The following is an open letter to Star Wars Spin Off film writer Gary Whitta.
Dear Mr. Whitta,
First, allow me to congratulate you on your new job as writer of the first upcoming Star Wars spin off film. I can't imagine how exciting it must be for you to be writing in a universe so beloved by so many, yourself included. I can't wait to go to the cinema on December 16th, 2016 and see what you and your collaborator Gareth Edwards have in store for us.
However, there is an issue I would like you to address at some point between now and the release of the film. Over the past 24 hours fans have been scouring the Internet to find out your history with Star Wars. What they founds was much disdain for the Prequel Trilogy and Special Editions, as well as some less than kind words about creator George Lucas (or "the maker", as we like to call him).
You, like everyone else, are 100% entitled to your opinion. That being said, my concern is that your way of expressing your opinion sheds a bad light on Star Wars and risks disenfranchising fans who do appreciate the more recent installments in the saga. Many fans from the younger generations grew up with the prequels and special editions and feel as passionately about them as you do the Original Trilogy.
I'm not saying you need to change your opinion or only say say positive things. Far from it, and I hope I am not coming across that way. I completely understand that part of the creative process is to be critical of prior works, both yours and others. What I am doing is asking you to change your approach. For example, stay away from words like "abomination" and avoid saying things like "F$%k George Lucas" when discussing your opinions. And if you have some nice things to say about the Prequels and Special Editions we'd love to hear those too!
Please keep in mind that you are now officially representing the franchise and, by extension, the fans. By changing your approach, you reduce the risk of alienating fans who do enjoy the Prequels and Special Editions. The great thing about Star Wars is that there is so much to love and
everyone can find something they can like (even if there are parts they aren't so fond of). Focusing on the parts we love (and not so much on the other stuff) creates a more unified fan community and is better for the overall health of the franchise.
So, over the next two and a half years, my hope is that you will take my advice and focus more on the parts of the saga you love. Like I said, you don't have to lie or only sing the praises of the Prequels and Special Editions, simply use different language when discussing the films in the media. (Shameless plug: if you're looking for a place to start this shift in approach, I highly recommend The Star Wars Underworld Podcast). This will reflect better on you within the fan community, and on the franchise to the rest of the world.
Once again, congratulations on the new gig. I look forward to seeing what's in store on December 16, 2016.
May the Force be With You,
This article is an opinion piece and represents the views of the writer, and not the entire Star Wars Underworld organization.
I have always said that the whole franchise could do with remaking but still stay loyal to the originals. if there was a time to start to do it all it would be now that way we would have a franchise that is not like some poorly built steps and would flow like a river instead. We know this will happen at some point. I just wish to see it all before i die thats all
ReplyDeleteLol, I loved the "for example" part. Made me laugh! It's like having to tell a little kid to actually be mature...
ReplyDeleteWell this is news! Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but having said what he has said publicly, I wouldn't be surprised if he got booted from the chair on principle.
ReplyDeleteAs much as we can criticise George Lucas for not having enough input/control (then perhaps taking all the credit) .. and then having too much control over what is put up on the screen, at least he fcuking put it there!
If anyone is familiar with Frank Herbert's Dune, or the 1984 film by David Lynch, which was amazing, though a box office failure, they'll know that movie took 3 attempts to be made since 1966. They'll also know that George Lucas borrowed, perhaps even plagiarised more than a few ideas and imagery from the book. A desert planet, a water planet, a prophecised "chosen one", spice, a duplicitous emperor, a legion of supercommandos against a nobel rebellion and various imagery like a grotesque fat villain.
When I realised what had transpired I was devastated as a fan of Lucas himself. But, every poet's a thief right? I can forgive that, because of what he did with it! He made it work! He took bits and pieces of everything and anything that he knew would go together and built a verifiable, culturally iconic masterpiece work of art, the likes of which modern times has never seen before.
Some of the work he commissioned out, because he couldn't handle it all on his own and it was done superbly. Some he didn't. Overall, still great! Much respect, gratitude and adulation!
