Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Nostalgia Is Here (But That’s Not A Bad Thing) – SlashFilm

Brace yourselves, “Star Wars” followers, because the period of sequel trilogy nostalgia is upon us. It is not as if Lucasfilm or Disney has formally introduced an official marketing campaign to capitalize on fondness for “The Power Awakens,” “The Final Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” however the newest enjoyable new trailer for “The Mandalorian and Grogu” features a shot that serves as a little bit of a marker for a turning level inside this storied franchise. Prefer it or not, we’re about to enter a interval of nostalgia for among the most controversial blockbusters in latest reminiscence.

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As fairly a number of individuals have identified on-line, the opening shot of the brand new trailer (above) options some X-wings flying via a moderately orange sky. That is very harking back to a shot from “The Power Awakens” that sees some TIE fighters flying in opposition to an orange sky on the way in which to Maz Kanata’s palace. That shot is, itself, one thing of an homage by J.J. Abrams to “Apocalypse Now.” Whether or not director Jon Favreau is referencing Episode VII or “Apocalypse Now” is considerably irrelevant.

What’s related is the truth that this does evoke a connection to “The Power Awakens,” which is now a decade outdated. To many, it could really feel like simply yesterday, however when it comes to nostalgia cycles, a decade is not far off from how these items usually run. The “Star Wars” Particular Editions turned generational nostalgia into field workplace gold in 1997. That was simply 14 years after “Return of the Jedi” wrapped up the unique trilogy and 20 years after “A New Hope” kicked off all the enterprise.

Like it or hate it, sequel trilogy nostalgia was at all times going to come back for us. However on the finish of the day, it is tough to argue that that is inherently a foul factor.

Let’s rewind the clock a bit. George Lucas actually ignored warnings concerning the “Star Wars” prequels destroying the franchise. “The Phantom Menace” was a huge hit in 1999, however 2002’s “Assault of the Clones” was much less so and stays one of many worst-reviewed films within the sequence all these years later. On the time, 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith” was extensively thought to be a giant step up however nonetheless nowhere close to the originals.

It is unimaginable to disclaim that, of their day, the prequels had been maligned. There is no two methods about it. Then one thing began to occur. The animated sequence “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” premiered in 2008. Though Lucas had a tough time promoting “The Clone Wars” to Cartoon Community, it turned a cornerstone of the fandom because it rolled on. By the point Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, it would not have been tough to argue that “The Clone Wars” was a crown jewel of the acquisition, including a whole lot of worth to the franchise.

For a sure era of followers, this turned “Star Wars.” For that era, viewing these films as maligned “lesser than” entries within the canon of a galaxy far, distant is nothing shy of blasphemy. That’s a giant cause why “Revenge of the Sith” turned a field workplace hit another time final yr with the twentieth anniversary re-launch. For these youthful followers, it was a giant deal. “The Phantom Menace” had a equally massive twenty fifth anniversary re-launch in 2024.

By 2015, when “The Power Awakens” was popping out, we had been already seeing loads of indicators of nostalgia for the prequel trilogy, only a decade and alter after the discharge of “Revenge of the Sith.” Does that timeline sound acquainted?

The “Star Wars” prequel trilogy redemption arc is full at this level. It was pushed by followers who grew up with these films. They turned adults who felt nostalgic for the characters and tales they grew up with. Equally, we now have people who find themselves firmly of their 20s who had been a lot youthful when the sequel trilogy first got here out. In any case, it has been practically seven years since “The Rise of Skywalker” delivered probably the most difficult $1 billion hit in historical past.

The complication stems from the truth that it was a success however needed to function a response to the divisive nature of “The Final Jedi.” Setting all of that apart, these twentysomethings at the moment are going to be any new “Star Wars” films via a sure nostalgic lens. Simply as we should not choose the prequel period fandom, it feels mistaken to evaluate any reputable fandom that arises from inevitable sequel period nostalgia.

Disney scrapped a “Star Wars” film centered on Kylo Ren titled “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” Followers later campaigned to get it made, even going as far as to take out billboards. There are very actual, very devoted followers of the sequels and the characters on the heart of these films. Individuals love Rey. Individuals love Kylo Ren. Individuals love Finn.

“The Power Awakens” and the remainder of the sequel trilogy belong to a unique era. For filmmakers like Jon Favreau to harken again to them within the right here and now solely is smart. Sure followers will moan and groan about it, however we will not faux prefer it’s too quickly or completely out of bounds. It’s unavoidable. It’s future.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters on Could 22, 2026.