The Star Wars movies have entered many words, concepts and characters into the modern lexicon; wookiee, TIE fighter, Yoda, Jedi, Death Star, ewok and many, many others. The Star Wars movies are so prevalent in today’s society that they have penetrated all strata of our pop culture. The Star Wars universe is so vibrant and richly detailed that it is akin to a modern mythology, one to rival even Homer himself (ancient Greek poet, not bright yellow buffoon).
The utmost care has always been taken when creating any additions to the Star Wars galaxy. When Lucasfilm artists produce a new design, be it a different race or a new planet, everything associated is carefully thought through from the largest issues to the smallest minutiae. The love, care and attention to detail invested are some of the contributing factors to why the films are so successful and attract so many fans worldwide.
But we’re all aware what has come before, what is to follow? As we don’t yet know what we’ll get with the new Star Wars canon, what would we like to feast our eyes upon? Well, here is our list of the Top 5 Things We Want To See In The New Star Wars Trilogy.
5. New Vehicles
Star Wars can be characterised by many things, and one is certainly the plethora of amazing vehicles. They are so awesomely ‘alien’, in the truest sense of the word. None are like anything we have ever seen before and that is what makes them wonderous to behold. Some are space-based with A-Wings (pictured above), B-Wings, X-Wings, Y-Wings, Corellian Corvettes, ARC 170 Starfighters, Super Star Destroyers and, the greatest of them all, the Millenium Falcon. While some, on the other hand, such as AT-AT Walkers, AT-ST’s, AT-RT’s, Speeder Bikes, Land Speeders and Sand Crawlers are happier on the ground. Either way, what we want to see as viewers are some more exellently designed, interesting and fun craft of all shapes and sizes!
4. Monsters!
On every Star Wars planet exists many weird and wonderful beasts. As amazing to observe as they are, many will tear you to shreds as soon as look at you. Just take Jabba The Hutt’s snarling, dribbling Rancor (pictured above) or the vicious, horned and white-fur clad wampa on the ice planet Hoth. There are also creatures that are so dangerous that they are used as the main process of executing wayward citizens. These include the ancient and hazardous Sarlacc pit monster to the trio of bloodthirsty creatures in the Geonosian gladiatorial arena, the brutish Reek, the Acklay with its mantis-like appendages and the lithe, feline Nexu.
Conversely, some are much more placid and simply used to traverse the more inhospitable terrain of certain planets. One such example is Obi Wan’s veractyl, part bird, part lizard, from Episode II: Attack Of The Clones. Another is the shaggy, docile bantha used by the sand people or the storm trooper-ridden reptilian dewback both located on the dry, barren planet Tatooine.
In essence, Star Wars fans want to see more of these fantastic critters whether they are cuddly, small and furry or muscular, teeth-gnashing killing machines.
3. Lightsaber Duels
While I am a massive fan of the prequel trilogy, as well as the original films, there were some missteps (everybody remembers the travesty of Jar Jar!). One thing that they improved greatly however, that nobody could argue against, is the lightsaber battles. Be it Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gonn Jinn gallantly fighting against Darth Maul in Episode I: The Phantom Menace or Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith’s superb duel between an equally matched Yoda and Darth Sidious, the conflicts fizzle with kinetic energy. Could you give us more of them please?
2. Humour
One thing that was absent in the prequel trilogy, and that we all want to see return in the new Star Wars blockbusters, was a sense of humour. In the original trilogy the character of Han Solo acted as the comedy relief, albeit an incredibly cool one, being wry, knowing, sarcastic and charming in equal measure. Episodes I to III lacked their equivalent of this character and could be accused of being a tad po-faced as a consequence. When humour was attempted in the prequel movies it was the more slapstick antics of a one Jar Jar Binks, and that can be done without!
1. A Great Villain
The Star Wars films have always been a hive of scum and villainy. Collectively they contain the most fantastic selection of antagonists on the big screen. Let us look at the list; Darth Vader, IG-88, Bossk, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Maul, Count Dooku, Jango Fett and General Grievous, to name but a few. Some are exceptionally well known, while some not so, but all are beautifully realised. These films have a gigantic rogues gallery with some of sci-fi’s greatest ne’er-do-wells residing in the Star Wars universe. It’s an extremely hard act to follow, but as long as the latest adversary at the centre of the new trilogy is as good as previous miscreants, fans will not be disappointed. From the evidence of how popular the perma-masked, weapon-laden bounty hunter Boba Fett is, it’s evident that everyone loves a bad guy.
What do you want to see in the new Star Wars films?
