Why Do People Dislike the Star Wars Sequels Starring Daisy Ridley?

While the Star Wars saga is beloved by many, the sequels, especially those featuring Daisy Ridley as Rey, have faced mixed reactions from fans. This article explores the reasons behind these disagreements, focusing on issues related to character development, story choices, and tonal consistency.

Character Development

One of the main points of contention is the character development of Rey and other new characters. Critics argue that Rey's rapid progression in powers, particularly in The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, feels rushed or inconsistent. Some fans felt that the portrayal of Rey's growth did not do justice to the character she had been built up to be.

Story Choices

The sequels introduced several new elements and concepts, such as Rey's lineage and the nature of the Force. While some fans appreciated the expansion of the lore, others were disappointed with how these elements were integrated into the larger narrative. For example, the reveal of Rey as Palpatine's granddaughter in The Rise of Skywalker was met with mixed reactions, with some fans seeing it as an intriguing plot twist and others finding it unsatisfying due to the reveal's lack of depth.

Tone and Themes

The tone of the sequels, particularly in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, was a significant point of discussion. Some fans felt that the darker and more philosophical nature of The Last Jedi was a step away from the lighter and more action-focused nature of the prequels and original trilogy. The heavy-handed additions of themes like mental illness and depression left some fans feeling alienated from the core values of the franchise.

Nostalgia vs. Innovation

Many fans had strong emotional attachments to the original characters and storylines, leading to a desire for nostalgia. The sequels' attempts to balance new stories with legacy characters sometimes left audiences dissatisfied. Critics argued that the sequels did not honor the original trilogy adequately, feeling that they strayed too far from the classics. This sentiment was particularly noticeable in The Rise of Skywalker, where some fans felt that it was an unnecessary addition to the saga.

Directorial Changes

The change in directors and overall vision between films also contributed to inconsistencies in tone and storytelling. Rian Johnson's approach in The Last Jedi stood in stark contrast to the more traditional storytelling methods of previous directors like J.J. Abrams. This led to debates about which directorial style was more in line with the spirit of the franchise.

Expanded Universe Reactions

The exploration of new Force powers and concepts in the sequels was met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated the expansion of the Star Wars universe, while others felt that these elements strayed too far from established lore. This led to debates about what constitutes "canon" in the Star Wars universe, with some fans finding certain elements to be too controversial.

Conclusion

While the sequels did attempt to expand the Star Wars universe and introduce new ideas, the execution of these changes led to significant division among the fanbase. Critics argue that the issues with character arcs, storylines, and tonal consistency contributed to the negative responses. It's clear that while the sequels have their merits, they also faced substantial criticism, leading to a mixed reception from fans.