Positive Aspects of Disney’s Star Wars Films and Lucasfilm’s Productions

Over the past decade, Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm has led to a rich tapestry of Star Wars content. While some may view this as overwhelming, the positive aspects of these productions showcase a new era of storytelling that is innovative, accessible, and family-friendly. This article explores three key benefits of Disney's approach to Star Wars.

Willingness to Expand the Star Wars Universe

One of the most significant positive aspects of Disney’s Star Wars productions is the company’s willingness to use the license. Before Disney took over, George Lucas was more focused on maintaining control over the franchise for decades. Lucas kept Star Wars in a limited state, producing only six big-budget films and leaving many other projects low-budget and often disregarded (MOREE).

Disappointingly, I have no personal interest in shows like Rebels, which although it added some elements to the story, left me feeling like I was missing out on key details (LEARNN). However, places like Rebels, while not to everyone's taste, serve a purpose. These shows provide an outlet for fans who enjoy them and cater to a broader audience, making Star Wars more accessible to everyone, not just a niche group (CHECK).

By producing five big-budget films, six big-budget TV shows, and a handful of cartoons in just a decade, Disney has clearly demonstrated its commitment to maximizing the potential of the Star Wars franchise (CHECK).

Introduction of New Content to the Star Wars Mythos

Disney takes great care not to bore its audience with repetitive or unadventurous ideas. This is evident in their efforts to introduce new content into the Star Wars mythos. For example, shows like Andor and Visions: Acolyte offer fresh and innovative storytelling that have not been seen before (MOREE).

Even when dealing with content that could be considered derivative, such as Skeleton Crew, which was clearly Disney’s attempt to capitalize on the Stranger Things phenomenon, the outcome still presents a marked distinction from previous Star Wars releases. While some viewers might find characters like Baby Rey in Obi-Wan Kenobi too similar to Boba Fett, the series offers something unique in its setting and storylines. This is a stark contrast to Lucasfilm, which struggled creatively after the prequels and resorted to repeated remasters and re-releases (CHECK).

Family-Friendly and Inclusive Storytelling

Disney has made a conscious effort to present Star Wars as family entertainment, which is not only for niche audiences but also for everyone. This shift has been beneficial in breaking down barriers and making Star Wars more accessible to a broader audience, including children and family members who might not have been interested before (LEARNN).

Star Wars has long been a domain controlled by a specific group of fans, and there has been a reluctance to introduce new content and new characters. However, with Disney’s take, the franchise has been revived, and it has opened new doors. For example, more little girls are now interested in being Rey, and more minority children want to be characters like Finn (CHECK).

This inclusive approach to storytelling not only broadens the demographic of Star Wars fans but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. It supports the idea that Star Wars can continue to thrive and evolve, catering to both old and new fans (MOREE).

In conclusion, Disney’s Star Wars productions have brought a new era of comprehensive and diverse storytelling, with a focus on expanding the franchise in innovative ways. From willing to use the license to introducing new content and making Star Wars more accessible to a broader audience, these efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the success and enduring popularity of the franchise (CHECK).