Are they really rebooting "The Last Jedi"?

The idea of rebooting The Last Jedi is a common topic of discussion among fans of the Star Wars franchise. However, these discussions are often born out of disappointment and a desire for a different narrative direction. In reality, there are strong financial and creative reasons why such an idea is unlikely to come to fruition.

The Financial Success of "The Last Jedi"

First and foremost, the simple reason why the idea of rebooting The Last Jedi is unfounded is the film's financial success. Released in December 2017, The Last Jedi was a huge financial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. This financial success speaks volumes about the public's interest in the Star Wars franchise and the characters it introduced.

The Characters and Depth

In addition to its financial success, The Last Jedi received critical acclaim for its narrative depth and character development. Unlike some of the earlier films in the saga, The Last Jedi delved into the personal histories and emotional complexities of the new characters introduced in The Force Awakens. It aimed to give these characters the depth and nuance that fans had been seeking.

While there were critiques of the film, such as the plot twists and character decisions, there is no denying that The Last Jedi was a significant step forward in terms of storytelling and originality compared to its predecessor, The Force Awakens (TFA). The film provided an intended fresh perspective that many fans found captivating and refreshing.

Disney’s Stance on Fan Feedback

Another point worth noting is that Disney is not giving in to the demands of entitled fanboys. Just like George Lucas did not cave to fan pressure when making his original Star Wars films, Disney understands the importance of balancing fan expectations with the creative vision of its filmmakers. Disney is known for maintaining a high bar in terms of quality control, and they are unlikely to tamper with a successful and critically acclaimed film like The Last Jedi.

Disney's approach is one of pragmatism, recognizing that catering to every fan would not only be impossible but also detrimental to the overall success of the franchise. Far from caving to a crying squad, Disney is holding firm to its vision for the franchise.

Resetting the Franchise Forward

When people talk about “resetting” the franchise, they are usually referring to future plans. After the release of The Last Jedi, the success (or otherwise) of Star Wars: Episode IX will be critical in determining the direction of the franchise. If Episode IX performs well, it is highly unlikely that there will be any major changes to the narrative or characters.

However, if Episode IX doesn’t resonate with audiences, Disney may consider re-evaluating the approach for future installments. But such a decision would be made based on overall franchise performance and audience satisfaction, not simply fan feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea of rebooting The Last Jedi is more of a fan-Generated narrative than a viable business strategy. The financial success, narrative depth, and critical acclaim of the film make it a valuable asset to the Star Wars franchise. Additionally, Disney's commitment to maintaining the creative vision and balancing fan expectations makes a reboot an unlikely and, in many respects, an impractical venture.

The Star Wars franchise is a complex and beloved part of pop culture, and any changes to its direction must be carefully considered. While the future of the franchise remains exciting, the continuity and cohesion established thus far make a reboot of The Last Jedi an idea that is unlikely to take off.