How Disney Star Wars Revitalized the Prequel Trilogy

The Star Wars prequel trilogy faced criticism for various issues, but stories released under Disney have helped redeem certain aspects of the movies. Despite the praise for the overall story, themes, and scope of the prequels, many fans and critics were disappointed by George Lucas' execution choices. However, Star Wars: The Clone Wars expanded on the prequel era, offering new perspectives on the trilogy's characters and storylines. This led viewers to see the movies in a fresh light, and Disney Star Wars has continued to build on this by enhancing the prequel trilogy in creative ways.

The Star Wars content released under Disney has further developed plotlines from the prequels, providing additional context to past events. Not only have fan-favorite characters been given more spotlight, but lesser-known characters who were overlooked or poorly written in the prequels have also been given a chance to shine. Through the return of original actors and the expansion of lore, Disney Star Wars has managed to redeem the prequel trilogy in multiple ways.

Padme's Funeral Has Become The Birth Of The Rebellion

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi

Ahsoka Tano in Tales of the Jedi and Naboo in Revenge of the Sith - Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Padme's Funeral Has Become The Birth Of The Rebellion

Fans have often criticized the way Padmé Amidala dies in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, attributing it to a broken heart. However, her funeral has become a significant moment in Disney's Star Wars universe. In the season 1 finale of Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, it is revealed that Ahsoka Tano attended Padmé's funeral in secret. During the funeral, Bail Organa invites Ahsoka to join the Rebellion. Additionally, the Star Wars: Darth Vader comic series by Grek Pak shows Padmé's former allies vowing to avenge her death, marking her funeral as the symbolic start of the Rebellion.

Revenge Of The Sith's Padme Deleted Scenes Are Officially Canon

Star Wars: Dawn of the Rebellion

Star Wars Revenge of the sith deleted scenes Anakin Padme Obi wan Love triangle - Star Wars: Dawn of the Rebellion - Revenge Of The Sith's Padme Deleted Scenes Are Officially Canon

Padmé had some great deleted scenes that were originally cut from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. However, Disney has now made them part of the official canon. In the book Star Wars: Dawn of the Rebellion by Pablo Hidalgo, it is revealed that Padmé was part of the Delegation of Two Thousand, a group of senators who urged Palpatine to give up his emergency powers. This adds depth to Padmé's story in the film and aligns with the deleted scenes. Members of the delegation like Bail Organa and Mon Mothma went on to establish the Rebel Alliance, showing that Padmé was a key inspiration for the group.

Star Wars Has Brought Back Ahmed Best

The Mandalorian

Ahmed Best as Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian season 3 and Jedi Temple Challenge - Star Wars Has Brought Back Ahmed Best

Ahmed Best faced severe mental health struggles due to the harsh criticism directed towards his character Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel films and The Clone Wars series. Fortunately, as time passed, fans began to appreciate the character more. Disney Star Wars recognized Best's talent and cast him as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in the show Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. Best also returned to play Beq in an episode of The Mandalorian, where it was revealed that Beq was the Jedi who rescued Grogu during Order 66, solidifying his place in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars Has Explained The Chosen One Prophecy... A Little

Star Wars: Master & Apprentice

Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith with Anakin in Ahsoka and Anakin after he turns to the dark side in the background - Star Wars: Master & Apprentice - Star Wars Has Explained The Chosen One Prophecy... A Little

In the prequels, the Chosen One prophecy was deliberately left ambiguous, leading some Jedi to doubt its accuracy. However, Disney Star Wars has provided a clearer explanation. The precise wording of the prophecy in the canon was disclosed in Star Wars: Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray.

Qui-Gon Jinn believed that a Chosen One would be born without a father, and this individual would bring balance to the Force. This is why he thought Anakin, who was born without a father, was the Chosen One. However, it is interesting to note that the prophecy did not specifically mention that the Chosen One would destroy the Sith. This led Obi-Wan Kenobi to assume that bringing balance meant eliminating the Sith in Revenge of the Sith.

Padmé's Handmaidens Have Become Characters In Their Own Right

It's interesting to note that Palpatine's return in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker doesn't contradict the prophecy, as Anakin didn't necessarily have to destroy the Sith for good. Various Star Wars stories have delved into the concept of balance and the reasons behind its restoration. For instance, Star Wars: The High Republic depicted a version of the Jedi Order 200 years before Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, showcasing a group that embodied hope and upheld the light. In comparison, the Jedi of the prequel era were seen as too detached, which ultimately allowed the dark side to gain strength and disrupt the balance of the Force.

Star Wars: Queen's Peril and Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020)

Padme and Handmaidens - Star Wars: Queen's Peril and Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) - Padmé's Handmaidens Have Become Characters In Their Own Right

Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have been warmly embraced by fans in the Star Wars community.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka

Hayden Christensen Daniel Logan and Ewan McGregor together at Star Wars Celebration 2022 - Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka - Hayden Christensen & Ewan McGregor Have Been Embraced

Anakin Skywalker's bond with Ahsoka Tano highlights the sorrowful essence of the Skywalker saga.

Ahsoka

Custom Ahsoka Image White Lightsabers and Anakin - Anakin Skywalker's Relationship With Ahsoka Has Underscored The Skywalker Saga's Tragedy

Anakin Skywalker's story is a tragic one, but in Ahsoka, Christensen's return adds a new layer by showing Anakin's redemption. In this show, Christensen's portrayal of Anakin is much more likable, drawing from his animated version to illustrate how he has moved past his Vader persona. This opportunity allowed Christensen to showcase his talent in playing Anakin at his finest, concluding on a hopeful tone that contrasts with the overall tragedy of the Star Wars Skywalker Saga.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of how Disney has positively influenced the perception of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. It highlights the expansion of storylines, the redemption of characters, and the addition of depth to the overall narrative. Through the exploration of specific examples, such as the significance of Padmé's funeral and the return of beloved actors, the article showcases how Disney has managed to address some of the criticisms leveled against the prequels, enhancing their legacy and making them more accessible to a broader audience.

Overall, the article effectively demonstrates the positive impact that Disney's creative contributions have had on the prequels, offering a fresh perspective on these films and highlighting the ways in which they have been enriched and expanded upon. It acknowledges the original criticisms while celebrating the efforts made to address them, ultimately painting a more positive picture of the prequel trilogy and its place within the wider Star Wars universe.