David Corenswet, known for his role as Superman, has shared his preferred sequence for watching the Star Wars films, offering a fresh perspective that enhances the Skywalker Saga significantly. This new viewing order aims to reshape how newcomers experience the franchise by selectively rearranging the episodes to maintain narrative impact and emotional resonance.
The Star Wars saga, spanning multiple trilogies created by George Lucas and subsequent filmmakers, has long sparked debate over the ideal sequence to watch the movies. Corenswet’s approach builds on the popular Machete order, adding subtle but meaningful adjustments that improve storytelling flow and character development, particularly emphasizing how the saga’s events unfold to preserve dramatic moments and deepen viewers’ engagement.
Opening With the Franchise’s Most Acclaimed Films Sets a Powerful Tone
When introducing someone new to Star Wars, Corenswet suggests starting with the two standout films, A New Hope (Episode IV) and The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V). These installments are widely regarded as the franchise‘s finest and offer an accessible entry point. This approach differs from the chronological order that puts the controversial Phantom Menace (Episode I) first, which many fans view as one of the weaker episodes.
By leading with Episodes IV and V, newcomers get a strong introduction packed with excitement, adventure, and storytelling that connects them emotionally with the characters and universe immediately, enhancing their overall experience from the beginning of the saga.
Preserving the Power of Darth Vader’s Iconic Reveal
A major advantage of Corenswet’s sequence is retaining the impact of the legendary plot twist in The Empire Strikes Back, where Darth Vader reveals he is Luke Skywalker’s father. Watching the saga chronologically undermines this moment, as audiences already know Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Vader from the prequels.
Because the prequels were created after the original trilogy, their storylines assume viewers are aware of Vader’s true identity. Corenswet’s watch order places the prequel episodes after this twist, allowing the surprise and emotional shock to resonate fully with new viewers. Consequently, Vader’s revelation remains one of cinema’s most memorable and effective surprises.
Extending the Momentum of The Empire Strikes Back’s Cliffhanger Through the Prequels
The grim cliffhanger ending of The Empire Strikes Back gains greater suspense when followed by the prequel trilogy rather than immediately resolved with Return of the Jedi. Corenswet’s sequence uses this pacing to heighten anticipation.
Viewers experience Episodes I, II, and III after the cliffhanger, observing Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader in detail. This arrangement deepens audience investment and builds excitement, making the eventual resolution in Return of the Jedi feel more earned and impactful.
Viewing the Prequels as Flashbacks Enhances Their Effectiveness
The prequel trilogy contains some uneven storytelling, including abandoned plotlines and abrupt character exits. Corenswet believes these films work better when treated as flashbacks rather than the saga’s foundation.
Watching the prequels before the originals may confuse new viewers due to their less straightforward narratives and pacing issues. Instead, approaching them as a backstory that explains Anakin’s fall enriches their purpose and clarifies the character development, making them feel more focused and relevant.
A More Cohesive and Unified Saga Experience
Corenswet’s variation on the Machete order creates a smoother transition between the films, reducing the sense that the saga is split into disjointed trilogies. The original and prequel trilogies differ significantly in tone, visual style, and storytelling approach, which can feel jarring when watched chronologically.
By embedding the prequels between the two original installments, viewers experience the prequels more as historical context through familiar characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. This positioning softens the abrupt tonal shift and strengthens the overall narrative cohesion throughout the saga.
Including The Phantom Menace Highlights Its Importance in the Saga
Unlike the traditional Machete order that excludes The Phantom Menace, Corenswet insists on including this episode. The film contributes essential elements to Anakin Skywalker’s legacy, notably the events surrounding Qui-Gon Jinn’s death, which Dave Filoni emphasizes as pivotal within Star Wars lore.
Despite mixed opinions about the film’s quality, The Phantom Menace offers compelling sequences and characters that enrich the story’s foundation. Corenswet’s inclusion ensures that these important dynamics receive their proper attention in the viewing experience.
Omitting the Sequels Minimizes Controversy and Keeps Focus on the Core Story
Notably, Corenswet’s watch order excludes the Star Wars sequel trilogy entirely. These films have sparked divided opinions due to narrative choices like Palpatine’s unexpected return, which some feel weaken Anakin Skywalker’s iconic journey as the Chosen One.
By concentrating on the original six films and their interconnected storylines, this approach sidesteps much of the divisiveness surrounding the sequels. While the sequels can be watched later, focusing initial exposure on the originals and prequels offers a more universally admired viewing experience, especially for newcomers.
Return of the Jedi Gains New Depth and Emotional Weight
Corenswet’s revised watch order culminates with Return of the Jedi (Episode VI), a film often seen as the least strong of the original trilogy. However, positioning it after a concentrated sequence of five previous episodes, including the prequels, greatly enhances the film’s impact.
The suspense carried over from The Empire Strikes Back combined with the background offered by Episodes I through III elevates the excitement and emotional payoff. This arrangement allows viewers to fully appreciate the climax of Anakin’s fall and redemption, making the conclusion altogether more powerful and satisfying.
Ultimately, David Corenswet’s recommended Star Wars watch order refreshes the Skywalker Saga, preserving its most iconic moments while providing a coherent and emotionally resonant viewing experience for both veterans and newcomers alike.
