Why is Lucasfilm struggling to get people hyped for Solo: A Star Wars Story?
By Buckie Wells
In just a few short weeks, Lucasfilm will release its second standalone, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Unfortunately, not a lot of people appear to be excited.
For one reason or another, the mighty Lucasfilm, which was at the very top of its game after Star Wars: The Force Awakens released in 2015, has fallen. With The Force Awakens‘ success, the studio decided to release a new film every year, alternating between saga films and standalones.
Although it stumbled through the production of its first standalone, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Lucasfilm ultimately released a film that many fans enjoyed. Then, all eyes were on Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s release in 2017.
Now that that’s in our rearview mirror, it’s time to prepare for Solo: A Star Wars Story, which doesn’t appear to be getting the same amount of attention as any of the previous Star Wars releases. Though there are some clips being released and promotions, most of the conversation remains very critical of the film… that hasn’t even been released yet.
So, let’s break down three reasons why people may not be excited for Solo: A Star Wars Story.
1. Director problems
It’s not like anyone harbors any sort of extreme loyalty toward Phil Lord and Chris Miller. And yet, many people can’t seem to let go of the fact that Kathleen Kennedy fired them and subsequently replaced them with Ron Howard.
Recently, Hollywood gave us two really good examples of could happen when you give someone else creative control halfway through a film: Justice League and Rogue One. Obviously, one of those films turned out really well and the other didn’t.
If Solo is lucky, it will turn out just fine.
2. The aftermath of The Last Jedi
Even if you enjoyed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, don’t ignore the fact that it divided the fandom and didn’t perform as well as The Force Awakens.
For anyone who didn’t like it, The Last Jedi made it nearly impossible to trust Star Wars or enjoy the films for what they are. Before the film’s release, people had no reason to believe that Lucasfilm maybe didn’t really have a plan after all. Also, it made people question whether the aforementioned director firings or Rogue One reshoots were just symptoms of a much bigger problem.
So, some fans worry that Solo will be just as disappointing as The Last Jedi.
3. Han Solo
To be fair, it seems like Alden Ehrenreich is really committed to being the best Han Solo he can be, whether we like it or not. Sure, his hair looks weird and his expressions aren’t quite Harrison Ford-y enough. But it’s Lucasfilm’s fault for putting him in this position to begin with.
Before the press tour even begins, he has to hear about how much people want to see Lando Calrissian instead of him. For a film called Solo, it’s pretty sad that the titular character may be the one holding the film down.
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Are you excited for Solo? Let us know why or why not in the comments below! Solo: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on May 25.