Seven years after its theatrical release, Lucasfilm is officially taking steps to rewrite elements of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*. This development isn’t just about moving the timeline forward, but actively addressing the substantial backlash that has plagued the film since its 2019 debut, often citing its reliance on unearned nostalgia and a plot that many fans found nonsensical.
The initial intention for *The Rise of Skywalker* was clear: it was meant to be the definitive conclusion to the Skywalker Saga, a sprawling narrative that began with *Episode I – The Phantom Menace*. The film’s narrative choices strongly supported this, from Emperor Palpatine’s controversial resurrection and his claim to embody all of the Sith, to the galaxy-altering stakes presented by his Final Order. Rey’s journey was framed as completing Anakin Skywalker’s original mission, becoming “all of the Jedi,” and ultimately adopting the Skywalker name, signaling an end to the generational conflict.
Even the final shot of the film, with Rey gazing at Tatooine’s twin suns, mirrored Luke Skywalker’s iconic moment in *A New Hope*, serving as a poignant, if controversial, bookend to the entire saga. However, the fan reception proved tumultuous, pushing Lucasfilm to seemingly reassess its approach to the future of the franchise.
Upcoming *Star Wars* projects are reportedly looking beyond *Episode IX*, both chronologically and thematically. While specific details remain under wraps, reports suggest that films like Shawn Levy’s *Starfighter* and a new trilogy in development by Simon Kinberg will navigate the *Star Wars* universe in ways that implicitly or explicitly adjust the established canon or provide alternative narratives that subtly retcon or downplay the events of *The Rise of Skywalker*. This isn’t necessarily a full-scale reboot, but rather a strategic expansion and reinterpretation that aims to restore coherence and fan enthusiasm.
Lucasfilm appears to be listening to its audience, acknowledging the desire for a *Star Wars* future that feels less beholden to a divisive conclusion. This ongoing reevaluation underscores the studio’s commitment to maintaining the saga’s legacy while also fostering new creative directions. Fans will be watching closely to see how these narrative adjustments play out on screen, hoping they lead to a more universally acclaimed chapter in the beloved galaxy far, far away.
