The Greenlight Journey Behind Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was a significant addition to the Star Wars universe, but the journey of how it got greenlit and came to fruition is filled with interesting backstory and behind-the-scenes details. Let's delve into the process that led to the movie's creation and the reasons it was approved.

Backstory of How the Movie Got Made

The greenlight for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was primarily due to its place within the overall sequel trilogy of the Star Wars saga. The production process was unique, with the intention to have three different directors for each film in the trilogy. However, this approach didn't work out as planned, leading to a challenging atmosphere for the first trilogy's director, Rian Johnson.

Rian Johnson's trilogy presented a mixed bag of quality. On one hand, there were moments of brilliance and effective storytelling, seen in Episode 2. However, the overall quality was inconsistent, partly due to the weight of having one person responsible for both directing and writing.

Role of J.J. Abrams and the Sequel Trilogy

The decision to switch directors for the ninth episode of the Star Wars saga was a significant change. While Rian Johnson stepped down, J.J. Abrams stepped in. Despite some fan speculation and the desire for a do-over, J.J. Abrams did not have any intention of retconning The Last Jedi (TLJ).

A Abrams was a producer on The Last Jedi and had the power to veto any changes that he felt would derail his vision. He had shown a great deal of respect for the script, even before the reveal of Rey's "parenthood." This means that his involvement likely wouldn't change the story as much as some fans hoped for.

Why Rogue One Was Approved

While Rogue One itself was greenlit as part of the bigger picture, it's fascinating to explore why it was approved. For fans who were disappointed by The Last Jedi, Rogue One offered a chance to see a more traditional Star Wars movie. This film focused on the Rebellion's efforts to steal the plans to the Death Star and featured a more straightforward narrative that appealed to those who missed the classic storyline of the original trilogy.

Conclusion

The greenlight journey of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a tale of adaptability and the role of strong leadership in a franchise as vast and beloved as Star Wars. Despite the challenges and differing creative visions, the film ultimately filled a crucial gap in the saga and provided a memorable and compelling story for fans of the series.