User:BrawnerWilliam/Episode VII: Suggestions

I'm no expert on Star Wars, but I'm a fan of the series, and like many others, I was thrilled to find out that Disney will continue the franchise with three more episodes. Even if they are a horrible failure, these new installments will not shake my support in the original trilogy. But I believe it's possible for this trilogy to outshine both the originals and the prequels. Here are a few simple suggestions:

'''1. Bring back Harrison Ford.  2. Write an original story.''' 3. Include a female protagonist. 4. Feature at least one world-famous actor. 5. Steer clear of traditional villains. 6. Explore new planets. 7. Explore new themes. 8. Keep it entertaining. And that's about all. Even if they don't follow all my suggestions, I trust that Kathleen Kennedy and hew new team of producers will come up with a spectacular film series that will present the Star Wars universe in a whole new light. I'm looking forward to 2015, and until then, may the Force be with us all.
 * Yes, he's in his seventies, but he's a legendary actor and one of the few true film stars to make a career after Star Wars. I don't think Han Solo should be the main character in this new trilogy, but at least have him appear for half a film before he gets killed off in heroic fashion. Including Harrison would bring some continuity with the original trilogy, showing that we've come full circle. And then Mr. Ford could finally retire.
 * Don't worry about pleasing the hard-core fan base. Ignore the hundreds of stories on Wookieepedia that talk? about the years following Episode VI. Instead of building off accepted Star Wars Canon, write a quality storyline first, and then fit it in with what's already there. Make a movie that will appeal to movie fans in general, not just Star Wars fans.
 * I think the traditional "young man comes of age and finds himself" saga has been worn out. Even though previous Star Wars films have featured complex and important women like Leia and Padme, I think in these new films a female Jedi should take center stage. She could be young, old, black, white, but she should be more than just a Princess or an action hero. She should have a wide range of emotions and motives.
 * It's important to find new names and new faces, but there should be someone (other than Harrison Ford) that we recognize. Perhaps Christian Bale or Chris Hemsworth could play a supporting, but significant role in the later films? Or maybe throw in a classic old actor like Denzel Washington or Laurence Fishburne? Something to add legitimacy to the rilogy, and make it more than a spin-off.
 * No return of the Sith or New Galactic Empire. No mass invasion from the nearly-invincible Yuuzhan Vong. Instead, have the heroes face off against everyday, believable antagonists with normal motives. Also have several villains at a time. One could be a self-righteous Jedi who wants to return to the Old Republic. Another could be a galactic terrorist who opposes the corruption of the Republic and has a socialist vision.
 * It's okay to re-visit iconic locations like Tattoine, Endor, and Coruscant, but throw some new ones into the mix to keep the movie visually exciting. Come up with dramatic locales for light-saber duels, but also intriguing worlds that allow for storylines to develop in new ways.
 * Rather than remaining stuck on the typical good vs. evil, emotion vs. reason, power vs. humility struggle, add some more complex issues for the characters to struggle with. The female hero should have to cope with sexism and harrassment at times. There should also be mention of racism and prejudice between different alien species. The films should also call into question the political structure of the Jedi Order, and propose alternatives. Finally, the new trilogy should explore economic hardships as well as religious issues that will make it relevant to today's complex political times. But don't make it too serious or depressing. These themes should only be hinted at, not explained overtly.
 * The new trilogy should devote just enough time, but not too much, to comic relief. No ridiculous characters like Jar Jar Binks, and no jokes that make you cringe. The film should be action-packed as ever, filled with starship battles and light-saber fights, but it's important to remind the audience that none of this should be taken too seriously. One film that did this very well was The Avengers. Take some cues from it.