So I suppose this will pass as an unpopular opinion…
I really wish for the rumours regarding the sequels’ possible de-canonization to be true.
I know they most likely aren’t and even if they were, that scenario would come with its own set of problems. But then again leaving the canon as it is has its problems too and I’m not sure why should the fandom live forever after with the narrative choices made by JJ Abrams, Rian Johnson and Chris Terrio. I don’t even blame those guys, they are filmmakers and they are not expected to be super versed in the larger Star Wars lore – the story direction really should have been the responsibility of the Lucasfilm Story Group, who dropped the ball big time, in my opinion. This is not even limited to the sequels as I feel like the nu-EU often struggles with continuity issues to a much larger extent than the ‘Legends’ canon ever did. However, this issue seems to be most apparent with the sequel trilogy, as even the individual chapters don’t gel too well with each other, much less with the larger lore.
Sure, the sequels have made a lot of money, but they have also dealt significant damage to the brand going forward. The lead actors of the sequel trilogy – all of whom did a great job with the material, as far as I’m concerned – don’t seem to be too keen to reprise their roles in future projects and frankly, there doesn’t seem to be a huge demand for them to do so.
Although I feel figuring out a way to shift the sequel storyline to an alternate timeline would be a good call in the long-term, I don’t think Lucasfilm would dare going this way. It just wouldn’t be a great look for them, especially after they have been very reluctant to acknowledge any sequel criticism. They would also need to do right by the fans who genuinely enjoy the sequels. Some might also see this as tarnishing Carrie Fisher’s legacy, so an extraordinary amount of sensitivity would be required in order for this to work.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed, though. Recent success of the Mandalorian and the final season of Clone Wars has shown, that the notion that you just cannot satisfy the Star Wars fandom has been greatly exaggerated in recent years. The animated series, which make up a significant proportion of the current canon, have actually introduced some concepts that might make something like this possible. And what’s more, it seems like those concepts might be further explored in the Ahsoka show. Sure, Star Wars has a long history of retcons and revisiting established stories “from a certain point of view” and I’m absolutely certain we’ll get at least that when it comes to the sequels. But at the same time I feel like ironing out the confusing nature of the sequel politics or the details behind the supposed Palpatine family (and so much more) might require more than that.
I’m probably going to be in a minority on this issue, but hey, a man can dream, right? 😃
Son of Mortis said:
“The future by its nature can be changed.
Join me, and together we will destroy this emperor you see in your visions.”