J.J. Abrams believes that each and every opinion a fan or critic has on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is valid and right in his eyes.
There’s no doubt that The Rise of Skywalker is one of the divisive and critically maligned films in the Star Wars franchise, with fans and critics both mocking the films for its various choices. However, J.J. Abrams has no interest in fighting against fans or critics. In fact, J.J. Abrams is more than aware of whatever criticism you and your friends have on the latest Star Wars film and he believes there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have it.
During a post Q&A screening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Vanity Fair was on hand to hear what J.J. Abrams had to say when he was asked what he would say to someone who was unhappy over the final film in the Skywalker saga.
“No, I would say that they’re right. The people who love it more than anything are also right. There is an MO of either: ‘It’s exactly as I see it, or you’re my enemy. It’s a crazy thing that there’s such a norm that seems to be void of nuance and compassion — and this is not [a phenomenon] about Star Wars, this is about everything.”
Just before the Q and A, J.J. Abrams was in another country continuing the grueling press tour for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, where he was asked by someone how he went about pleasing everyone in wake of the mixed reviews. He recounted the answer he gave previously by saying that wasn’t his goal going into the second Star Wars film he directed.
“I was asked just seven hours ago in another country, ‘So how do you go about pleasing everyone?’ I was like’ What…?’ Not to say that that’s what anyone should try to do anyway, but how would one go about it? Especially with Star Wars. We knew starting this that any decision we made — a design decision, a musical decision, a narrative decision — would please someone and infuriate someone else. And they’re all right.”
As cliche as it is to suggest, Star Wars is more than a franchise in our cultural zeitgeist. J.J. Abrams is proving to be a class-act when it comes to responding to the criticisms many have towards The Rise of Skywalker. Whilst sticking to his guns, J.J. Abrams is also embracing the position that he’s in by not fighting fans or critics on the reception his film has been getting.
Did you enjoy how J.J. Abrams closed out the Skywalker saga with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Comment below and let us know!
Here is the synopsis for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:
Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, and Billy Dee Williams. Carrie Fisher will appear as General Leia Organa through the use of previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is now playing in theaters.
Source: Vanity Fair