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Recently , Lucasfilm confirmed that the nextStar Warsspinoff isan Obi - Wan Kenobi photographic film , with Stephen Daldry ( Billy Elliot)currently in talking to direct . The news is n’t entirely surprising , see as rumour have swirl about a solo outing for the Jedi general since the anthologies were first announced , something prequel actor Ewan McGregor stilllobbied for . Disney is also consider solo outings forYoda , Jabba the Hutt , andBoba Fett . Despite Lucasfilm ’s stated pursuit in moving beyondlegacy charactersin future anthology , every presently proposed photographic film relates to establishedStar Warspersonalities . Similarly , Rogue Oneintroduced a phone number of new characters but levitate inch away fromEpisode IV : A New Hopeas the first Death Star figured prominently and the film admit roles for Grand Moff Tarkin , Mon Mothma , and Darth Vader . The studio apartment still stick to their iconic figures , even though they have an entire galaxy of novel , rising character reference to explore . Why is Lucasfilm so unwilling to jeopardize beyond their classic personalities ?
The Established Formula Works
The enjoyable but safeStar war : The Force Awakensestablished that the normal still works , as acool $ 2 billionbox office take attests . Initial account from theRogue Oneset , however , suggested Gareth Edwards ' film differentiated from late photographic film and was , in core , a war movie with aStar Warstwist . Before matter got too far afield , though , Lucasfilm hesitated , rather reshooting several key aspect tomake the film experience even moreconnected .
Their trend of deliberate filmmaking proceed when the studio apartment kickedPhil Lord and Chris Milleroff theHan Solomovie . Supposedly , their try were too much of a basal departure from the style and tone writer Lawrence Kasdan and studio head Kathleen Kennedy had image . As a outcome , they brought in Ron Howard to recut and finish the plastic film . Howard is an Academy Award - winning music director , but he ’s also a filmmaker with an lay down style that fits well within the plication of Lucasfilm . With the photograph back on course , he ’s already rag several links to the mainstay of the franchise , includingthe Empire(understandable , given Solo ’s aim naval scope ) and perhaps even the Death Star . Again .
Their desire to avoid make waves is moderately understandable - after all , Star Warsfans are a finical bunch . Play it too secure and a chunk of the fanbase grumbles about a lack of originality . stray too far from the plant traditional knowledge or spirit and another subset will reproof the movie as notStar Warsenough . look at the monumental amount of uppercase invested into each motion-picture show , as well as the penury to market them to worldwide audiences , some measuring of caution makes sense . Even withRogue One ’s enormous winner , any misstep along the way could ensue in a serious setback to the anthology efforts .
Nevertheless , Rogue OneandThe Force Awakensboth proved characters unrelated to Han , Leia , Luke , and Chewy could carry an in - world moving-picture show . mate with the vast amount of Legends ( or Expanded Universe ) material to selectively saint and the growing range of show up likeThe Clone WarsandRebels , the audience certainly exists . So , what ’s observe Lucasfilm from explore the non - legacy possibilities ?
The Rewards of Familiar Faces
Clearly , the Mouse House has been look into the opening of turn over fundamental reference into anthology moviesfor some time . The company has likely invested a practiced deal of time and resources into these potential properties already . If so , moving ahead with the spinoffs is graspable . General consultation recognise and love characters like Obi - Wan , Han , Yoda , and are curious about mysterious fringe players like Jabba and Boba Fett . Sticking a Star Wars Story caption behind them clears the route to solid returns but does n’t conduct fans into any fresh territory .
The Force AwakensandRogue One ’s strong showings more than substantiate that anything related to the dealership is far from a cinematic risk of exposure . Still , lesser - known characters are always trickier than established one . Han and Darth Vader are at once recognizable . Despite hundred of G if not zillion of rooter , late conception like Sana Starros orRebelsplayer Bendu would require more extensive promotion to familiarize to general filmgoers .
Nevertheless , Disney carry in - house proof that successful , off - brand movies do work . guardian of the Galaxyand its sequel , though by and large unrelated to the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe ( untilAvengers : Infinity Waranyway ) scored a major takeover at the box place and pushed the MCU in a cosmic direction . Sure , Marvel call for some build up before they mat well-off unleashingGOTGon moviegoers , but the " loveable a - holes " still match well into Marvel ’s arras withminimal trouble .
Unlike the MCU , theStar Warsanthologies are think to be unrelated to the trilogy , making it well-to-do for them to ramify out . Lucasfilm already discover success with two sets of raw character , thanks to some assist from a few well - known faces and position , as Rey , Finn , Jyn Erso , and Cassian Andorian , among others , accept off . Their winner should launch the door for unexampled and lesser - know Hero to lead the charge after the sequel trilogy completes its discharge .
Leaving the Shadows of the Empire
IfRogue Oneand The Force Awakens were the toe in the water , the temperature is perfect for jumping into more hidden characters . Even if the studio apartment is reluctant to leave their comfort zone of known belongings , they can originate with smaller leaps into their ever - expanding clutch ofrecent sports fan favoriteslike Ahsoka Tano , Cad Bane , Doctor Aphra , Grand Admiral Thrawn , and Saw Gerrera who already find out natural action in the first anthology for fabric .
As the third trilogy hit its apex ( or nadir , depending on howclose it is toEmpire Strikes Back ) , the sentence is right for Disney to edge into ERA before and after both the prequel - original trilogy cycles perhaps even the Old Republic days . The breadth of fandom , include neophyte toStar Wars , should put up more than enough boxful role clout to keep the franchise undulate along .
If the stories form bubbles , the directors brim with imaginativeness and talent , and Lucasfilm maintains a clear direction for the overall saga , the anthology film could run indefinitely . They would also be the perfect place to found brand new character and further construct the far - away galax .
The shadow of Anakin Skywalker still looms over the galaxy far , far away . Even though just about anythingStar Warsis guarantee to succeed , Disney ’s relative wariness is frustrating if understandable . Obviously , the Mouse House is willing to expand their universe but prefers to put their less - conversant reference through the paces on shows likeRebelsor in supplemental stuff which be less and leave more room for exploration .
Lucasfilm needs to break loose the Skywalker saga in ordering to find more breathing room . film based upon Han Solo , Boba Fett , and Yoda can theoretically abuse away from the trilogies but rest tangentially associated with the main clan . Working within establish fictional character might pull through some clip and money in promotions , yet it constrain their tarradiddle within already well - explored narrative circles . ForStar Warsto tucket for decades to come , though , Disney must use their creative and fiscal muscle to construct fib true to the past but also focus distinctly on expand and traversing realms less - trip .
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