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The Evolution of Star Wars: 1977, 1986, and 1999

Melvin Blair

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Published in Star Wars (1977 1986) #19 Casey Watkins

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Star Wars is one of the most popular and iconic film franchises of all time. It has spawned a vast array of merchandise, including toys, games, books, comics, and even a television series. But how has the franchise evolved over the years?

Star Wars (1977-1986) #19

by Casey Watkins

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	70696 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	18 pages

In this article, we'll take a look at the original trilogy (1977-1983),the prequels (1999-2005),and the sequels (2015-2019) and see how they compare.

The Original Trilogy

The original Star Wars trilogy, consisting of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977),The Empire Strikes Back (1980),and Return of the Jedi (1983),was a groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking. It introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away, filled with unforgettable characters, thrilling action sequences, and a timeless story of good vs. evil.

The original trilogy was directed by George Lucas, who created the Star Wars universe. Lucas was inspired by a variety of sources, including classic samurai films, Westerns, and science fiction serials.

The original trilogy stars Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, and Kenny Baker as R2-D2. The films also feature iconic villains such as Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Jabba the Hutt.

The original trilogy was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2 billion worldwide. It won numerous awards, including six Academy Awards.

The Prequels

The Star Wars prequels, consisting of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999),Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002),and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005),were a controversial addition to the franchise.

The prequels were directed by George Lucas, who returned to the helm after a 16-year absence. Lucas used the prequels to tell the backstory of the original trilogy characters, exploring their origins and motivations.

The prequels stars Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala, Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine, and Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu. The films also feature new characters such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Count Dooku, and General Grievous.

The prequels were met with mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised the films for their visuals, action sequences, and performances, while others criticized them for their convoluted plots, wooden dialogue, and overuse of CGI.

Despite the mixed reviews, the prequels were a commercial success, grossing over $2.4 billion worldwide.

The Sequels

The Star Wars sequels, consisting of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015),Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017),and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019),were a return to form for the franchise.

The sequels were directed by J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, and Colin Trevorrow. The films tell the story of a new generation of heroes, including Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, as they fight against the First Order, a new threat to the galaxy.

The sequels starDaisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, and Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa. The films also feature new characters such as BB-8, Captain Phasma, and Hux.

The sequels were met with mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised the films for their action sequences, performances, and nostalgia, while others criticized them for their unoriginality, lack of character development, and convoluted plots.

Despite the mixed reviews, the sequels were a commercial success, grossing over $4.5 billion worldwide.

Star Wars has evolved significantly over the years, from the original trilogy to the prequels to the sequels. Each trilogy has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, but all three have contributed to the franchise's enduring popularity.

What's next for Star Wars? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the galaxy far, far away will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.

Star Wars (1977-1986) #19

by Casey Watkins

5 out of 5