Disney: The current state of the Star Wars standalone films
Photo Credit: [Solo: A Star Wars Story] Lucasfilm
Fans were unsure of what a new Han Solo would look like
Both hardcore and casual fans were apprehensive from the get-go, and many are remaining hesitant, even after the film’s release.
Couple the recasting of the most iconic smuggler in the galaxy with the real-world production issues associated with Solo and you get a perfect storm of fan reluctance with wind speeds rivaling those of the Kessel Run.
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Another factor to consider is the current state of Star Wars overall. Rogue One was the follow up to The Force Awakens, which was the first Star Wars film in ten years, smashed box office records, and received universal praise. It was also the first standalone Star Wars film not directly about the Skywalkers.
This piqued many fans’ interests. Solo, on the other hand, was the follow up to The Last Jedi, which, despite receiving acclaim from critics and also smashing it at the box office, deeply split the Star Wars fan base. Many fans even pledged to boycott Solo because of their hatred for The Last Jedi.
It isn’t that Rogue One is that much better than Solo. It’s that both films are products of circumstance. At the end of the day, I love both, and rank them as my two favorites of the Disney era Star Wars films.
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 13: STAR WARS fans attend the 40 Years of Star Wars panel during the 2017 Star Wars Celebrationat Orange County Convention Center on April 13, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Disney)
Next: Han Solo most memorable moments
Moral of the story is that the Star Wars ‘stories’ are alive and well, and have thus far been interesting, worthy entries in the galaxy far, far away. If you haven’t seen Solo yet, what are you waiting for?
Solo: A Star Wars Story is currently playing in theaters.