Today marks the end of my first semester of the Junior Core of the Information Systems program in the Marriott School of Business at BYU. As insane as it has been, I have certainly learned a lot and am very grateful for all the help and support I've gotten from friends and family, and especially my wife Janesa and my IS Group.
However, today is not one to talk about this topic. Since Disney has bought Lucasfilm and all the rights of Star Wars, they plan on making a new trilogy that has mesmerized and enchanted millions of people.
Friends and family have asked me if I am excited for the new Star Wars. I debate with myself of how truthful of an answer I will give them. For those who know me well, I can talk about Star Wars a great deal if you let me get on a roll as it was my babysitter for my parents for the first couple years of my life. Since then, the passion has grown and flourished.
For the short answer I give to the general public because I don't want to take half an hour explaining to them my true feelings, I say, "Yes, I'm sure it will be a great movie." For those of you who truly know me, you know part of my heart is breaking.
You see, Disney is implementing an alternate timeline. The majority of people who have watched/heard of Star Wars knew of the movies and maybe a video game. Most of them, however, do not know of the solidified story line that authors have built. Since the 80's, video games and books have told the tales of the Expanded Universe (EU). George Lucas said he was never "beholden" (http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page) to the EU and could do what he liked (See Episodes I-III and the Clones Wars Cartoons). I was never really opposed to the prequels because the EU after Return of the Jedi was untouched.
You see, I grew up reading these books. The stories of Luke Skywalker rebuilding the Jedi Order, the children of Han and Leia Solo discovering their Jedi Legacy and their destiny within the Universe. These stories shaped my imagination of the Star Wars Universe. Characters like Kyle Katarn, Jacen and Jaina Solo, Tenel Ka, Lowie, Zeke. I grew up believing in their struggles to be good, to do the right thing. Star Wars has always been a role model for me. Something I could read, envelop myself in, dream of becoming. I knew Star Wars was never "real", but the principles it taught, the lives of the characters and their struggles I could understand, empathize with, and learn from. No, I would never have the Force or even a lightsaber.
Disney will not follow this universe. They are considered non-canonical and are basically treasures of the past. So when you ask me, am I excited for Star Wars? It will be a great movie and will do a great job entertaining and making billions of dollars. But as for me, it will not be the same Star Wars I know and love. It will be great, but it will never be the same for me.
P.S. - I am still excited to see the movie!
P.P.S. - If you want to see the books I'm talking about, see this link=> http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_books
