Is the Star Wars Franchise Reborn or Dead in the Water?

For some, the Star Wars franchise feels like a ship long since capsized. Yet, amidst its turbulent journey, it’s still steering ahead, albeit with occasional missteps. But is this beloved saga merely surviving, or has it truly risen to new heights?

Mishaps and Maladies

The Star Wars franchise isn't new to controversy. Even the creator himself, George Lucas, presented a series of content diarrhea in the form of Special Editions and The Phantom Menace, leading to a collective sigh from fans. My sister was done with the franchise with Attack of the Clones, and another friend expressed genuine frustration with the fight choreography in Revenge of the Sith. Over the decades, fan sentiment has been divided, with some firmly on the fence and others completely disengaged.

But is it truly dead? Everywhere, there are enthusiasts who claim their favorite Star Wars movie is The Last Jedi, and there are those who defend Rogue One and even Solo: A Star Wars Story. In my own personal experience, I haven’t enjoyed a movie from the series since Rogue One. And while I loved the first season of Andor, the sentiment isn’t consistent across the board. It’s clear that the franchise is alive; it just needs some recalibration.

Resurgence and Persistence

Despite some bumps, the Star Wars franchise continues to thrive. With shows like The Mandalorian leading the charge, and others such as Andor and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story following suit, the series continues to captivate audiences. The Mandalorian, in particular, has been a revelation, reintroducing us to fan-favorite characters in a fresh and engaging format.

But the franchise has faced significant hurdles. The prequel series made radical changes to the Star Wars universe, and Lucas's decision to declare Legends non-canon sparked controversy. While the New Jedi Order books remain a polarizing read, other entries in the series struggle to gain traction. These changes, while attempting to refresh the franchise, might have inadvertently alienated long-time fans.

Faulty Directors and Missteps

George Lucas’s directorial skills have often been questioned, and the Legacy Trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) were notably different from the beloved original trilogy. J.J. Abrams, Michael Bay, and Stephen Moffat each brought their own interpretations to Star Wars, but their work was met with mixed reviews. Abrams was warned not to touch the series, a warning that some felt was unwarranted. Nevertheless, the sequel trilogy, while sometimes criticized for rebooting fan favorite characters and changing established lore, continues to draw a passionate fan base.

Rian Johnson, known for his work in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, aimed to modernize the franchise but met with criticism. These directors, while contributing to the series, often faced public scrutiny and backlash. Their approach to directing and storytelling in the Star Wars universe proved divisive, with some fans rejecting their vision entirely.

Looking Forward

Despite these challenges, the Star Wars franchise shows no signs of slowing down. It has survived and even thrived through these mishaps, standing as a testament to its enduring appeal. The Mandalorian has been a breath of fresh air, and other shows like Andor have also received positive reception. As the franchise continues to explore new terrains and characters, it seems poised to endure for decades to come.

While there will likely be further iterations and future challenges, the Star Wars franchise remains a vital part of popular culture. Whether you love it or loathe it, there’s no denying its impact on the film and television industry. It may not be in perfect shape, but it's far from dead, and that’s a good thing.