Exploring the Impact: Would Coruscant Have Been a More Symbolic Target in The Force Awakens?

Introduction

The choice of Hosnian Prime as the planet destroyed by the Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens serves several narrative purposes. But what if Coruscant had been the target instead? Would this decision have added a different layer of emotional weight and thematic depth to the story of rebellion versus the rise of the First Order?

Existing Narrative Context

As Hosnian Prime rests at the heart of the New Republic, its destruction in The Force Awakens sets up a compelling political landscape after the fall of the Empire. Hosnian Prime carries a sense of optimism and new beginnings, greatly contrasting with the previous regime. By being destroyed, it symbolizes the fragility of democracy and the ongoing threats that such a new order must face.

The selection of Hosnian Prime also serves to heighten the stakes of the conflict. The event highlights the capabilities of the First Order and forces the new government to confront the very real dangers they face. This moment becomes a pivotal point, convincing key figures like Leia Organa of the gravity of the situation and aligning them with the urgent need to combat the growing threat.

Alternative Option: Coruscant

Choosing Coruscant as the target instead would have far-reaching symbolic and emotional implications:

Symbolic Weight

Coruscant, the former capital of the galaxy and symbol of the Republic, would deliver a more profound impact on the entire galaxy. By destroying the heart of the old empire, the story could emphasize the end of an era and the inevitable cycle of conflict in the galaxy. This choice would have given a more epic and historically significant feel to the narrative, resonating with the themes of loss and rebirth that run through the Star Wars saga.

Utilizing Immediate Familiarity

For fans deeply familiar with Coruscant from the prequels and original trilogies, its destruction would evoke a sense of strong emotional response. Evoking memories and nostalgia for a bygone age, the loss of Coruscant would resonate on a personal level, enhancing the human element of the story. Fans who felt the impact of previous acts of destruction (like Alderaan's fall) would likely feel an even starker sense of loss, amplifying the emotional stakes of the conflict.

Narrative Continuity

Furthermore, choosing Coruscant as the target would tie into the overarching themes and narrative arcs of the Star Wars saga, providing a deeper sense of continuity. Revisiting the site of the prequel battles and the original trilogy's climax would not only honor the existing story but also offer a way to explore the cyclical nature of galactic conflict. This thematic continuity could enrich the plot, making the story feel more interconnected and meaningful.

Conclusion

While Hosnian Prime's destruction sets the stage for the new conflict and underlines the importance of the First Order, choosing Coruscant as the target could have added a significant emotional weight and thematic depth to the narrative. Each choice brings unique implications for the story, character development, and emotional impact. In the end, the filmmakers likely chose Hosnian Prime to create a more concrete, immediate, and immediate political and emotional impact, setting the stage for the audience to fully engage with the new conflict.

Note: While considering these points, it's worth noting that changing this decision might have upset long-time fans of the series. As seen in the humorous reference to "D thanks Ronaldo" (from Seinfeld) suggesting that the change would have made The Force Awakens "wah shit" for the fans. Overall, such changes could fulfill different storytelling needs and resonate differently with audiences.