Lucasfilm, under Disney’s ownership, has made several **controversial decisions** regarding the Star Wars franchise that have deeply divided fans and reshaped the saga’s legacy. These decisions span from creative choices in films and series to corporate mandates that altered George Lucas’s original vision.
One of the most contentious moves was Disney CEO Bob Iger’s rejection of George Lucas’s original sequel trilogy scripts after Disney acquired Lucasfilm. Lucas had personally overseen projects like *The Clone Wars* TV series, which Disney initially canceled despite Kathleen Kennedy’s efforts to keep it alive. Iger reportedly blocked further episodes and resisted reviving the show until Kennedy pushed for its return on Disney+. This demonstrated a clear shift away from Lucas’s prequel-era storytelling[1].
Iger’s influence extended to a broader corporate strategy aimed at moving the Star Wars brand away from the Skywalker family, which had been central to Lucas’s saga. This mandate led to creative decisions that many fans found controversial, such as Luke Skywalker’s portrayal as a disillusioned and failed mentor in *The Last Jedi*, the death of Han Solo, the sidelining of Leia Organa, and ultimately the decision to end the Skywalker bloodline by the conclusion of *The Rise of Skywalker*. These choices were seen by some as an attempt to erase Lucas’s legacy and replace it with Disney’s own version of Star Wars[1].
Another major controversy involved the cancellation of *The Hunt for Ben Solo*, a project that would have continued the story of Ben Solo (Kylo Ren) after *The Rise of Skywalker*. The film, reportedly developed with Adam Driver and director Steven Soderbergh, had a finished script and initial support from Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy. However, Disney executives, including Bob Iger, ultimately decided not to greenlight the project. This decision sparked a passionate fan movement, including protests and a fan-funded billboard campaign in Times Square, demanding the film’s production[3].
In addition to film and series controversies, Lucasfilm’s handling of beloved characters has also sparked debate. For example, Luke Skywalker’s final portrayal in the sequel trilogy remains divisive. While some fans hope for his redemption through future projects, many were disappointed by his characterization as a disheartened recluse who failed as a mentor. Mark Hamill’s Luke has since appeared in *The Mandalorian* as a Force ghost and mentor figure, but his on-screen future seems limited due to the actor’s age and the franchise’s direction[4].
The character Grogu, popularly known as “Baby Yoda,” has also been at the center of controversy. While *The Mandalorian* series featuring Grogu became a massive success, Lucasfilm’s decision to introduce a new partner for Din Djarin in the upcoming theatrical film *The Mandalorian & Grogu* has raised questions among fans about shifting focus away from the beloved character[5].
Even outside the main films and series, decisions like LEGO Star Wars renaming the iconic Death Star to “The Battle Ball” in a parody special caused backlash. Fans felt this change diminished the symbolic weight of one of the franchise’s most powerful and recognizable elements, sparking social media criticism for being unnecessary and disrespectful to the legacy[2].
Overall, these controversies reflect a tension between honoring George Lucas’s original vision and Disney’s efforts to evolve the franchise for new audiences. The corporate desire to redefine Star Wars has led to creative risks and decisions that continue to provoke strong reactions from the fanbase, illustrating the challenges of managing a beloved and culturally significant saga in a changing entertainment landscape.
