Star Warsis a franchise known for having a strict set of rules, but this viral TikTok video using a clip fromThe Empire Strikes Backproves that, long beforeDisney boughtStar Wars, the franchise wasn’t following its own rules. Because George Lucas was focused on guaranteeing continuity inStar Warsmovies and TV shows, he had a long list of rules that he wanted all new additions to the franchise to adhere to. Among those rules were no paper, no zippers, and (originally) even no underwear. In recent years, DisneyStar Warsprojects have been harshly criticized for breaking Lucas' rules.
Yet,this viralStar Warsvideo proves that, even with George Lucas at the helm,Star Warswas breaking its own rulesas early as the original trilogy. The video, posted by4theloreon TikTok, shows Luke Skywalker zipping up his suit inThe Empire Strikes Back, making it clear that this rule was broken whole decades before Disney took over the franchise.
In addition to pointing out that zippers have indeed appeared inStar Wars,this video reveals that there’s a fair bit of hypocrisy in the flak DisneyStar Warsgets for breaking the franchise’s rules.
Star Wars Was Breaking Its Own Rules From The Very Beginning
Lucas' Intentions With The Rules Make Sense, But They Weren’t Exactly Followed
It makes sense that George Lucas would establish such strict rules at first. After all, he was attempting to create an entire galaxy and clearly hoped from the beginning thatStar Warswould blow up into a massive franchise, just as it ultimately has. Just the sheer amount of worldbuilding Lucas had to do in the original trilogy makes his rationale for having such specific (at times even a little ridiculous) rules clear.
Just the sheer amount of worldbuilding Lucas had to do in the original trilogy makes his rationale for having such specific (at times even a little ridiculous) rules clear.
Even so,Star Warshas rather obviously been breaking these rules for decades. In fact, just inThe Empire Strikes Backalone, there were dozens of choices made that, these days, would cause intense backlash and controversy. In that movie, a brand-new lightsaber color was introduced, newForce powers inStar Warswere used—some of them rather surprising, and one of the most shocking plot twists of all time occurred. This raises questions about why DisneyStar Warsspecifically is criticized so heavily for breaking the franchise’s rules.
The “Rules” Of Star Wars Are A Lot More Flexible Than You Think (& They Change A Lot, Too)
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Why Is Disney Star Wars Constantly Criticized For Breaking Rules?
This Is A Consistent Complaint That Disney Hasn’t Been Able To Escape
Although it’s clear that the original trilogy also brokeStar Wars’rules—not to mention how many the prequel trilogy broke—it’s DisneyStar Warsthat is constantly criticized for ‘ruining’ the franchise by failing to uphold Lucas' rules. One recent example of this was inStar Wars: Skeleton Crew, which included a paper scroll, thereby breaking the ‘no paper’ rule inStar Wars. Sadly,the heavy criticism for DisneyStar Warsis about a lot more than just a bit of rule breaking.
DisneyStar Warshas been unable to escape relentless backlash and controversy essentially with every new show or movie that comes out. It’s truly a shame, not only because it directly harms some newStar Warsprojects and the actors, but also because it is simply exhausting for fans of the franchise who want to enjoy new shows and movies. This obsession with George Lucas’Star Warsrules is just one more example of that, which is clear given no one cares all that much thatThe Empire Strikes Backused zippers.
