Mock fallback summary. - **Discussion**: The podcast expresses critical views on Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise since their acquisition, suggesting that the quality and cultural significance have diminished drastically. The comparison to the vibrant fanfare surrounding the franchise in the 90s highlights the shrinking interest in contemporary Star Wars films. The speaker argues that Disney's commercial interests have overshadowed artistic integrity, culminating in a general apathy towards new releases. - **Context**: This matter is important as it reflects larger trends in media ownership and the potential risks of corporate interests overruling artistic vision. Many fans feel a sense of loss regarding a series that greatly influenced modern culture. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia - Star Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars) [Wikipedia - The Walt Disney Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walt_Disney_Company) [Variety - Disney's Star Wars Journey](https://variety.com/2019/film/news/disney-star-wars-1203314792/) - **Discussion**: The speaker contrasts the excitement surrounding the premiere of 'The Phantom Menace' with the current lack of engagement for new Star Wars releases, noting that audiences are no longer lining up or showing enthusiasm. This decline is indicative of a broader disenchantment with the franchise, which once captivated global audiences. The podcasts question if this shift is an outcome of poor decision-making in the creative direction under Disney’s regime. - **Context**: Understanding this decline is critical as it points to possible consequences for franchises that become solely profit-driven, risking the alienation of their core fanbase. The sentiment resonates with a broader audience who value both quality storytelling and cultural heritage. - **External Verification**: [Deadline - Star Wars Box Office](https://deadline.com/2021/05/star-wars-lucasfilm-disney-struggles-1234759823/) [The Atlantic - The Future of Star Wars](https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/12/rise-of-skywalker-movie-disney/609999/) [The Verge - Why Star Wars lost its way](https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21247645/star-wars-future-disney-transitions-rise-of-skywalker-narrative-structure) - **Discussion**: Concerns are raised regarding the film's title and content, indicating that it reflects a decline in creativity and vision. Critics argue that the film seems more tailored to merchandise and brand recognition rather than conveying a compelling story. The lack of audience turnout at early screenings highlights a further disconnect between the creators and the fans, with the film being perceived as merely another product rather than an artistic endeavor. - **Context**: This is significant as it raises questions about the future of storytelling within popular franchises, particularly when they prioritize merchandising over narrative depth. This shift in priorities could result in long-lasting effects on audience retention and engagement with beloved franchises. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia - The Mandalorian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mandalorian) [Screen Rant - The Mandalorian Review](https://screenrant.com/the-mandalorian-chapter-9-review/) [Variety - Movie Ratings and Audience Reactions](https://variety.com/review/tag/the-mandalorian/) - **Discussion**: Critics in the podcast argue that J.J. Abrams focuses on generating interest through the creation of mysteries without substantial resolutions. This method of storytelling is deemed lazy, drawing parallels to his work on 'Lost,' which famously created narratives packed with questions but ultimately failed to provide satisfying answers. This critique extends to the decisions made under the constraints of corporate pressures, pointing to a lack of coherent vision for the Star Wars saga. - **Context**: The validity of these critiques showcases ongoing debates within the filmmaking community about the balance between creative freedom and commercial viability. They illuminate how corporate structures can stifle innovative storytelling, affecting both filmmakers and audiences. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia - J.J. Abrams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._J._Abrams) [Collider - J.J. Abrams on Star Wars](https://collider.com/tag/jj-abrams/) [IndieWire - Star Wars and J.J. Abrams](https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/star-wars-jj-abrams-1201843934/) - **Discussion**: The podcast highlights a common view that Disney and J.J. Abrams misinterpreted the fan response to the prequels, leading them to create a trilogy that prioritized a predictable narrative structure over genuine creativity. This approach is seen as a reaction to perceived demands from fans for a 'stock adventure story,' which the speakers argue lacks artistic expression and results in a bland product. Additionally, the lack of coherent planning between filmmakers, specifically between J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson, is cited as a lack of a unifying vision necessary for a successful trilogy. - **Context**: This matters because it reflects broader trends in contemporary filmmaking where franchises prioritize known formulas over risk-taking in storytelling. By adhering too closely to audience expectations, filmmakers risk stagnating creativity, which can adversely affect the franchise's legacy. - **External Verification**: [Star_Wars_(film_series)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(film_series)) [The_Phantom_Menace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Episode_I_%E2%80%93_The_Phantom_Menace) [Disney's_transaction_with_Lucasfilm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney%E2%80%93Lucasfilm_merger) - **Discussion**: The podcast argues that even when George Lucas's prequels failed, they were the result of bold, creative choices. The speakers believe that film should reflect the distinctive artistic vision of its creators. In contrast, they argue that under Disney, Star Wars has suffered from a lack of creativity, resulting in 'generic and bland' films that do not engage the audience with innovative storytelling. The pressure to conform to nostalgic templates and avoid risks is seen as detrimental to the films' artistic integrity. - **Context**: This discussion ties into larger questions about the value of artistic vision versus commercial appeal in modern cinema. The critique implies a warning against prioritizing profitability over creativity—a trend that could undermine the future of beloved franchises. - **External Verification**: [George_Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lucas) [Craft_of_filmmaking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking) [Star_Wars:_The_Force_Awakens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Force_Awakens) - **Discussion**: