The next installment in the iconic series is without a doubt one of the most anticipated sequels of the 2015 season. With the likes of “Batman vs. Superman” and “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” being released the same year, 2015 is shaping up to be a huge smash at the Worldwide box office.
At the moment, little to nothing is confirmed about the sequel to 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Rumors have been floating around quite frequently about who and what will actually be featured within the movie. So Disney, take note, as these are my ideas for what should be done with the film.
1.Reintroduce ghost forms of original / prequel series characters.
The original Star Wars trilogy featured several notable force ghosts, such as Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi, Frank Oz’s Yoda, and both versions of Anakin Skywalker. Of course, seeing as how this may contribute to the overall films plot featuring the rebuilding of the Jedi Order, a few force ghosts can really fit well into the sequel trilogy.
Personally, I would like to see the return of Ewan McGregor as a younger version of Obi-Wan Kenobi since the late Alec Guinness is now deceased. More or less he was one of the best parts of the prequel series and would be a great addition to the cast, especially coming off of the popularity of the Clone Wars. This may even help tie both old and new-coming fans together when seeing him on the big screen.
2.Make the Galaxy larger.
The Star Wars universe is a vast place. There are many places which can be featured from the Expanded Universe. It would be beneficial for them to translate these places to the big screen, as well as add to their ever growing library of environments. This will not only contribute to the spectacle, but it also enlarges the scope of potential sequels. Personally, I would include some places seen within the animated television series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.
3.Beef up the roles of C-3PO and R2-D2.
The story of the Star Wars movies is viewed from the eye of the iconic duo R2-D2 and C-3PO. It would be ridiculous to not see their return in any Star Wars film as they contribute to moderate comic relief. As the two longest running characters of the Star Wars film series, this is an absolute no brainer.
As for beefing up their roles, they should play a moderately important part in the overall plot of Episode 7. If it involves R2-D2 saving the day and / or saving another characters life, or C-3PO wrongly translating a vital piece of information and getting other characters stuck in some sort of peril, I’m all for it. Just as long as it makes sense and doesn’t feel forced it will be welcomed by the audience.
4.Kill off one of the big three.
That’s right. Just as one of the main characters from “A New Hope” bit the dust during the showdown between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. This will give the film significance and forgive me for saying this – a “dark” tone. Let them know that no one is truly untouchable, no matter how iconic or how beloved they are by fans of all ages. Just be sure to make this death significant and truly emotional, and be sure to make it give lasting repercussions on the Star Wars universe.
Make it Similar to Qui-Gon Jinn's death at the end of The Phantom Menace. The repercussions to that singular event was felt as far back as the climax especially considering how early in Obi-Wan's Jedi career he had to mentor young padawon Anakin Skywalker. Just this time make it a character we already care about, not one we barely had the chance to become attached to.
5. Introduce Grand Admiral Thrawn as the main villain for the entire sequel trilogy.
Following the end of the Emperor's reign on the galaxy, someone has to step up. Right? In the expanded universe, following the Emperor's demise the empire was left in complete disarray. Splinter groups were formed since many people tried to step up and fill the void. It was none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn who united their remaining forces to fight the recently founded New Republic.
Introducing this character is a no-brainer. He is as menacing and diabolical as the Emperor himself. This opens the possibility to take inspiration from several notable Expanded Universe story lines. Perhaps Disney can take this route to introduce the Yuuzhan Vong, as the Chiss knew of them long before the Republic or Empire. Perhaps, maybe, alluding to a whole new trilogy at the same time.