So what does this mean for the future of Star Wars? Is this an indication that Star Wars will Return to Strike Back with a New Hope? Or will we see the Revenge of a Menace of idiot Clones?
To be very clear, I hope the new movie(s) are like episodes 4-6, not like episodes 1-3. Because 1-3 were painfully bad. Episode 1 was boring with horrible child acting and juvenile writing and directing. Episode 2 made little sense, had a convoluted "plot," but much more satisfying action. Episode 3 was decent in many respects, though still weak on the writing and direction. Each film got progressively better, so the trend might lead us to Star Wars movies that are once again worthy of the name. But of course, all our worse fears might be realized if Disney decides to continue Star Wars along the same lines as the prequel trilogy. I'm not sure my childhood memories could take another assault like that. I mean, could you imagine another Jar Jar, endless senate political discussion on whether to table the motion to amend the amendment, and (shudder) more horrible child actors?
So how do we make Star Wars good again? What will it take to make the Sequel trilogy (or wherever it goes) better than the Prequel trilogy? I mean, aside from the obvious observation that not much could be worse than the Prequel trilogy? Fear not, dear reader! For I am here with my opinionated ideas for how to save Star Wars!
1. Get George Repellent
But it has to stop.
Honestly, he may be the reason Star Wars got started, but he is also responsible for how far it has run off the rails. Lucas had a visionary idea, but he really needed to surround himself with people who would be honest with him and tell him what a horrible script he had for Episode 1. He needed people to tell him that the entire idea of Jar Jar was a terrible mistake. He needed people to tell him that Jake Lloyd couldn't act. Most of all, he needed people to tell him that HE was not the right person to direct.
Therefore, the Sequel trilogy would benefit greatly from an investment in George repellent. The less Lucas has to do with the direct production of any future Star Wars, the better. Boy, that's hard for me to say, having grown up enjoying Star Wars as I did -but hey, sometimes the truth hurts.
2. Find the Right Director
Whoever the producers end up being need to find a director who is up to a real challenge. The director needs to come with a vision for how to make the new films his very own, yet still retaining the spirit of Star Wars (to clarify, episodes 4-6). This vision must be clear, understandable, and doable.
What simply cannot be allowed to happen is for a committee to come up with a list of things that must be done, then hire a director to bring it all together. Story by committee rarely ends up well.
So get someone who has passion for Star Wars please. Someone with backbone. Not just someone who will put out whatever will make the studio execs happy. I want a real Star Wars movie again, not a two hour commercial for Lego toys.
Oh, and please, not Spielberg. I like him and all, but it's time for fresh blood and new ideas.
3. Get the Plot Right
I have dreams in my head of an aged Master Luke and his Jedi Academy, with a young apprentice who is dabbling in things he shouldn't...
I don't know what really could be done with the plot. Perhaps some variant adaption of the Timothy Zahn books, with the resurgence of the Empire. Perhaps some new threat could rear its head in the galaxy far, far away.
Whatever is done, please, for the love of all things cute and cuddly, make the plot more like episodes 4-6 and less like 1-3! Make the plot simple. You know, like there's this Evil Empire and a rebellion against it, so let's save the Princess and blow up the Death Star. Make it something we care about again.
And along those lines...
4. Get a Wicked-Cool Bad Guy
Grand Admiral Thrawn would be a great candidate. I mean look at this guy...
Wicked-cool means unique look, genuinely evil actions, and poses a serious threat to the good guys. Having dark side force powers and having great lightsaber skills a plus, but not necessary.
Characters who have names that effectively translate to Count Poop? Not wicked-cool.
Characters who are asthmatic robots and have names that effectively translate to General Bad Guy? Not wicked-cool.
5. Get John Williams
In conclusion, there is no single thing that can be done to guarantee that the Sequels will be better than the Prequels. In fact, I'm sure that no matter how well done they are there will still be fans who are disappointed with something. But if they will just get some of these main things done right, everything else will fall into place. And hey, who knows? Maybe Star Wars will come roaring back!
