A New Era for Star Wars Fans

Being a Star Wars fan is a unique experience at this moment. Within a single 24-hour period, we were treated to a trailer for one of the franchise’s most exciting properties, received news of a nostalgic look back at the past, and faced the possibility of the person leading the franchise stepping down. This comes at a time when there is only one new show, Andor, and one new movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, on the horizon, both of which are sandwiched between stories whose beginnings and endings we already know. So, what does the future hold, and where is the sense of wonder?

We do not have the answers to these questions, but we know where to find them: Star Wars Celebration. Since 1999, Star Wars Celebration has been the ultimate destination for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. From Denver to Tokyo, Anaheim to Chicago, and London, Celebration has traveled the world, serving as a beacon for fans to revel in the past, present, and future of the franchise. This year’s convention will take place in Japan from April 18-20 and already has a strong lineup for the past and present. Within a week of the convention, Lucasfilm is set to re-release Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for its 20th anniversary, as well as the second season of Andor on Disney+. Both are expected to play significant roles at the event.

However, while the past and present are well-represented, fans do not attend conventions to experience something they can have at home a few days later. They go to be amazed, to feel special, and to get their money’s worth. It is here that Star Wars Celebration must deliver, as the franchise’s future is uncertain, and it is unclear if anyone has a clear vision for it.

In recent years, the best Star Wars stories have been on television, including animated series like Bad Batch and Visions, as well as live-action shows like The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew. However, Bad Batch has concluded, The Acolyte was canceled, and while more Visions episodes are likely, that is not enough. The question remains: where is the second season announcement for Skeleton Crew, and when can we expect Ahsoka season two? Is there anything to genuinely look forward to in Star Wars‘ most prominent modern medium?

Regarding the movies, the situation is even more challenging. At the last Star Wars Celebration in London, Lucasfilm attempted to address this issue by introducing three filmmakers (James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy) with distinct Star Wars movie projects on the horizon. Although this was exciting and bold, nearly two years have passed, and little has changed.

The Obaid-Chinoy Rey film might still be happening soon, but the public and tumultuous process of finding a writer does not inspire confidence. Mangold’s idea about the birth of the Jedi is fascinating, but he has other projects, including a recent, not-so-great experience with modern Lucasfilm fans. Filoni, meanwhile, has the Mando movie and Ahsoka on his plate, making it uncertain if his Shadows of the Empire movie will happen before the end of the decade.

In the meantime, we did learn about The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, which is somewhat exciting, but after the initial excitement, it’s unclear why this story needs to be on the big screen rather than being two episodes of a show we can watch from home. Perhaps Celebration can provide an explanation. However, even if the story is everything Star Wars should be, it will be challenging to make fans feel like it’s more than just an easy cash grab – a TV show turned into a movie because it’s a proven quantity, and Star Wars needs a win after not releasing a movie in six years.

Other mediums, such as comics, books, video games, and toys, are always great places to find new and fun Star Wars stories, and these will surely be on display at Celebration. However, the franchise’s heart beats on the screen, and we hope Celebration can provide concrete news about what we have to look forward to.

On the other hand, arbitrary dates set for a convention two years in advance should not dictate the creative process. If a Rey movie is not closer to being made, let the fans know. If James Mangold is going to make a Swamp Thing movie for DC before doing anything Star Wars, inform the fans. Do not force things; be open, honest, and rebellious. Perhaps having a convention will prompt Star Wars creators to prepare and share a clear vision for the future, telling fans, “We know you love this franchise, and here’s how you’ll continue loving it.”

HAVING attended most Star Wars Celebrations since 2002, I have usually left excited about the future of Star Wars. This is because, at almost all of those events, there were projects on the horizon that I could look forward to. I still remember hearing “Chewie, we’re home” in a stadium full of cheering fans, seeing “The Rise of Skywalker” appear for the first time, and feeling the buzz of those moments reverberate across the convention centers.

Will this happen in Japan this April? We do not know. But here’s the good news: if it does, you will be the first to know. Io9 will be in Japan for Star Wars Celebration, hopefully witnessing the unveiling of an exciting and clear future for Star Wars.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.