Why The Sequel Films Work Better Together Than Fans Think

Reflecting on the series, it’s clear that these films carry complex legacies beyond just their storylines. They are deeply ingrained in popular culture, but sometimes, this image doesn’t align perfectly with the actual content. For instance, films like “The Return of the Jedi” and the Prequel Trilogy have maintained their appeal since release. However, “The Rise of Skywalker” has faced criticism in pop culture due to a persistent and erroneous myth. The film revises the events of its predecessor, “The Last Jedi.

Fans who grew up with the Star Wars universe can recall the initial criticism towards the Prequel Trilogy, but over time, it has been redefined by the younger generation it was intended for. The “new” Star Wars has been controversial since Luke Skywalker handed his lightsaber to show the Emperor’s failure as a Jedi like his father, but by the time Jar Jar Binks appeared on Naboo in Episode I, it had already become part of the “Holy Trilogy.” While it had flaws such as Boba Fett’s unfortunate demise and the Ewoks, they were quickly forgotten. Two decades later, and with additional context from The Clone Wars series, the Prequel Trilogy is more highly regarded than when fans created a documentary (The People vs. George Lucas) to criticize it. Therefore, the legacy of The Rise of Skywalker as a poorly made movie isn’t set in stone, and it makes sense given its history. The final episode in the Skywalker saga only resonates if viewers understand how it connects to The Last Jedi.

A Belief The Rise of Skywalker Retcons Episode VIII Hurts How Fans See the Film

The Movie Only Works If Viewers Understand How It Builds on The Last Jedi

Personally, I can’t forget the wave of anticipation and joy that swept through the Star Wars community when the latest installment dropped online. Rian Johnson’s sequel, The Last Jedi, stirred up intense debates across the entire Star Wars universe. Many fans were frustrated with how the movie handled Luke Skywalker, the overall legacy of our beloved characters, and the enigmas it left unresolved from its predecessor, like the identity of Supreme Leader Snoke. When The Rise of Skywalker was released two years later, there was a general expectation among fans who either adored or criticized Episode VIII, that this final chapter would aim to reverse the developments from that middle film.

It’s important to acknowledge that the debate surrounding the recent Star Wars films and series is often fueled by biased criticism from individuals who seem to dislike them without good reason. However, it doesn’t mean all criticisms are insincere or lacking merit. Even those involved in the production of these movies, like Rian Johnson, have their valid perspectives on the storytelling choices made. Similarly, fans who admired how Rian Johnson’s films disrupted the traditional Star Wars universe may genuinely feel that The Rise of Skywalker is a step backward. These preconceived opinions, whether sincere or not, can lead to misunderstandings about the intentions behind The Rise of Skywalker.

In simpler terms, it’s important to understand that everyone has their own unique perspective when it comes to appreciating Star Wars films. Whether a film is liked or disliked doesn’t change one’s status as a fan. However, debating whether the sequel films contradict each other can lead to misunderstandings about the storytelling intentions. The elements of The Last Jedi that aim to expand upon the narrative or build on its predecessors may not resonate if they are viewed as opposing each other, rather than complementing one another, which is more a matter of interpretation.

Three Key Elements in The Rise of Skywalker That Build on The Last Jedi

Reframing Rey’s Heritage, Kylo Ren’s Motivations and Luke Skywalker’s Return

In “The Rise of Skywalker,” it’s not a change or correction to what was previously established, but a continuation of the idea that Kylo Ren presented – Rey hearing the worst thing at that moment was her discovery of being related to Palpatine. For a year, she had come to terms with this truth, only to find out later that she is connected to the most evil entity in the galaxy. Star Wars often features ordinary individuals becoming heroes, and The Rise of Skywalker reinforces the concept that being a hero is about a commitment to the Light Side, not necessarily about one’s heritage. Rey’s decision to reject her bloodline and adopt the Skywalker name instead, symbolizing her chosen “found family,” is a significant moment in the story.

In a somewhat different wording: Critics often misunderstood the message in “The Last Jedi”, as fans argue that Luke’s statement about the importance of respect for a Jedi’s weapon was a direct criticism of the film. However, it was actually a joke, much like Yoda’s playful and whimsical nature as a Force Ghost. Luke, now at peace, underscores this point by emphasizing that the choice between light and dark is what truly defines a Jedi, suggesting that Rey, who grapples with her own inclination towards the Dark Side, ultimately chooses to be a hero. This perspective aligns with the themes presented in “The Last Jedi” rather than contradicting them.

Fans often argue that events such as Palpatine’s return and Kylo Ren’s mask reconstruction in ‘TRoS’ contradict the themes presented in ‘TLJ’. However, this is a significant misinterpretation of both films. While Kylo strives for control over his destiny, he remains manipulated by the forces of fascism. Palpatine’s return serves as a stark reminder that even a seemingly new tyrant is merely a reincarnation of the old oppressor. Wearing his mask again allows him to conceal not only his true identity but also the influence of the Light Side. When Han Solo dies, Ben Solo – or rather Kylo Ren – gains insight from this moment that aligns with what he and Rey experienced in ‘The Last Jedi’, echoing Luke Skywalker’s advice on Crait.

