The Power of Star Wars: A Compelling Argument for a Reboot
Matthew Vaughn discusses his plans to rejuvenate Star Wars with a reboot Discover his vision for the revamped films and join the debate on whether or not Star Wars should undergo this transformative change
Highlights
The Star Wars franchise could benefit from a reboot, according to director Matthew Vaughn, who believes that introducing important characters such as Ahsoka and Thrawn could inject excitement and enhance the storyline.
A soft reboot has the potential to reinvigorate fans and foster unity, without completely alienating the fanbase. Careful execution and genuine enthusiasm are key factors in achieving this. By rebooting the Skywalker movies, it is possible to create a more cohesive storyline for the sequel trilogy, effectively addressing previous criticisms and allowing for a more meticulously developed and interconnected narrative.
Director Matthew Vaughn, known for his work on X-Men and Kick-Ass, recently stirred up controversy with his remarks about the iconic Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm, and by extension, Disney, has faced challenges in finding their footing after the sequel trilogy, particularly after The Rise of Skywalker. The fanbase, notoriously divided on new projects, only adds to the difficulties faced. However, Vaughn's comments offer a fresh perspective, diverting some of the criticism from Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy, at least for now. Vaughn suggested that if given the chance, he would reboot the entire Star Wars saga, including the Skywalker storyline. While many initially dismiss this idea, it's worth considering the validity within it.
What Did Matthew Vaughn Say?
Star Wars movies have established several constants that fans have come to expect. Mark Hamill portrays the iconic character Luke Skywalker, John Williams conducts the scores, and James Earl Jones lends his voice to Darth Vader. During an interview on Josh Horowitz's "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Matthew Vaughn was asked if he would find it challenging to decline an offer to direct his own Star Wars film. In response, the director expressed that currently, it would not be a difficult decision for him. He explained that directing a Star Wars movie would allow him to explore and portray the beloved characters he holds dear. If given the opportunity to reboot Star Wars and create his own interpretation, including the presence of Luke Skywalker, Solo, and Vader, despite the skepticism from others, Vaughn finds the prospect thrilling.
Lucasfilm has shown no indication of rebooting the entire Star Wars franchise, despite the disappointment of some with the sequel trilogy. This would be a difficult task, considering the continuous release of new Star Wars shows on Disney+. However, it may be premature to dismiss Vaughn's idea completely. Although some fans may find it far-fetched, it is worth noting that Star Wars: A New Hope, released in 1977, is a prime candidate for an update. Both the prequel and sequel trilogies were targeted towards their respective generations, with the prequels having a stronger impact in this regard than J.J. Abrams's sequels, which heavily relied on nostalgia, particularly in The Force Awakens.
Vaughn poses a pertinent question, drawing a comparison to the revered James Bond franchise, and wonders why the Star Wars characters have become so revered and untouchable, to the point where a reboot for a new audience seems inconceivable since 1977. While George Lucas would understandably object to drastic changes to his creation, there is no physical barrier preventing it. All that is required is a filmmaker with the right pitch, and Disney can grant it their approval. However, it goes without saying that such a move would likely incite considerable uproar among many fans.
What Rebooted Star Wars Films Would Look Like
Rebooting the Star Wars movies while keeping the existing shows on Disney+ might seem like a daunting task, given their abundance. However, it is indeed possible to accomplish this without any interference. In fact, the rebooted film series could feature a diverse array of characters from the Star Wars shows, with Ahsoka being one of the prominent figures. The inclusion of Ahsoka and other characters would greatly enhance the franchise's storytelling, ensuring a seamless experience without any sense of missing pieces.
Lucasfilm has the opportunity to reboot the movies without undermining the progress made in the Disney+ shows. The crucial story elements, such as the Emperor's rise to power and the rebirth of the rebel alliance from the remains of the Galactic Republic, would remain intact. This approach would ensure that characters like Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Clone Wars continue to play significant roles. A soft reboot could even retain beloved actors like Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and others, thus preserving the continuity with the Disney+ shows.
Should Star Wars be Rebooted?
No, it would not be wise for Disney to completely reset the Skywalker movies and erase all the stories from the Disney+ shows. Doing so would likely infuriate the entire fanbase and make these shows seem purposeless if labeled as Legends, similar to the disappointment felt by hardcore fans during the Extended Universe projects. As a result, fans would lose faith in the franchise, as many already have, and this would negatively impact future projects.
A soft reboot has the potential to reinvigorate fans and foster unity among them. Initially, it may not be well received, but fans would undoubtedly embrace it if a new Phantom Menace or a revamped A New Hope were released with meticulous care and passion.
Many have expressed their desire for a reboot of the sequel trilogy or even a retcon. By rebooting the entire Skywalker series, a more coherent story could be told in the sequel trilogy. Rather than Palpatine's return being ambiguous, subtle hints could be inserted. Alternatively, the focus could shift to Snoke, allowing characters like Finn and Rose to truly shine instead of being overshadowed. Having the opportunity to redo the Skywalker movies with the inclusion of significant characters such as Ahsoka and Thrawn would greatly enhance the narrative's thoughtfulness and cohesiveness.
Redoing the core series of movies could be seen as a disrespectful move towards George Lucas, as well as the entire cast and crew. Nevertheless, reboots are a common occurrence and often achieve moderate success. It is undeniable that this decision would be difficult for many to accept, including the studios themselves. The biggest challenge, however, would be convincing the fans to embrace any form of reboot.
