Why J.J. Abrams Should Have Directed the Entire Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

The decision to bring in different directors for the Star Wars sequel trilogy has sparked quite a bit of debate among fans and critics alike. One major question that often arises is why J.J. Abrams, who directed the first film, wasn't tasked with overseeing the entire trilogy. Let's explore the reasons behind this decision and why some believe it would have been better if Abrams had helmed it all.

Creative Vision and Diversity in Storytelling Creative Vision

One of the primary reasons for bringing in different directors stems from the idea of creative vision and diversity in storytelling. J.J. Abrams brought a unique perspective to the franchise, but the decision to involve other directors was likely driven by a desire to infuse the trilogy with a variety of styles and voices. Each director could offer a different approach, creating a richer tapestry of storytelling and ensuring that each film felt distinct yet still connected within the larger Star Wars universe.

Scheduling Conflicts and Project Commitments Scheduling Conflicts

Directing a major film is no small feat, and it often requires significant time and resources. J.J. Abrams might have had other commitments or projects that prevented him from overseeing all three films. These scheduling conflicts, combined with the demands of a blockbuster production, could have made it difficult for him to manage such a large project for an extended period.

Collaboration and the Richness of the Franchise Collaboration

The Star Wars franchise has a long history of collaboration among various filmmakers and creatives. By bringing in different directors, Disney and Lucasfilm aimed to create a more dynamic and evolving cinematic experience. Each director could contribute their own strengths and vision, leading to a richer and more diverse narrative. Abrams, while a master of the franchise, might have been more suited to certain aspects of the story, while others could bring fresh ideas to the table.

Fan Expectations and Continuity Fan Expectations

Fans often have strong opinions about who should direct the Star Wars films, and there were high expectations placed on J.J. Abrams to do a fantastic job. Some argue that Abrams should have directed the entire trilogy to maintain continuity and ensure a consistent vision throughout the series. Abrams' involvement in writing outlines or scripts for Episodes VIII and IX adds to this idea, suggesting that he had a solid understanding of the storytelling he wanted to achieve. However, others believe that the fresh approach brought in by other directors was necessary to maintain the franchise's momentum and appeal.

The Unexpected Developments and Colin Trevorrow's Exit Creative Control

Initially, Colin Trevorrow, known for his work on Jurassic World, was slated to direct Episodes VIII and IX. However, things didn't go as planned. Trevorrow's latest film didn't perform well, and there were creative differences. This led to Kathy Kennedy, the head of Lucasfilm, having second thoughts about working with Trevorrow. Kennedy's concerns about the script and creative control were substantial, leading her to suggest that Trevorrow leave the project. This decision could have been a missed opportunity to maintain a consistent vision throughout the trilogy, especially given the backlash against Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi.

Conclusion

The decision to have different directors for the Star Wars sequel trilogy was likely driven by a combination of creative, logistical, and management factors. While it's easy to argue in hindsight that J.J. Abrams should have directed the entire trilogy, the reality is that Disney and Lucasfilm aimed for a diverse and evolving cinematic experience. However, the criticism surrounding the trilogy, particularly Episodes VIII and IX, highlights the importance of creative control and continuity. It's clear that the franchise would have benefited from a more cohesive approach, and fans may still wonder what could have been if Abrams had been the sole director of the trilogy.

Note: The information provided here is based on the publicly available data and personal opinions of many fans and industry experts. It may not reflect the official standpoint of Disney, Lucasfilm, or J.J. Abrams.