When Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters in less than three weeks’ time, it will conclude over forty years of Star Wars storytelling. “It was originally designed to be a modern fairy tale,” George Lucas tells us. But it became much more than that. It evolved into something else, something special to millions of fans world-wide, and defined not one but multiple generations. Lucasfilm is now tugging at all our heartstrings with an emotional new Rise of Skywalker featurette, which you can watch above.
Star Wars was an enigma when it premiered in 1977. There had been nothing like it ever before. What followed was, in a word, magical. A single film spawned a multi-billion dollar industry spanning films, television, merchandise and more. The Rise of Skywalker featurette dives into the phenomenon that is Star Wars and why it’s resonated for so long. It also makes it clear why we finally have a live-action television series in The Mandalorian. What’s surprising is that it took this long.
Rise of Skywalker featurette gets to the heart of Star Wars
I had my doubts about whether or not another Star Wars would work…. But I now get that phrase ‘thank you for my childhood.’ Because it’s something that people carry with them now, for ever and ever and ever.”
~ Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
That much is more than evident when you look at how fans have reacted to the modern era of the franchise. The Last Jedi divided a devoted fan base, illustrating the near rabid passion Star Wars fans have for their beloved franchise. The Rise of Skywalker featurette uses the stars’ own words to further demonstrate the effect Star Wars has had. “I feel honored that I’ve been allowed to continue the journey,” says Daisy Ridley. She of course, portrays Rey, the focal character of the sequel trilogy.
“If you’re a kid watching this a hundred years from now…. You see this inevitability, this story conclude in a way that feels thrilling, and shocking, and funny, and emotional, and satisfying.”
~JJ Abrams
Let’s hope so.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters December 20.
