It seems that the Star Wars universe is no longer what it used to be, and its die-hard fans are not happy. The recent developments in the Disney+ series, “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” have caused quite a stir. Despite Disney CEO’s promise to focus more on entertainment than messaging, the franchise appears to be sinking further into controversy.
The new eight-part series has failed to impress fans. Many describe it as the lowest point for Disney, accusing them of ruining the foundational lore of the Star Wars saga.
Even those who praise the series acknowledge its politically correct undertones. Notably, top film critic Drew Taylor described it as “the gayest Star Wars yet by a considerable margin.”
Fanning the flames further was Episode 3’s storyline featuring a “coven of lesbian space witches.” This plot twist saw twins Mae and Osha conceived via the Force, without any male involvement.
This new direction has caused a divide among fans. One faction believes that Disney is compromising the original canon for diversity’s sake, while others see it as a refreshing update.
However, it’s clear that most Star Wars enthusiasts disapprove of these changes. The series received an 84% rating from critics but plummeted to a dismal 14% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes after over 10,000 reviews – marking a historic low for a Star Wars spin-off.
It’s important to note that the inclusion of gay relationships is not the issue here. The Disney+ Star Wars Series Andor, for instance, was a hit, despite featuring two female characters in a relationship. The problem with Acolyte lies in its principles, which many fans feel are obnoxious, stupid, and contrary to what the series originally represented.
Alan Ng, editor-in-chief of Film Threat, voiced his disappointment, saying, “I bought into this galaxy far, far away, and today I don’t recognize the place anymore.” Matt McGloin echoed this sentiment, arguing that “George Lucas should have never sold Star Wars.”
The series creator, Leslye Headland, has received significant criticism for her interpretation of the Star Wars canon. However, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy defended Headland’s approach, stating that “storytelling needs to be representative of all people.”
Christian Toto acknowledged there’s a part of the Star Wars fandom that remains highly suspicious of any new product. However, he noted that they often have a valid point given recent films and TV shows in the saga.
Meanwhile, Disney has found success elsewhere. “Inside Out 2,” a Pixar production has been warmly received. Garnering $155 million and rave reviews, it serves as a reminder that Disney can still produce content that appeals to both critics and fans without stirring up cultural controversies.=
Source: Steadfast Updates
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