When Did You Lose Interest in the Star Wars Franchise?

I’ve been a passionate fan of the Star Wars franchise since the release of the first film in 1977. Despite the ups and downs, my interest fluctuates, but it's safe to say that it will only truly wane when I pass away. Currently, my enthusiasm for the franchise is at an all-time high, largely fueled by the success of The Mandalorian and the critically acclaimed Andor.

A Personal Timeline of My Star Wars Disappointment

To answer the question succinctly, I had to look up the release dates of a handful of films due to the deep emotional impact they had on me. Each entry is a poignant reminder of the highs and lows that punctuated the franchise over the years.

The Force Awakens - December 2015

Trailer hype often misleads, but the release of The Force Awakens struck a chord with many fans, including myself. Despite its replayability and enjoyable moments, the film was a double-edged sword. The film's constant homages, callbacks, and, as I would later describe, “plagiarisms” of the 1977 original left me feeling underwhelmed. My analysis, published previously on Quora, still stands strong – Maz Kanata, in particular, is one of the worst characterized aspects of the film, with perhaps the exception of Benicio Del Toro's Lando Calrissian. However, the film cannot be entirely dismissed as a complete failure. It offers enough to make it a watchable entry in the series.

Rogue One - December 2016

Rogue One marked a turning point for the franchise, and not for the better. This film earned nearly universal praise, having no major flaws that significantly detract from the overall experience. Its continuous watchability is testament to its quality, although nitpickers might find minor issues. Even I, as a fan who demands high standards, could hardly find a substantive reason to criticize it. It remains one of the franchise's greatest strengths.

The Last Jedi - December 2017

The Last Jedi brought a wave of disappointment for me. From its ridiculous opening battle to the preachy message of “soft” leadership, the movie feels like a misstep. The unnecessary detour to Canto Bight and the crudely executed surface battle battle only contributed to my weariness. While Mark Hamill’s scenes alone make it worth watching for some, I can only hope that his emotional depth is enough to salvage a film marred by so many other flaws.

Solo - December 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story started with promise, but it ultimately let me down. There was potential for a compelling story, but it was squandered by an anticlimactic turn in the plot that made little sense. The friendship between Lando and Han Solo, supposed to grow into old buddies, seemed implausible. The reveal near the end felt more like a cheap plot twist than a meaningful conclusion. My interest in the franchise began to wane here, as I judged the current trajectory unlikely to improve without frequent references to the original and prequel trilogies.

The Rise of Skywalker - December 2019

The Rise of Skywalker was my final attempt to return to the series. I attended the film in theaters with the sole intention of watching it as a completed trilogy. However, the film's premise was poor, and the constant tension scenes every 20 minutes left the plot feeling artificial. Carrie Fisher's participation was clunky and forced, and the climax lacked any sense of drama or suspense. Given that I had already lost interest, the disappointment was merely a final nail in the coffin for my renewed engagement with the Star Wars universe. The final scene, which bore no rational basis, was the last straw. From this point, I decided to move on from all new Star Wars content.

Conclusion

Despite my love for the franchise and its defining moments, every joint attempt to revive it seemed to deliver a setback. Other franchises I once enjoyed, such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, and The Simpsons, faced similar declines in my interest. Similarly, the sequels of Sex and the City lost my attention after only two episodes.

The Wells of creativity can run dry, and when they do, the poison can set in. The Star Wars franchise, once a beacon of storytelling, has become a cautionary tale of how interconnected multiple-star trajectories can lead to a singular disappointment.