British actor John Boyega, well-known for his passionate fandom of Star Wars, has openly expressed frustrations with the recent trilogy produced by Lucasfilm and Disney. Speaking at Florida Supercon 2025, Boyega voiced dissatisfaction regarding both the creative decisions made in the films and the lack of support he and his co-stars received amid racist and sexist attacks. He highlighted his concerns about the portrayal of his character’s Jedi journey and the handling of legacy characters in the series. His remarks underscore ongoing debates about the direction of Star Wars storytelling under the current studio management.
Boyega’s Vision for a Different Star Wars Saga
At the Florida Supercon event, Boyega shared how he would have approached the modern Star Wars trilogy if given the chance to produce it. Rejecting the deaths of iconic characters like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker in the first two movies, he emphasized the importance of completing their stories with respect and care. Boyega stated,
If I [were] a producer on ‘Star Wars’ from the beginning, You would have had a whole completely different thing…It would be mad…First of all, we’re not getting rid of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, all these people. We’re not doing that. The first thing we’re going to do is fulfill their story, fulfill their legacy. We’re going to make a good moment of handing on the baton.
This approach aims to preserve the legacy of these beloved characters while paving the way for new ones.
Emphasizing Struggle and Lore With New and Expanded Stories
Boyega also critiqued the portrayal of newer characters being overpowered without meaningful challenges. He insisted that all characters should face genuine struggles to maintain the franchise’s integrity. Building on this, he expressed enthusiasm for exploring The Old Republic era, a time rich with storytelling potential mostly found in expanded universe materials like comics and games. Boyega explained,
Our new characters will not be OP’d [overpowered] in these movies. They won’t just grab stuff and know what to do with it. No. You’ve got to struggle like every other character in this franchise. I’d do that…I’d look to the Old Republic stories, And see what we can add to the continuation of that. I would definitely want to see Force Unleashed stories in there. I would try to expand the Star Wars universe as much as possible while respecting the lore. If we’re expanding the lore, we have to do it in within the respective boundaries that stay true.
This reflects a desire to broaden Star Wars’ scope while honoring its established history.
Rejecting the Idea of Luke Skywalker’s Ghostly Presence
One of Boyega’s specific criticisms targeted the decision to show Luke Skywalker as a mere projection during his final moments, rather than keeping him alive or giving him a more substantial narrative. He said bluntly,
But Luke Skywalker wouldn’t be disappearing on a rock, Hell no. Standing there, and he’s, like, a projector? I would want to give those characters way more way more.
His words suggest a yearning for a more impactful and satisfying portrayal of legacy heroes, which fans have also debated at length.
The Potential of The Old Republic Era in Star Wars Media
Boyega’s interest in The Old Republic aligns with earlier industry discussions about revitalizing this rich but underutilized period. In 2019, veteran screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis was reported to have been developing a film or films set during The Old Republic, an era known for expansive battles between the Sith Empire and Jedi forces. Despite this, such projects have yet to materialize under Lucasfilm’s banner.
The Old Republic has primarily served as background for Star Wars Expanded Universe content, including Dark Horse Comics and various video games, but it remains largely non-canonical in the Disney era. Its appeal lies in offering large-scale Sith versus Jedi conflicts filled with epic lightsaber battles, a narrative ripe for exploration beyond revisiting familiar characters.
Challenges Facing New Star Wars Projects and Expanded Lore
Recent setbacks for expanding Star Wars into older timelines include the cancellation of the TV series The Acolyte after a cliffhanger and the delay of James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi movie, which would have explored a period even earlier than The Old Republic. These developments suggest that Lucasfilm has not prioritized delving into these eras despite previous statements from President Kathleen Kennedy expressing interest in mining such material to avoid repetitive storytelling.
By focusing on The Old Republic, the studio could reboot and expand Star Wars’ mythos substantially, creating fresh narratives while respecting and incorporating existing canon. Boyega’s advocacy for this era highlights a desire among fans and creators alike for new stories that do not rely on retreading the same ground.
Boyega’s Continued Criticism Reflects Broader Fan Frustration
In addition to critiquing the handling of characters like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Boyega continues to articulate larger concerns about creative choices made by Lucasfilm and the Disney era of Star Wars. His outspoken stance at conventions and interviews signals a sense of urgency among longtime fans and creatives who want the franchise’s future to balance respect for its past with bold new directions.
As one of the prominent names tied to the recent trilogy and the popular series Andor, Boyega’s opinions carry weight and emphasize the importance of diversity and narrative depth in future Star Wars developments. Whether Lucasfilm acts on these ideas remains to be seen, but Boyega’s comments contribute to the ongoing conversation about the franchise’s evolution and potential revitalization through stories like those of The Old Republic.
