The Debate Over Who Shot First: An Analysis of the Star Wars Canon

One of the most enduring debates in the Star Wars universe centers on the famous scene from A New Hope: Did Greedo shoot first, or did Han Solo?

Did Greedo Shoot First?
With the digital download release of Star Wars: A New Hope being the 1997 Special Edition, some argue that this finally settles the debate once and for all. However, the reality is more complex.

Original Theater Experience: Many cinephiles believe that their memories of the original theatrical experience, where Han Solo shot and killed Greedo, are irrefutable. Those who saw the film in theaters in 1977 or subsequently believe that Han shot first.

Special Editions and Despecialized Versions: Despite Lucasfilm's efforts to monopolize the market with special editions, many fans still prefer the original theatrical versions. The Despecialized Editions and even the Silver Screen Edition by Team Negative1 demonstrate a strong nostalgia for the original film. It's clear that the special editions, with their alterations, don't fully capture the feel of the original movie, which is why many fans continue to defend their cherished memories.

Arguments Against the Special Edition

Lucas's Approach: Some fans criticize George Lucas for altering the original versions and then making the unaltered versions available in sub-par quality. This is particularly evident in the 2006 DVD releases, which many consider to be of inferior quality.

Lucas himself described his approach to the special editions as 'a idiots game' before the releases, indicating that the concept was driven by personal artistic whims rather than strategic decisions.

Disney's Involvement: With Disney now owning the franchise and distribution rights to the three original movies (including A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back) reverting to Disney in 2019, the debate over the original versions is far from over. The possibility of official, properly restored versions of the theatrical releases surfacing is broadening the discussion.

Sinister Prequels, EU, and the Cynical Nature of Star Wars Continuity

Continuity and Nostalgia: For those who grew up with the original versions, the Expanded Universe(EU) canon is fundamentally flawed. The EU, with its prequels and later additions, often contradicts the original film, leading to a cynical view of the franchise's continuity.

The Role of Disney and Lucas: A part of the original Star Wars mystique lies in its singular vision and artistic integrity. George Lucas stepped back from directing, and Disney took over, leading to a different approach to the franchise. This shift has undoubtedly affected the portrayal and perception of what constitutes canon.

Fandom and Fan Culture: Many fans argue that the original versions, not the special editions, represent the true canon. Evans emphasizes that this is the version that fans grew up with, making it the cornerstone of their collective experience and understanding of the universe.

Conclusion: A Debate That Endures

The argument over who shot first is far from settled. While the 1997 Special Edition release might seem definitive, the enduring love for the original theatrical version and the efforts to restore and preserve it ensure that the debate continues. Whether Han shot first or Greedo, the true legacy of Star Wars lies in the memories and experiences of its fans.