Renowned filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has publicly dismissed any rumors regarding his potential involvement with the Star Wars franchise, emphasizing his disillusionment with the series since 1983’s ‘Return of the Jedi.’ During an appearance on Matt Belloni’s podcast, Villeneuve shared that he was once a fervent fan, captivated by the original films, especially ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ which he saw countless times. However, his love for the franchise waned as he felt it became formulaic and predictable after ‘Return of the Jedi.’ Villeneuve recounted his teenage frustrations over the film’s direction, notably the introduction of the Ewoks, which he felt shifted the tone to a more child-friendly comedy. He criticized the franchise for lacking surprises and becoming overly dogmatic in its storytelling. Despite acknowledging that Star Wars has faced ongoing criticism, he believes that the negative perception of ‘Return of the Jedi’ is unjust, especially when compared to subsequent films that failed to resonate with audiences. In contrast, some fans have embraced the prequel trilogy, finding a new appreciation for it in light of dissatisfaction with the latest Disney trilogy. This sentiment has been echoed by various figures, including Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker, and even George Lucas himself, who defended the prequels in a recent publication. Villeneuve’s reflections highlight a significant divide among Star Wars fans and invite a deeper discussion about the franchise’s evolution over the decades.
