Reimagining the Star Wars High Republic Era: A Tragic Odyssey

Introduction

Would you start the Star Wars High Republic movie era? No, I wouldn't. Instead, I suggest a series of three phases of TV series, each focusing on a different era of the High Republic (200 BBY - 150 BBY - 100 BBY). These phases would be interspersed with anthology series to keep the audience engaged and intrigued.

Phases of the High Republic

Phase 1: 200 BBY - The Genesis of Laziness

The first phase would delve into the early days of the High Republic. We would see how the Jedi, initially noble and strong, begin to confuse "the will of the Force" with "the will of the Republic Senate."

Specifically, this period would showcase how the Jedi start to follow "orders" from the Senate, rather than the Force, leading to their involvement in conflicts not aligned with the true will of the Force. This phase would naturally build a sense of tragedy and loss, as it is crucial to the Star Wars narrative to have characters and civilizations face harrowing stakes and ultimately suffer.

Phase 2: 150 BBY - The Seeds of Overextension

Phase two would bring us to a character who was a Padawan in the last era and is now the Grand Master. This Grand Master, along with Master Yoda, would have planted the seeds of future endeavors that spread the Jedi too thin across the galaxy. This phase would focus on the need for balance and the perils of overextension.

Phase 3: 100 BBY - The Darkening of the Order

Ultimately, the third phase would bring us to a time where Darth "Twi'lek" connects with Darth Tenebrous to awaken the Dark Side to a flood that threatens the galaxy. This period would culminate in the complete disregard for the oracular visions of Grand Master Yoda, leading to a tragic end for the Jedi Order. This final phase would reinforce the overall theme of Star Wars as a tragic universe where good must inevitably lose.

Disney's Narrative Strategy

With such a structured and thematic plan, Disney needs to define their objectives and structure their offerings accordingly. Here are some possible ways Disney could approach the High Republic era:

Small-scale Stories Localized in Time and Place

One approach could be to tell small-scale stories set during times when the Republic is relatively stable, albeit with localized skirmishes and conflagrations. In these times, the Jedi and other Force-users would be shown as the peacekeepers and cleanup crews.

Other Antagonists as Stand-ins for the Sith

Since the Sith were believed to have been extinct for 1000 years before The Battle of Naboo, the new films cannot focus on direct conflict with the Sith. However, other antagonists can be used as stand-ins or show the Sith beginning to put their plans of a thousand years into action.

Integration of Other Force-User Cults

Other Force-related cults or factions could be integrated into the story, serving as additional threats or challenges for the Jedi and the Galactic Republic.

A Meta-Narrative of Greater Scope

A larger meta-narrative could be woven around the saga, one that transcends the traditional "balance-to-the-Force" trope. Disney could explore a long-range threat that is resolved long after the Star Wars saga as we know it. This could include a dark side resurgence or even a threat greater than the Sith and the Empire.

Mirroring the Marvel Cinematic Universe Structure

Perhaps the narrative could follow a structure similar to that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where events unfold over a period of 10 to 15 years, and the resolution comes only in the sequels. This approach would provide a broader canvas for storytelling and allow for a more complex intergalactic conflict.

In conclusion, by structuring the High Republic era with a clear, thematic approach, and by embracing the inherent tragedy and conflict of Star Wars, Disney can create a rich and engaging universe for viewers of all ages.