tech

The Mandalorian and Grogu shows Star Wars is a cursed franchise

As a standalone, the new adventure is perfectly fine matinee fodder – but the galaxy is now so congested that we seem doomed to shiny retreads of the same old story

The Mandalorian and Grogu shows Star Wars is a cursed franchise

TL;DR

  • Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm led to a string of commercially successful Star Wars films and Disney+ series.
  • Despite financial success, critical reception to new Star Wars content, including The Mandalorian and Grogu, often points to a lack of originality and formulaic storytelling.
  • The franchise faces a dilemma where audiences desire both nostalgia and innovation, leading to divisive reactions like those seen with The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
  • The original Star Wars trilogy succeeded partly because it told a complete story, whereas subsequent installments have undone previous victories, creating a sense of stagnation.
  • Even shows that started with fresh concepts, like The Mandalorian, can get caught in the franchise's need for legacy elements and interconnectedness.