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ReplyDeleteYou want most fans to stop critizing the PT? Remake them better,
ReplyDeleteMOST fans don't criticize the Prequels. MOST fans love them, it's just a small minority of trolls who whine because it wasn't the story they wanted. Gary Whitta is in that minority.
ReplyDeleteFrom his comments, it sounds like Star Wars is in good hands.
ReplyDeleteThe prequels did suck and I'm sure it's not a minority that think so. I would say it's far more than minority that think so. Jedi are boring. The mystery of the force is gone. Too much politics and not enough 'Western' - most of the scenes were located in frontiers which is what made the originals great. Hayden Christianson is bland and in any scene which he opens his mouth makes me want to turn the movie off. Saving graces: the end fight scenes and score of Phantom Menace and Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan. Also, Mr. Whitta is entitled to his opinion and can say whatever he wants. I'll ask the person who wrote this to stop voicing their opinion about anything they don't like and see what they think. He's not spearheading a coup, he's in a creative process to make a movie. GET OVER IT! The professional world is rife with people who don't like each other but somehow they find a way to work together (or they go their separate ways). They gave him an opportunity because of his achievements so far and to create something new and exciting - who gives a shit what he thinks of past works. The fact that he has strong opinions against former works might make him the best choice for Disney's approach. Done.
ReplyDeleteI love how prequel fans are so deluded they think people like the prequels. If people liked the prequels the Episode I 3D re-release would have done much better and you would have seen the other re-releases. Instead, it tanked and they scrapped the rest.
ReplyDeleteThe really silly thing about this all is that he actually made those remarks over 3 years ago. He wasn't in line for any jobs then and if asked today I'm sure he'd give a much more politically correct answer.
Yeah uh.. that's just like uh your opinion man.
ReplyDeletethe Prequels and Special Editions really are an abomination
ReplyDeleteWell said and well written Dominic and SWU!!!
ReplyDeleteThe 3D release did not "tank and they scrapped the rest" - this was all because they knew well in advance that they were going to make the Sequel Trilogy and that all resources would be needed to concentrate on that. Notice how Clone Wars, Detours, The Live Action Series and Star Wars 1313 also came to a halt? See a pattern emerging?
ReplyDeleteStar Wars 3D will make it out one day, but not right now -- all attention is on the Sequels.
On the subject of Gary Whitta's comments and people defending him. If his comments stand, then why has he been working feverishly to remove them from online forums?
If that is his stance on the Prequels, then why not stand by what he as said and be a man about it, instead he's avoiding the issue and has his tail tucked between his legs.
I don't care if you like the Prequels or not, but at least if you have an opinion, you should voice it and let yourself be heard, not try and cover it up like it never happened.
He has a lot of explaining to do - particularly with his "F*** Lucas!!" comment -- which as far as I am concerned, is inexcusable, unprofessional and puerile all at the same time.
This is a 41 year old man, who is supposed to be a professional writer and he acts like a twisted 15 year old in online forums?
Remember, this is the same man who wrote the mega flop of 2013 "After Earth" and he has the hide to criticize George Lucas?
Mr. Whitta better deliver the "Citizen Kane" of Star Wars screenplays come 2016, or there'll be hell to pay!
How does that saying go? ... "Good artists borrow .. Great artists steal"
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ReplyDeleteI'm an old-school fan in my 40's who loved the prequels and am glad they were different from the original trilogy. I found the portrayal of the Jedi fascinating, loved the political and mythological aspects, the settings, action, all things Kenobi and the parallel arcs for Anankin and the Republic, both corrupted from the inside out. For me, they were a success and a valid part of the series, but they were indeed successes across the globe, with many people. Only fans who live in bubbles and echo chambers believe otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't understand why some fans insist that STAR WARS is only ONE thing, such as a "Western". Those fans need watch with better eyes. STAR WARS is so obviously an amalgamation of various influences, from FLASH GORDON serials, Autherian mythology, Japanese cinema, the silent film era and more, not just the "Western" genre. It's completely valid for each STAR WARS film to show these influences, some fans need to stop pigeonholing the series into just one niche, that isn't a correct assessment.
