J.J. Abrams Hears and Understands The Fans' Criticisms Regarding STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Even before Rian Johnson pissed fans off with Star Wars: The Last Jedi, there were fans that also weren’t happy with how J.J. Abrams handled certain aspects of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Four years after the film was released, Abrams addresses those fans who criticized the movie.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Abrams opened up about the complaints surrounding the film saying he hears and understands the criticisms. He also explains what he was trying to do with the story and how it wasn’t about a nostalgic play:

"I completely get the criticism, and for those who found it too much of an overlap, I say, 'I totally hear you and respect the review.’ But the idea was to continue the story and to begin with this young woman who felt like Luke Skywalker was a myth. And to tell a story that was not just history repeating itself, but a story that embraced the movies that we know as the actual history of this galaxy. So that they are still living in a place where there is good versus evil, they’re still living in the shadow of what has come before, still grappling with the sins of the father and the people who have preceded them. This was not about a nostalgia play. It felt, to me, like a way of saying, 'Let’s go back to a Star Wars that we know, so we can tell another story.'”

During the interview, it’s brought up that some of the older fans didn’t like the fact that the movie didn’t revolve around Luke, Han, and Leia. In regards to that, Abrams said:

"It certainly could have been their story. But it felt like the way to use them was to be in support of a new story. The great thing about Star Wars fans is they care so much. And even those who are the most cynical or the most negative are still people who, for the most part, embrace what’s being done, even just as fodder for debate. All I can say is that the main characters in this trilogy felt naturally connected to those characters that came before."

While I love the new Star Wars films that have been made, I admit that they are far from perfect and there are aspects of the story and characters that could have been handled better. But, as a fan, I’m just enjoying the ride! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the ride. In the end, there’s no doubt that there will be fans who won’t like what he does with The Rise of Skywalker. It just comes with the territory for these movies.

What are your thoughts on The Force Awakens, do you think it was too much like A New Hope? What are your thoughts on Abrams‘ comments here?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters on December 20th.