilogy further altered the direction of the story.The Skywalker Saga and Force Evolution
George Lucas' decision to burden the story with the Skywalker family concept is often seen as a blunder. The force’s evolution from an energy field to a religious concept added complexity and controversy to the franchise. The introduction of new plot elements, such as the lesbian witches of Brendok, came as a result of these changes.
Conclusion
While some might argue that Disney has ruined the franchise, the roots of many of the problems can be traced back to George Lucas himself. The prequel trilogy and the special editions introduced numerous changes that impacted the story's integrity and special effects. However, critics of these changes are not entirely without blame, as some elements were shaped by figures like Irvin Kershner and Gary Kurtz.
whether Disney is solely responsible for ruining Star Wars is a subjective question. While their efforts have expanded the universe, original trilogy fans see significant changes that they believe detract from the franchise's core essence and storytelling.