How The Rise of Skywalker Fits Into the Larger Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Even Without a Pre-Determined Plan, More Works Than Doesn’t In the Film

In “The Rise of Skywalker,” a controversial plot device was introduced that connected the films with the broader saga. This plot point, which has been criticized in the past, gained new significance when Palpatine explained that the power and essence of a Sith Lord are passed to their apprentice. This revelation changes our understanding of the Sith’s cycle of murder and betrayal as an ongoing pursuit of unlimited power. Instead of undermining Anakin Skywalker’s victory in “Return of the Jedi,” this twist strengthens the notion that the “Chosen One prophecy” was not what the heroes assumed it to be. Rey’s defeat of Palpatine echoes Mace Windu’s near-victory, as it was the Sith Lord’s Force Lightning that led to his downfall. It is important to remember that a Jedi uses the Force for defense and not attack.

Colin Trevorrow wrote The Duel of the Fates with Derek Connolly and left the film in September of 2017.
J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio had less than two years to rewrite the script and film the movie.

A common point of debate among fans about “The Rise of Skywalker” is the creation of the Final Order fleet at Exegol. Given the scenes depicting Palpatine surrounded by tens of thousands of Sith acolytes in an arena, it’s puzzling how this fleet was constructed, considering that in “The Last Jedi,” the Resistance found no help from the galaxy due to fear of the First Order’s power. The turning point occurs when Lando and Chewie arrive with the “Just People Fleet.” In the meeting prior to their mission on Exegol, Poe encourages the Resistance by saying, “People will fight if we lead them,” which is a direct continuation of his statement in Crait that the Resistance is “the spark that will light the fire” to “burn the First Order down.

In almost every aspect, the plotlines in “The Rise of Skywalker” echo ideas initially introduced in “The Last Jedi.” Much like Rian Johnson took the narrative in unexpected directions following “The Force Awakens,” this final installment attempts the same twist. Whether the movie succeeds in its endeavor depends on individual preferences. However, if viewers perceive it as a refutation of “The Last Jedi” rather than what it truly represents, those elements will not only fall flat, they’ll seem illogical. The notion that “The Rise of Skywalker” was designed to please those who disliked “The Last Jedi” is not merely incorrect; it destroys any opportunity for audiences to genuinely enjoy the film.

The Rise of Skywalker Suffers Only Because of the Star Wars Trilogy Structure

Episode XI Is a Film With (At Least) Two Movies’ Worth of Story to Tell

To be fair to devoted “Star Wars” enthusiasts, the last sequel movie faced numerous challenges during its production, including switches in directors, handling Carrie Fisher’s untimely death, and certain plot points in “The Rise of Skywalker” seemed to unfold without the typical build-up that fans are accustomed to. Despite the fact that similar circumstances occurred in the Original Trilogy, events just “occurred” in this film without the usual setup that Star Wars fans anticipate. The reappearance of Palpatine, for instance, lacks a proper explanation beyond a witty reference to the line about the Dark Side of the Force. Additionally, smaller aspects were sometimes misinterpreted or not fully understood.

The Rise of Skywalker Critical Scores
Aggregator	Score
Rotten Tomatoes Critics	51%
Rotten Tomatoes Users	86%
Metacritic Critics	53 (Mixed)
Metacritic Users	4.5 (Mixed)
IMDB Users	6.4/10
CinemaScore	B+

In her final moments, Leia rests with a cherished keepsake in her grasp. Maz Kanata didn’t award Chewbacca a medal following the Battle of Exegol since he hadn’t received one in “A New Hope”. Instead, she presented him with a valuable token that once belonged to his dearly departed comrades. The primary criticism of the Sequel Trilogy is not its departure from the traditional trilogy structure. However, had there been one or two more films, the characters’ development and connection to their past would have been more evident. Unfortunately, Finn’s Force sensitivity was left as a subtle hint, which some viewers failed to grasp due to their focus on surface-level events.

In her dying moments, Leia clutches a precious item; Maz Kanata didn’t honor Chewbacca with a medal after the Battle of Exegol because he hadn’t received one in “A New Hope”. Instead, she bestowed upon him a treasured memento from his late friends. Critics argue that the main flaw of the Sequel Trilogy was not its departure from the trilogy structure. However, if there had been one or two additional films, the characters’ growth and connection to their past would have been more apparent. Regrettably, Finn’s Force sensitivity was subtly suggested, causing some viewers to miss it due to their focus on surface-level details.

In a different phrasing, although some criticize the way The Rise of Skywalker told its story, nothing is more damaging to the film than assuming it rejects The Last Jedi. During scriptwriting, J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson met on multiple occasions with Christ Terrio. If viewers dismiss the notion that this movie attempts to overturn its predecessor’s narrative, they would recognize how the concepts and themes from The Last Jedi make The Rise of Skywalker stronger. Despite the challenges it faced during production, The Rise of Skywalker surprisingly turned out to be a much better movie than expected.

You can now own the Star Wars sequels, “The Last Jedi” (Episode VIII) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (Episode IX), on DVD, Blu-ray, digital format, or stream them along with the rest of the saga on Disney+.

2025-06-02 02:24