Is 'Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker' Quieter Than Other Star Wars Movies?

Discussing the buzz levels around 'Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker', many point towards Solo: A Star Wars Story. However, unless they define 'buzz' differently, The Rise of Skywalker seems to be the movie with the least visibility in the market. The marketing campaign for 'Solo' was widespread and omnipresent, while 'The Rise of Skywalker' has taken a much more subdued approach.

Marketing and Visibility

The release of Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018 was accompanied by extensive marketing efforts, with posters, toys, and various promotional materials being readily available. Conversely, The Rise of Skywalker experienced a low-profile release, with minimal media coverage and marketing activities. Even as day-to-day living continued, the market was largely still reeling from the controversy surrounding The Last Jedi.

Upon the release of The Rise of Skywalker in the Netherlands last Wednesday, I noticed a remarkable lack of awareness and discussion outside the core fan community. This pattern extends globally, as there have been very few, if any, posters or promotional displays advertising the film.

Personal Sensation and Perceptions

From a personal perspective, I enjoyed The Rise of Skywalker, especially considering the plot had to navigate some forced corners introduced by The Last Jedi. The narrative intricately set up an entirely new villain, addressed some of the more nonsensical elements of the previous film, and managed to deliver a satisfactory conclusion to a saga spanning forty years.

My tentative conclusion is that at the moment, Chris Abrams managed to craft a script that achieved the most feasible outcome given the constraints. Despite not having seen it multiple times, my initial viewing suggests success within the bounds of human possibility, though it is certainly a measured victory.

Factors Influencing the Buzz

Several factors have contributed to the relative silence around The Rise of Skywalker: Marketing Strategy: Lucasfilm's choice to rein in extensive media coverage highlights a deliberate strategy to minimize leaks and maintain audience surprise. Fans were caught off guard by the appearance of Emperor Palpatine in the trailer. Wait Time: With a gap of roughly 18 months between the previous installment and The Rise of Skywalker, Disney has adjusted to the rapid release cycle of modern entertainment. This timing improves audience anticipation as the release date approaches. Continuing Controversy: The backlash following The Last Jedi has cooled down, but some fans still harbor strong opinions, leading to less enthusiasm for The Rise of Skywalker. Likewise, broader public interest seems to have waned, reducing chatter in general. Encore Marketing: Expect a significant boost in marketing and buzz in December, likely mirroring the trend seen with Avengers: Endgame, where the finality of the saga and emotional investment paid off due to audience anticipation and marketing efforts.

In summary, The Rise of Skywalker's lack of buzz is a multifaceted result of various strategic choices and market conditions. While it might appear quieter than other movies in the franchise, it is ultimately a matter of perception and a deliberate marketing strategy to craft a cohesive and memorable conclusion to the Skywalker saga.