Why Can’t Star Wars Fans Let Go of Their Hatred of the Sequels?

Every discussion about the Star Wars sequels soon turns into a heated debate. Many fans can't seem to let go of their hatred towards the later films. But is this hatred justified? If so, is it leading to suffering, and whose suffering is it?

The Pain of Poor Dialogue

Since the release of the first Star Wars sequel, one particular aspect of the films has been lingering in my mind: the dialogue. The clumsy, overly convoluted lines have stuck to my craw like an unwanted piece of lint. It's not just a matter of style; it's the loss of the magic that once defined the franchise.

Whose suffering are you talking about? Because I may not like writing off Star Wars, but it isn't me who loses due to flagrant mismanagement of a once-beloved franchise.

Indeed, the dialogue and other quality issues in the sequels are a testament to poor management. Those at the helm of the franchise did not respect the fans or the franchise's legacy. Star Wars was a license to print money, and yet, Disney seemed more interested in turning it into an economic driver than preserving its legacy.

Being in their shows could have been the next ticket to fame and fortune. Instead, we got Rey Palpatine, Holdo, and blue milk. They killed the golden goose, and yet, they don't even acknowledge their mistakes, let alone take responsibility.

The sequels stunted the growth of the franchise. By focusing on profit over quality, Disney created a hodgepodge of stories that were disconnected from the original saga's spirit. These films not only disappointed fans but also failed to generate the same level of excitement and critical acclaim as their predecessors. If Disney was truly focused on the fans, they would have nurtured a franchise that fans could love and support for generations.

They lost my financial support by ruining Star Wars. Sucks to be them.

Moving on from beloved franchises is never easy. For fans, the loss of Star Wars' greatness is personal. However, blaming Disney exclusively for all the franchise's problems would be an oversimplification. The fans, too, had a role to play in supporting the franchise, even if it was through passive consumption. Those who bought into the sequels, who gave Disney more reason to continue, could have potentially been the voice that demanded better. Instead, the sequence of films alienated audiences, leading to a decline in engagement and demand.

Looking Beyond Hatred

Not everyone hates the sequels purely out of spite. For many fans, the sequels represent a change in the essence of Star Wars. The films aimed to be something more, but they ultimately fell short. What we have are films that feel as though everyone making them was out for themselves. There was no spirit of collaboration because the trilogy was an absolute mess.

J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, and others had different visions for the franchise. From expanding his production, to Pushing progressive politics, the goals were not aligned with creating a cohesive narrative. Each filmmaker seemed to prioritize their own goals over the greater good of the franchise. This disorganization and lack of unifying vision led to a disjointed, often unsatisfying series of films.

Misunderstanding and mismanagement from the directors and the studio alike have left many fans feeling betrayed. This betrayal can be deeply personal, especially for those who built significant portions of their lives around Star Wars. The films were supposed to be a source of escapism, a means of motivation, and a beacon of inspiration. When these qualities are stripped away, it's natural for fans to feel let down.

A lot of the fans didn't like the sequels and hated those decisions in the films, but what has really stuck with them is the way Disney/Lucasfilm handled the fan backlash. They didn’t change course. They chose to push the "toxic fandom" narrative. For lack of a better term, Disney "chose violence."

The way Disney responded to fan criticism is a crucial point of contention. The studio's aggressive approach to fan feedback and criticism significantly contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding the sequels. Instead of acknowledging the fans' views and working towards improvement, Disney doubled down on their stance, which only deepened the divide.

Is this hatred leading to suffering? Yes, it is, but it's not just the fans who are suffering. Soon, the only one suffering will be Disney themselves. They haven’t been able to replace the fans they ran off, and sooner or later, they’ll feel that loss in their bank account.

As the sequels became increasingly disconnected from the original saga, fan engagement waned. This decline in interest not only hurt the fans but also Disney's bottom line. Exploitation and lack of mutual respect within the franchise have created a cycle where both parties are at a loss. In this environment, the true value of Star Wars as a property is coming into question.

Conclusion: Embracing the Realities

Ending a beloved franchise is never easy, but moving on is necessary for both the fans and the franchise. Fans need to set boundaries and cut ties with franchises that no longer meet their standards. The same goes for studios that alienate their audience by prioritizing profit over quality.

Entertainment is about enjoyment. It’s about letting go of standards only when it no longer serves the broader goal of enjoyment and engagement.

Star Wars has always been more than just a series of films. It has been a cultural phenomenon that brought hope and excitement to countless lives. For both the franchise and its fans, it's time to move forward with the respect and collaboration that this legacy deserves.