The discussion reveals how Disney's use of 'The Volume'—a new film technology using LED screens for dynamic backgrounds—has fundamentally altered production methods. While it enhances certain aspects of visual fidelity, it has also led to limitations in spatial dynamics for actors and has been criticized for resulting in awkward staging. The speakers reflect on how this technique, while innovative, can sometimes constrain creativity, making scenes feel artificial or unconvincing compared to traditional filming methods. - **Context**: This topic is significant as it underscores the tension between technological advancement and narrative quality in film, particularly in high-profile franchises. The discussion raises questions about the efficacy of new technologies in enhancing storytelling versus their role in creating a more homogenized viewing experience. - **External Verification**: [Virtual_set](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_set) [The_Force_Awakens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Force_Awakens) [The_Mandalorian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mandalorian) - **Discussion**: The decision to create Galaxy's Edge, which includes attractions based on new characters from the sequel trilogy, reflects Disney's commitment to their new content. However, the fanbase did not embrace these new characters, leading to a backlash against the theme park's theme and design. Critics argue that the focus on new characters detracted from the legacy of the original films, causing disappointment among fans who desired continuity. Ultimately, the park's reliance on unpopular characters highlights a disconnect between Disney's vision and audience expectations. - **Context**: Galaxy's Edge represents Disney's broader strategy of expanding the Star Wars universe while also attempting to innovate. However, the lack of fan acceptance of the new characters and stories indicates a struggle within Disney to balance nostalgia with new narratives. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Galaxy%27s_Edge) - **Discussion**: Disney's Star Wars hotel aimed to create a unique experience by mirroring an immersive spaceship-like environment. However, the concept was criticized for being impractical, as guests were confined in a windowless building, leading to disinterest and ultimately the hotel's closure. This failure underscores the challenges Disney faces in trying to capitalize on the Star Wars brand with new formats that are not well-received by fans. - **Context**: The hotel's failure reflects a broader trend where Disney's attempts to expand the Star Wars franchise through new and unfamiliar concepts have not resonated with the core audience. It illustrates the difficulty of translating cinematic experiences into real-world attractions. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Hotel) - **Discussion**: During her exit interview, Kathleen Kennedy stated that the dissatisfaction stemmed from a small group of fans with high expectations who wished for continuity with the original series. This statement was met with criticism, as many fans felt that the direction of the franchise had strayed too far from the original vision. Kennedy's remarks underscore a perceived disconnect between Disney's leadership and the concerns of the fanbase, leading to ongoing debates about representation versus storytelling in the franchise. - **Context**: Kennedy's leadership of Lucasfilm has been marked by polarizing reactions from fans, highlighting the challenges of managing a legacy as beloved as Star Wars. The discussion of fan backlash showcases how shifts in storytelling strategies can lead to significant rifts within established fandoms. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Kennedy) - **Discussion**: The introduction of themes related to gender identity and diversity has sparked significant debate about its place in narratives traditionally celebrated for their escapism and artistry. Some fans feel that these themes, when overly emphasized, compromise the storytelling capabilities of the franchise, resulting in products that fail to meet the expectations of long-time fans. The discussion illustrates the tensions between creative expression and audience expectations in contemporary media. - **Context**: This criticism is part of a larger cultural conversation about representation in media, particularly in established franchises like Star Wars. As cultural norms evolve, the challenge for creators is to navigate the balance between relevance and preserving the core essence of beloved stories. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representation_in_media) - **Discussion**: The idea posits that storytelling should be an expression of the artist's unique perspective rather than a reflection of societal demands or popular trends. This notion champions the vision of creators like George Lucas, who built the original Star Wars saga. Discussions about artistic integrity challenge communal perspectives and focus more on individual storytelling, artistry, and the risks involved in veering off from that personal vision. - **Context**: Throughout the history of storytelling and art, there has always been a tension between audience expectations and artistic expression. This concept encourages a deeper dialogue about what constitutes meaningful and impactful storytelling in commercial media. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_integrity) - **Discussion**: As Disney continues to roll out new content at an accelerated rate, concerns emerge regarding the depth and quality of the storytelling being produced. Critics point to a perceived shift from meaningful narratives to a focus on merchandise and market saturation, directly impacting the legacy of the franchise. The overwhelming number of series and films, alongside a perceived lack of creative integrity, raises questions about the future viability of Star Wars as a cultural phenomenon. - **Context**: The future of the Star Wars franchise is pivotal not only for fans but for Disney, as it represents a significant part of their brand identity. As audience expectations evolve alongside the media landscape, preserving the essence of Star Wars while innovating remains a considerable challenge. - **External Verification**: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars#Future)

This Is How Disney Destroyed Star Wars | Ep. 1784

Topics

Disney's Acquisition of Star Wars

Decline of Audience Interest

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Critique of J.J. Abrams

Predictable Storytelling in Star Wars

Disney's Creative Decisions About Filmmaking

Technological Changes in Filmmaking

Disney's Galaxy's Edge Theme Park

The Closure of Star Wars Hotel

Kathleen Kennedy's Leadership and Fan Backlash

Criticism of Social Justice Themes in Star Wars

The Concept of Artistic Integrity

The Future of Star Wars Under Disney