What It Means To Be a STAR WARS Nerd
Star Wars has been a worldwide phenomenon since it debuted in 1977. The franchise is widely credited with launching the age of the modern blockbuster and is directly responsible for the many cinematic universes we see in film today. Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012 breathed new life into the franchise after a disappointing prequel trilogy, and fans are excited to see what the future holds. But what does it mean to be a Star Wars fan? We came up with a few things most Star Wars fans do.
The Lightsaber
Every huge Star Wars fan has one. It may just be the one their mom bought them at Wal-mart when they were a kid or it may be a fancy Force FX replica. Either way, they own one and have at least considered wearing it in public. They battle with their friends, making the iconic humming and clashing noises as they fight. Super hardcore fans may know what their lightsaber color means, and perhaps even the eight different styles of lightsaber combat. Any way you slice it, a Star Wars fan will have a lightsaber.
The Merchandise
Next to the lightsaber, every good Star Wars fan needs a Star Wars t-shirt. Most likely, they own several, and wear them proudly. And the t-shirt is just the first piece of merchandise a Star Wars fan will own. Action figures, books, posters, prop replicas, costume replicas, Legos, bedsheets, breakfast cereals, and more will fill the home of a Star Wars fan. Every Star Wars fan loves their Star Wars merchandise.
The Prequels
Most Star Wars fans will agree that the original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) are the only “good” movies in the franchise. Many Star Wars fans were sorely disappointed with the prequels (Episodes I, II, and III). The prequels had some great action and cool special effects, but they had poorly written dialogue, little to no character development, and not enough practical effects. Just about every Star Wars fan has had multiple heated debates about just how bad the prequels were and where George Lucas went wrong. Despite those heated debates, a true Star Wars fan still knows the prequels inside and out and still loves to watch them.
A Family Affair
Star Wars is a unique franchise. It has captured three generations of fans: the generation raised on the original trilogy, the generation raised on the prequel trilogy, and the generation that will experience the new trilogy and stand-alone films. Parents love watching their kids fall in love with Star Wars almost as much as they love watching the films themselves. There are countless videos out there of parents and their kids enjoying Star Wars together, and no matter your age, Star Wars is magical. Just ask these kids...
Going Forward
Thanks to Disney, J.J. Abrams, and a successful Episode VII, Star Wars has a bright future. This December will bring Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to theaters, the first standalone film in the franchise. With a trilogy still awaiting completion, a Han Solo film, a quality TV series in Star Wars Rebels, and new comic books produced by Marvel, there is plenty for the true Star Wars fan to look forward to. What are your favorite things about being a Star Wars fan?
May the Force be with you.
By Jacob Gibb