Behind the Scenes: Understanding the Lack of Concrete Plans in Disney's Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, many fans and industry experts predicted that a detailed continuity would be a priority. However, the reality was quite different. The Star Wars sequel trilogy, despite its commercial success, lacked a concrete plan for many of its characters, including Finn. This misdirection initially puzzled many fans who expected a more structured and cohesive narrative.

Commercial Success Despite Lack of Plan

Disney's Sequel Trilogy proved to be a significant commercial success for the entertainment giant. The trilogy grossed $4.475 billion at the box office, despite the production costs reaching around $720 million. In comparison, the prequel trilogy, which involved a smaller budget of $345 million, earned $2.437 billion. This commercial success reflects the high-quality execution of the films, even without a rigidly planned storyline.

Lack of Plan Due to Tight Schedule

The lack of concrete plans for the Star Wars sequel trilogy can be attributed to the tight schedule imposed by Disney. Former CEO Bob Iger demanded that production for the trilogy begin immediately, causing significant time constraints. This pressure led to several directors and screenwriters being replaced as the Production trilogy progressed. Notably, Colin Trevorrow's scripts were deemed insufficient, and JJ Abrams was brought back to ensure the story's consistency.

Creative Freedom vs. Pre-Planned Structure

Many of the creators involved in the trilogy favored a creative approach rather than a strict pre-planned structure. George Lucas, when making the original trilogy, had a much more fluid and improvisational process. Similarly, the prequel trilogy was more meticulously planned but still allowed for some creative freedom, especially with the single director, George Lucas, at the helm.

The approach to the sequel trilogy was meant to reflect this creative freedom. Each film was intended to build on the previous one, but with more flexibility in the narrative direction. This meant that directors could bring their own vision to the table, leading to diverse storytelling but also to the occasional confusion for fans looking for a more cohesive narrative.

Why No Concrete Plan?

The absence of a concrete plan for the sequel trilogy did not hinder the production's success. In fact, it allowed for a more organic and evolving storyline. Many filmmakers prefer to develop a story in a more iterative and flexible manner. This approach can lead to richer, more nuanced characters and plotlines, even if the overall coherence of the trilogy is not as pronounced.

The lack of a rigid storyline also meant that characters like Finn could take unexpected turns, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. This creative freedom contributed to the unique and diverse storytelling that fans embraced in the sequels. Critics and fans alike recognized the benefits of allowing the filmmakers to bring their unique perspectives to the table, even if it meant that some elements seemed less cohesive than in the original trilogy.

Conclusion

The lack of a concrete plan for the Star Wars sequel trilogy was born out of necessity and creative choice. While the absence of a planned storyline initially puzzled many fans, it ultimately contributed to the trilogy's commercial success and creative richness. The approach taken by the filmmakers ensured that the films remained true to the spirit of storytelling, leading to deeper character development and a more engaging narrative experience for audiences.