Why Lucasfilm Decided to End the Skywalker Saga

Lucasfilm's decision to end what they dubbed the 'Skywalker Saga' is a multifaceted move that touches on marketing, storytelling, and audience expectations. This piece will delve into the reasons behind this decision and the implications for the future of the Star Wars franchise.

Marketing Gimmick?

The end of the 'Skywalker Saga' has been interpreted by many, including those who call themselves 'KaKens,' as a marketing strategy. Critics argue that this narrative is a way to tie ?Rise of Skywalker“ back to the original films and prequels, which some, like director JJ Abrams, seemed to have shown less enthusiasm for.

Marketers often use such strategies to create a sense of continuity and coherence across various films, making the preceding storyline seem more integral than it might have been originally. For instance, the 'Skywalker Saga' label is not just a historical label for the sequence involving the original characters; it's a marketing tool to create a cohesive narrative arc.

However, the term is somewhat misleading because many of the "Skywalker" characters, such as Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) and his offspring, are dead, which makes continuing the story within this framework problematic. The point is, declaring the end of the 'Skywalker Saga' doesn't signal the end of Star Wars as a franchise but merely ends one narrative arc.

A New Beginning?

While the 'Skywalker Saga' is seen as over, the franchise is far from over. Instead, it’s about shifting focus to new narratives. Lucasfilm can continue to explore the Star Wars universe without adhering to the strict storyline that the 'Skywalker Saga' represented. This new phase could involve different characters, new locations, and perhaps even a different tone and approach to storytelling.

The title of the upcoming Rey-centric film might be the tenth in the official series, or it might not be. The same is true for the upcoming films; they can be called anything they want, including revisiting the Skywalker storyline. Disney has not committed to a fixed timeline or continuity, maintaining the flexibility to adapt to market demands.

Personal Perspectives and Official Canon

One often overlooked aspect is the fluid nature of the official canon in Star Wars. Many fans can choose to accept or ignore the "official" canon as defined by Lucasfilm and Disney. There is a strong belief among some that the original trilogy is the only true representation of Star Wars, and that subsequent films and television series should not be taken as canon.

Disney and Lucasfilm have, to some extent, embraced this idea by allowing for multiple interpretations and telling different versions of the story. This flexibility in the canon means that while they can declare something the "end," it doesn't have to be seen as the final word for their fans.

For instance, if the new films do not resonate well with audiences, there is always the potential to revisit the original canon. This flexibility allows for the franchise to evolve and adapt over time, catering to the changing tastes and preferences of their audience.