Reimagining Star Wars: What if Episodes 1, 2, and 3 Came Out Before 4, 5, and 6?

The current episode order of the Star Wars saga has become a topic of much debate among fans. Some argue that a complete reboot or a reimagining of the original trilogy could have paved the way for a more successful franchise. In this article, we explore what the Star Wars universe might look like if Episodes 1, 2, and 3 had come out before 4, 5, and 6.

Assuming the Ignore of Poor Narrative

Imagine if George Lucas had decided to release Episodes 1, 2, and 3 first, rather than starting with Episode 4. This could have significantly altered the fate of the Star Wars franchise. In 1977, when the original trilogy was released, social media and ranking systems like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb did not exist, so word of mouth played a huge role in the success of films. Reviews from that time would have likely centered around the visual effects rather than the narrative, leading to mixed reactions.

Impact on Box Office: If Episodes 1, 2, and 3 had been released first, they might have suffered a similar fate to that of ignorance or disappointment. The name 'Star Wars' was indeed a major draw in 1977, but the poor narrative and storytelling could have led to a devastated fan base and a much lower box office performance.

Implications for Future Episodes

The release of Episode 4, initially marketed as the highly anticipated continuation of the original Star Wars saga, would have a different impact. Fans would have been more aware of the previous episodes and keen to discover how the storylines aligned. This could have led to a scenario where Episode 4 and the subsequent episodes were received more critically and positively due to better continuity and narrative coherence.

Reactions to Episode V: With a few years of understanding and anticipation, the legendary reveal in Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back, would not be as impactful. The narrative inconsistencies and contradictions in Obi-Wan Kenobi's revelations would likely be pointed out more forcefully. This could have led to questions about the consistency of the story, potentially diminishing the suspense and emotional impact of the film.

Chronological Release and Fan Engagement

One of the key reasons for the episodic release order was Lucas's admiration for the storytelling techniques of old science fiction serials like Flash Gordon and the Superman radio dramas. By releasing Episodes 4, 5, and 6 in chronological order, Lucas aimed to engage viewers immediately at the beginning of the saga, creating a sense of drawn-in interest from the start.

Furthermore, Lucas's visionary approach to filmmaking often outpaced the technological capabilities of the time. Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) and other award-winning filmmaking techniques played a crucial role in realizing his ambitious vision, but the chronological release of the new trilogy could have helped in maintaining a more coherent and engaging storyline for the audience.

Conclusion: The release order of Star Wars episodes has had a significant impact on the franchise's success and reception. A reimagined order, starting with the original trilogy, could have led to a different path for the franchise, with both positive and negative consequences. However, the current order, driven by the success of the initial episodes and the technological advancements, has set a standard that future installments have built upon.

What do you think? Would a different episode order have changed the Star Wars universe for the better?