Even the most dedicated fans may feel like the Star Wars franchise is starting to tire. The good news is that even if the Force isn’t as strong as it once was, there are still ways to rekindle the magic.
Several films, series and even games have been released in the decades since the original film directed by George Lucas but let’s be honest, not all of them are made equal.
Even if you’re someone who claims to have never seen Star Wars, there’s an option here to welcome you in the fold. There’s still fun to be had and below are four options for fans to try cure franchise fatigue.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew has just landed on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere. While that means the full series is not yet available to binge, fans can easily catch up and be up to date.
Early reviews and reactions have already been full or praise for this new series co-created by Jon Watts, the director of the MCU’s Spider-Man films. It has been compared to E.T. meets Stranger Things and is heavily influenced by Steven Spielberg adventures as well as The Goonies.
The story follows four children who find themselves stranded in a galaxy far far away from home after they stumble upon on old spaceship. New allies they meet along the way to help them get back to their own planet include a mysterious Jude Law and a pirate droid voiced by Nick Frost.
Skeleton Crew is for fans both familiar with Star Wars and those who have resisted dipping their toe in at all. It’s also suitable for the whole family. It’s an adventure that just so happens to be set in the universe containing Jedi.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is streaming on Disney+
The Mandalorian
Even if you watched the first live-action spin-off of the Disney+ era the first time round, go back from the beginning and remind yourself how good it is. The first season in particular still holds up well.
The Mandalorian is set a few years after the original trilogy and the fall of the Galactic Empire. Pedro Pascal steals the show despite viewers not seeing his face for the most part, and then there’s Grogu, who for the first series was commonly referred to as Baby Yoda. The show tells the story of a bounty hunter (Pascal) who ends up protecting a mysterious child he comes across while on a mission.
Like Skeleton Crew, you don’t have to already be fully educated in Star Wars to enjoy the show. It helps to be familiar with some elements like recognising legend characters but it is an effective drama series in its own right. One fan, posting a review on Rotten Tomatoes said: “Simply sensational, explores a side of the Star Wars universe that everyone always wanted to see.”
The Mandalorian is streaming on Disney+
Rogue One (and Andor)
A two-in-one but with good reason. Rogue One was the first spin-off film to released between The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
It’s set right before A New Hope, and shows exactly how the rebellion stole the plans for the Death Star. The plot follows the tradition of war films and even tried to provide some fans with an answer to a long-debated question from the original trilogy. It makes it a great option for complete newcomers.
Also, it arguably has one of the best action sequences of any Star Wars release featuring an iconic character. While promoting Skeleton Crew, Jude Law admitted that Rogue One was one of his favourite Star Wars films and the love for Rogue One has only increased since released.
That could be to do with the fact that there is a spin-off series from the spin-off film. Disney+ show Andor fills in even more backstory of one of Rogue One’s main characters, Diego Luna’s Cassian. Andy Serkis also makes a return to the Star Wars franchise in the series in an unforgettable couple of episodes. If you love Rogue One, follow it up with Andor before its second season next year.
Rogue One and Andor is streaming on Disney+
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Not a film or a series but if you want an option that is heavily focused on Jedi and lightsaber battles then you should play Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Released in 2019, it is available on consoles or PC.
Set in the years following the prequel trilogy, after the purge of the Jedi, it introduces fans to Cal Kestis, a former Padawan who is now in hiding. However, his true nature is soon revealed and he finds himself on the run from the Empire and uncovering the secrets of the Jedi he tried to forget.
For non-gamers, there is still a way you can enjoy the story. On YouTube, search for either a story recap or a cutscene compilation. Some recaps will have a host explaining plot points rather than showing everything but are condensed to under 20 minutes. You’ll need to set aside more time to go through all the cutscenes as depending on the edit, they last between 2-3 hours.
Playing yourself is much more fun and the best way to experience the solid Star Wars story. There is also a sequel, Survivor, which introduces story elements inspired by the High Republic era. A third and final instalment is planned for the future.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is available via EA Play subscription on Xbox and PlayStation