The Challenges and Criticisms of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy: Why Didn’t the Story Flow Smoothly?

When discussing the Star Wars sequel trilogy, particularly The Last Jedi (TLJ) and The Rise of Skywalker (TroS), many viewers and critics raised questions about narrative consistency and character development. This article delves into the reasons behind the perceived inconsistencies, the influence of fan responses, and the challenges involved in maintaining a coherent and compelling narrative throughout a multi-director franchise.

TLJ and Narrative Continuity

Some argue that The Last Jedi undoes the story of The Force Awakens and is in turn undone by the plot in The Rise of Skywalker. However, a closer examination reveals that these perceived contradictions stem more from fan expectations than from a lack of planning on the production team's part. In reality, The Last Jedi was always intended to be a natural continuation of the story, introducing new characters and deepening the complexity of the narrative. The challenges arose when the production faced the backlash from 'true fans' who were vocal against certain narrative elements.

Impact of Fan Response and Tack-On Continuity

One cannot discount the significant influence of fan response on the direction and writing of The Last Jedi. According to industry insiders, JJ Abrams and the production team walked back certain elements of the film quickly after its release, in response to the negative fan reaction. This was not done to intentionally undo the story, but rather as a measure to address fan complaints and expectations. Consequently, this change in direction influenced the scripting and plot development of the third and final film in the trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker.

Plot Decisions and Story Pacing

The decision to have three different directors, each with their own vision, resulted in a disjointed narrative flow. JJ Abrams, as the initial director, established certain plot points and character arcs that were intended to be built upon by the subsequent directors. However, Rian Johnson's take on The Last Jedi was more experimental and less conventional, which proved challenging for the subsequent films. Johnson's unique approach to storytelling, while artistically valid, did not align well with the established narrative framework, leading to inconsistencies and pacing issues.

JJ Abrams, in retrospect, was left to clean up the mess and ensure that the story remained cohesive. This had to be done while maintaining the core plot elements, such as Snoke's death and Luke's tragic downfall, which were essential for the overall story arc. The result was a disjointed and rushed narrative in The Rise of Skywalker, where significant plot points were compressed and changes were made to placate fan reactions, often to the detriment of the story and character development.

Lessons Learned: Planning and Story Design

The Star Wars sequel trilogy serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of story planning and director collaboration. In a well-structured franchise, a comprehensive story Bible would be created, outlining the overall narrative, key plot points, character arcs, and the intricacies of the plot. This would provide all writers and directors with a clear roadmap, ensuring that the story remains consistent and compelling throughout.

Speaking from a writing perspective, a first-year film student could likely achieve a more competent film if they adhered to a well-thought-out plan and consulted with established directors. The lack of a cohesive plan and the failure to follow established plot points led to the series' shortcomings. Effective planning and collaboration are crucial for maintaining narrative integrity, especially in a multi-director project.

Moreover, the concept of 'set up' and 'pay off' is paramount in creating a satisfying and coherent story. In The Last Jedi, Luke's gift of the lightsaber to Rey laid the groundwork for a significant story beat. However, the subsequent handling of this element in The Rise of Skywalker was disappointing, failing to provide the emotional and narrative payoff the characters and audience deserved.

Ultimately, the Star Wars sequel trilogy encountered numerous challenges due to the complex interplay of multiple directors, fan expectations, and narrative planning. While it serves as a case study in the difficulties of managing a multi-director franchise, it also underscores the importance of clear storytelling and collaboration in crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative.