The official word dropped from Walt Disney Pictures on Thursday that the title of the new Star Wars film will be The Force Awakens. It doesn’t take much chum to get Star Wars nerds chomping with speculation. So what do these three little words mean?
This marks the first time that the Force has been referenced in a film title. How significant is that? What is the Force awakening from? Has it been somehow subdued in the wake of Return of the Jedi? If so, by what, or whom?
As a fan of the original trilogy who tolerates the prequel films as canon, I have always found the prospect of Episode VII dubious. Do I want another Star Wars film, let alone the five to follow in as many years? Of course. Who doesn’t? However, as a fan, it’s difficult to see where the narrative of this saga goes after the events of Return of the Jedi.
The first six films relate the tale of Anakin Skywalker and his fulfillment of an ancient Jedi prophecy regarding the balance of the Force. Ostensibly, when Anakin emerges from the vestige of Darth Vader and destroys his Sith master at Jedi’s end, that prophecy stands fulfilled and balance has been restored.
Where do you go from there? That’s the question which haunts Disney’s effort. If, in the interest of expanding this mythology for new films, it is revealed that Anakin’s sacrifice was somehow inadequate, that will seriously undermine the gravity of his narrative and cheapen his redemption. That could be too high a price to pay for more Star Wars.
We’re probably six months out from the first trailer. Until then, these three little words will have to suffice as fodder for speculation.
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