Why Does Disney Keep Rediscovering George Lucas Work? The Economics and Archetypes Behind Star Wars

Why Does Disney Keep Rediscovering George Lucas' Work? The Economics and Archetypes Behind Star Wars

Disney has long been known for its reliance on familiar archetypes and tried-and-true narratives. This is especially evident in the ever-evolving Star Wars franchise, where the core concept of Good vs. Evil remains a central plot device throughout the films. While Disney continues to repeat the original work of George Lucas, there is a broader question of whether they prioritize innovation or simply aim to capitalize on profitable storytelling.

From Profit to Narrative

Disney's primary focus seems to be on profit rather than exploring the complex universe of Star Wars. The studio markets their movies to children, whose parents often finance the tickets, making the economic incentives clear. This business model creates financial security but may sacrifice the exploration of deeper themes and character development within the Star Wars universe.

Is there ever a moment when Disney's films are original? In many cases, the movies are simply reimaginings or derivatives of existing stories. This trend has raised questions about whether the creative team at Disney is truly committed to innovation or whether a continuation of the familiar will always sell.

The Last Jedi and the Shift Backward

In The Last Jedi, it was clear that Disney was exploring new narrative territories. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film introduced a new era where the traditional conflict between Jedi and Sith was seemingly deconstructed. The movie suggested a galaxy of Force-sensitive beings without the imposed dichotomy of Good vs. Evil, signaling a potential departure from the established archetypes. This shift was further emphasized by Rian Johnson's upcoming trilogy, which promises to explore alternative storylines and characters that do not center on the Force or Skywalker lineage.

Other Attempts to Veer from the Traditional

Lucasfilm has made several attempts to introduce new narratives that do not rely solely on the Jedi vs. Sith conflict. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a prime example. Rogue One features a largely new ensemble of characters, both heroes and villains, with no direct connection to the Jedi or Sith. Director Krennich created an original storyline without focusing on the established conflict, instead centering on a different kind of struggle. Even with background characters like Vader and Leia, the primary plot did not revolve around the orthodox Jedi vs. Sith narrative, aligning more with the idea of a galaxy filled with various Force-sensitive beings.

The Solo: A Star Wars Story anthology further indicates a move away from the Jedi/Sith conflict. Joonas Suotamo's role as Chirrut Imwe, a blind warrior who seems Force-sensitive, suggests the continuation of a narrative that does not strictly adhere to the old archetypal divisions. This trend hints at a broader effort to diversify the Star Wars universe, although no definitive answers have been provided for the rest of the anthologies.

Conclusion

The question of why Disney keeps rediscovering George Lucas' work is multifaceted. While the studio clearly prioritizes economic gain over narrative innovation, there are signs of a potential shift in storytelling. The upcoming Rian Johnson trilogy and projects like Rogue One indicate a willingness to explore new narratives, suggesting that Disney might be moving toward a more complex and multifaceted Star Wars universe. Regardless, the question remains: how far will Disney go in its pursuit of originality?