Why Remaking the Original Star Wars Trilogy Is a Bad Idea: Reflecting on Mistakes and Fan Favs
Reflecting on the original Star Wars trilogy, one might wonder if it would be better to remake and adjust some of the seemingly glaring mistakes. However, diving into the specifics reveals why such a venture would not only fail to improve but potentially dilute the magic that has made the Star Wars saga beloved for generations.
Would Correcting the Mistakes Actually Improve Anything?
One of the most tempting corrections would be to clarify the relationship between Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, later revealed to be brother and sister. This unfortunate revelation has irked many fans, especially those who loved the potential romantic tension between the two characters. Yet, the truth is, the flawed plotlines of the Star Wars universe are precisely what fans adore. For instance, who hasn’t marveled at the sheer ingenuity of self-explanatory questions like, Why couldn’t Harry Potter just leap out of the window with his baby sister from the very start?
Embracing the Absurdities: Why the Clumsy Stormtrooper Dies Hard
The stormtrooper who hits his head on the door remains a fan favorite, with enough fans believing he is the same character who made an appearance in the prequels. George Lucas himself seemed to share this fondness, as evidenced by the inclusion of Jango Fett banging his head in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The moment was so memorable, it became a staple of fan culture.
Another beloved realm is the iconic battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ponda Baba in the Mos Espa cantina. The gruesome scene saw Obi-Wan strike and sever Ponda Baba's arm, leaving him with a visibly gaping wound. Instead of sanitizing the wound, with a neat cauterized cut, the filmmakers opted for a more visceral and real-looking injury. This choice served multiple purposes, one of which was to demonstrate Obi-Wan's prowess and the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that he was no petty criminal to be messed with.
The Flawed but Endearing Characters: Eschewing Greedo
Another mistake that received much criticism was the prequel to the duel between Han Solo and Greedo in The Empire Strikes Back. In the original release, Greedo shot first, which fans found disturbing. The argument goes that this made Greedo, a clearly armed and dangerous opponent, appear less of a threat. Similarly, Han Solo's swift and merciless action in eliminating Greedo was perceived as a moment of pure self-defense rather than a display of cruelty.
However, the reenactment of this scene in a fan favorite behind-the-scenes video “Han shot first” showcases how difficult it would be to recreate such a pivotal moment accurately. Tellingly, the filmmakers opted to retcon the scene in the theatrical restoration, with new and older fans alike questioning the original choice.
A Call for Ewok Costumes That Blink: Tiny Details that Make a Big Impact
For one minor but memorable detail, the inclusion of blinking Ewok costumes in the new theatrical edition is a small win for meticulous fan attention. A simple mechanism can bring to life the charming moments of the Ewoks, which are some of the most heartwarming and delightfully weird elements of Star Wars.
Embracing the Unchanged Original Trilogy
The argument for why anyone would want to remake the original trilogy is not to improve upon perfection but to fix mistakes that fans find glaring and inopportune. However, the fanbase, which spans multiple generations, has a consensus: the original trilogy, with all its flaws, is beloved for a reason. Attempts to remake the Star Wars saga would likely fall flat, much like the recurring argument over who truly shot first.
Instead of trying to correct every perceived flaw, the fan community would probably opt for the already restored theatrical editions. These editions seek to balance the tension between fan opinion and what was originally envisioned, offering a middle ground where the magic of Star Wars can continue to enchant new and old fans alike.