It's easier to move on from people and situations we've outgrown than to try to change them.
The same logic can be applied to Star Wars, which suddenly seems too childish for some fans who grew up with it. Just because certain fans need foul language, graphic content, and sex to feel like they're watching something for grown-ups, doesn't mean Star Wars has to change to please them.
George Lucas has repeatedly gone on record and said Star Wars was always meant for children. He wanted to create a story that inspires kids, gives them hope, and shows them how to face life. That's why Luke Skywalker and Anakin Skywalker were so young, and had to face the harsh realities of life such as loss, betrayal, family, duty, and choices we all have to struggle with. Star Wars taught us it's possible to navigate these challenges, and love and hope will always prevail, despite the temptations we may encounter.
Although George sold Star Wars over a decade ago, and it's developed beyond anything fans could've imagined back then, it remains family-friendly. Despite that, the franchise has always tackled dark themes, and the prequels, and even recent shows, are full of shocking and unsettling scenes. From various sequences depicting the extent of the Empire's torture tactics to Anakin's slaughter of the younglings, and even a funny scene where a stormtrooper punches Grogu, Star Wars can show the darker realities of the galaxy far away without crossing the line.
What makes Star Wars great is how much is implied instead of explicitly stated. We know Anakin slaughtered the younglings, even if we haven't watched him slashing them all to pieces. We know the full extent of Darth Vader's brutality from a single Force choke, and we're all capable of understanding what happened to everyone on Alderaan when the Death Star blew up their planet.
Tony Gilroy toyed with using the F-bomb during Maarva Andor's monologue in the finale of Andor Season 1 but ultimately decided against it. In hindsight, it was a better decision, because if Maarva had said it, that word would've stolen her thunder. She got her point across just fine without using foul language, and we remember Andor for its sophisticated, well-written monologues. If you need foul language to convey a message, how is Star Wars different from our world?
As for sex, Anakin and Padme ended up being the most tragic Star Wars couple without it, and we still enjoyed Han and Leia's chemistry even though they're never intimate beyond kisses and hugs. Some things are better left to the imagination, and that's where fanfiction writers come in handy. Sure, love should continue to be an important element in Star Wars. All our favorite ships deserve at least one kiss, but let's keep it at just that.
Many of us became Star Wars fans as kids, and the elements that drew us into this magical world had nothing to do with an R-rating. Imagine if Star Wars makes an R-rated trilogy and a bunch of kids want to watch it because it's Star Wars, but they can't. Would it be right for them to feel left out of a franchise they follow religiously, just because they're not old enough to watch R-rated Star Wars? The idea makes no sense, and R-rated projects defeat the purpose of Star Wars altogether. It's not something George Lucas would've done or something the franchise needs.
Star Wars is doing just fine without blood, gore, and explicit language. It's great to have something to watch with the whole family. Star Wars can continue to grow and cater to all tastes by exploring different genres, which is exactly what it's doing right now. From Andor to The Acolyte, to The Mandalorian, and various animated series, Star Wars has something for everyone, and the lack of R-rated projects hasn't stopped shows such as Andor and The Mandalorian from being showered with multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards nominations.
While it's my personal preference for Star Wars to remain family-friendly, the final decision lies with Lucasfilm and Disney. With so much happening behind the scenes at Lucasfilm, there's a good chance we'll eventually see R-rated projects set in the Star Wars galaxy. However, the franchise doesn't need them to survive and thrive, and it's doing fine without them.
Watch all your favorite Star Wars stories exclusively on Disney+.