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ReplyDeleteWow. Some people and their self-righteous anger-issues. Whether you like the PT or not, or the special editions (or the DVD release) or not, comes down to taste and preference. Lots of people hate the PT and the SE/DVD, some people love them, some enjoy the PT and loath the SE, or the other way around.
ReplyDeleteDoes it really matter? If someone's opinion on the matter affects you this much, the issue lies not with the person expressing his or her opinion, but with your interpretation and reception of it.
If it carries that much weight, that you feel entitled to write such drivel as this, there are larger issues at hand that has nothing to do with a guy that said "F#%k Lucas" - why do you get offended on behalf of someone else? Why do you care? Do you think they care? Most likely not. Yes, it was pretty unprofessional, he is probably aware of it, but he's not working under Lucas, he's working under Disney and Lucasfilm, but not George. Whether you prefer to call George the Maker or the lucky guy that should've stopped directing films after ANH, doesn't really matter. George doesn't control it anymore: which even Dave Filoni seemed somewhat satisfied with at SW Celebration Europe in Germany last year. I guess George isn't the easiest person to work with...? I don't know, and I don't care - we are getting more star wars films.
I guess this Whitta person is going to get hell either way, because people love to get caught up in the meaningless minutiae of what someone once said and how this should have endless repercussions and for all time, instead of actually focusing on what matters: there's going to be a spin off, he's already written some films that turned into successes, and some that obviously didn't. In other words, he has experience with writing, and also writing sci-fi/fantasy-type films.
There are a number of somewhat insidious and disturbing criticisms on here when the author simply asked for a response to his open letter.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I believe that a number of facts should be made clear to the number of ungrateful and openly bigoted critics. Many of whom probably became a Star Wars fan years after the originals came out. A claim I make simply because of their use of English and the way they structure their complaints.
They should remember that, without the prequels, the finances would not have been raised by Lucasfilm to make them a viable company to sell and purchase and, in doing so, carry on the Star Wars legacy
I speak with some authority having been present at Elstree when all three originals were made (Thus, making me a TRUE Star Wars fan) in different capacities. I was then fortunate enough to attend all UK premieres of the originals and the prequels. The later of which, when I was an official media photographer covering them in the UK.
Yes, there was much disappointment with the prequels and the Special Editions (Personally, because of my respect for what Lucas was attempting to do in both cases, I loved all of them and still believe that the majority if additional scenes in the Special Editions add a lot to the original) but the criticisms of all have really gone too far in some cases.
Why can't supposed fans sit back and enjoy these movies. They are, after all, superior entertainment and the prequels have made it possible to progress with the new movies.
The originals belong to Lucas and he, alone, should have the final say in them. The prequels and the new films should be the same. Yes, the fans should have a say as their support through merchandise and tickets gives them that "right". However, good or bad, the final decisions are Lucas'.
The prequel story wasnt THAT bad but i think Lucas made a couple of mistakes. Number 1: Jar Jar Binks - enough said 2: Stupid droids as the main army against the Jedi, why not the Mandalorians? 3: The acting was pretty bad, even with Ewan and Natalie and i blame the director for that.
ReplyDeleteWith Jar Jar and the droids and lil Anakin destroying everything by mistake it kinda takes the seriousness of the movie. Its like: "hey, this is where you're supposed to laugh". Thats the magic of the originals with Han, R2 and C3PO.
The prequel story wasnt THAT bad but i think Lucas made a couple of mistakes. Number 1: Jar Jar Binks - enough said 2: Stupid droids as the main army against the Jedi, why not the Mandalorians? 3: The acting was pretty bad, even with Ewan and Natalie and i blame the director for that.
ReplyDeleteWith Jar Jar and the droids and lil Anakin destroying everything by mistake it kinda takes the seriousness of the movie. Its like: "hey, this is where you're supposed to laugh". Thats the magic of the originals with Han, R2 and C3PO.