Geeks’ Boutique Article
On Friday July 27th, the Star Wars Show, Lucasfilm’s official YouTube Channel for everything Star Wars, broke the news about casting decisions for episode #9.[1]
As expected, we will see the return of Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.
New additions to the cast include Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell.
Legacy character roles will be reprised by Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams. Previously unused footage of the late Carrie Fisher from prior Star Wars installments will be used to bring the plucky princess back to the big screen for one last hurrah!
The much-maligned Episode #8, titled The Last Jedi, has left an enormous fissure within the old-school fan base —one so huge that long-time fanboys and fangirls speculate can never be mended. Disney has since attempted to repair the damage to the new series by deflecting fan enmity, claiming ineffective marketing and blaming internet ratings shenanigans.[2]
Glaringly obvious (though not unexpected) is the absence of Harrison Ford, whose character Han Solo died in Episode #7, titled The Force Awakens. Ford initially pled with George Lucas to have Solo killed in the 1983 episode Return of the Jedi and has maintained that opinion throughout the years.[3]
The A-List actor has long opined that a Han Solo death would strengthen the character’s legacy, not diminish it. Despite Solo’s exit in Episode #7, many Star Wars fans have remained hopeful that the veteran actor will yet again reprise his role.
Also evident is the absence of Andy Serkis and Gwendoline Christie precluding further involvement of the characters Snoke and Phasma. Fans were initially excited by their introduction in Episode #7 and were hopeful for a continuation of their arcs in Episode #8.
Unfortunately, their seemingly quick and useless deaths in Episode #8, lack of on-screen exposition and history, and under-utilization of established arcs have left a foul taste for many of us who were expecting much, much more.[4]
The re-introduction of the character Rose Tico (initially played by Kelly Marie Tran in episode #8) will most likely bring about another salvo of fan gnashing and grinding of teeth. While her character is not particularly controversial (just a byproduct of bad writing), she is regarded by many “fan-dissidents” as emblematic of Disney’s failure in Episode #8.[5]
Despite these glaring problems, the addition of Lando Calrissian (to be reprised by Billy Dee Williams) appears to be a step in the right direction, since a large number of fans lamented his absence in Episodes #7 and 8.[6]
However, some may counter that this is too little, too late.
Previously unused footage of Carrie Fisher is being utilized for Princess Leia’s last onscreen depiction, giving us hope that Episode #9 will allow the character to have a proper send-off. Lucasfilm representatives have stated repeatedly that Episode #9 was to be “Leia’s episode.”[7]
The death and portrayal of Luke Skywalker in Episode #8 was perhaps the most inflammatory focus for fan anger. Mark Hamill’s inclusion on the newly revealed cast-list gives many fans hope that a more appropriate treatment will be given to this incredibly important legacy character.[8]
With the introduction of the greatly scorned Episode #8, and the recent box office failure of Han Solo: A Star Wars Story (Solo), the longevity and future of the cultural tour de force that is Star Wars hangs delicately in the balance.
Disney’s response to the dismal box office numbers of Solo, by postponing all work on future stand-alone films, may indicate some misguided perceptions inside the mouse house.[9] Especially since (members of the Geeks’ Boutique crew adamantly agree) Solo was a resounding Star Wars movie success.
JJ Abrams and Lucasfilm now have the onerous task of getting this massive derailment back on track.
The epicenter of their most important decision is: Do we follow the new “Star Wars” paradigm, or do we recapture the great legacy that George Lucas began in 1977?—the former having the capacity to further the fan divide, while the latter could potentially reunify one of the largest fanbases in movie making history.
This is a tall order, as many old-school Star Wars fans have felt completely alienated from this beloved movie franchise. Will super fan JJ be up to the task?
Shooting begins on August 1st, 2018 at London’s Pinewood Studios.
Scott Dills
Geeks’ Boutique Production Manager, staff writer, and mega-mega-mega Star Wars lover.