Howard Kazanjian served as a producer on two of the original three Star Wars films. While Kazanjian went uncredited on Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, arguably one of the best in the franchise, he also worked on its sequel Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Having worked on the original trilogy makes Kazanjian a reliable source of critique on the widely divisive and polarizing sequel trilogy of Star Wars films produced under Disney. When asked about the sequels Kazanjian had stern words for the films, and blasted them for their inconsistent storylines. Here is what the veteran producer had to say about the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Original Star Wars Trilogy Producer Howard Kazanjian Slams Sequel Trilogy With a Harsh Remark
A brainchild of George Lucas, the Star Wars franchise is a major cinematic touchstone and one of the biggest media franchises of all time. The franchise was later acquired by Disney who produced their own sequel trilogy, taking off years after Lucas’ original trilogy ended. Despite being commercially successful, the sequels continue to polarize fans.
Howard Kazanjian, who worked alongside Lucas, on the original films, blasted the sequels in his memoir Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life. In the book, Kazanjian criticized directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson, who worked on the sequels.
“Generally speaking, I think that the filmmakers on The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi didn’t understand the story. They didn’t understand what a Jedi Knight was all about. That’s the simplest way to put it.”
According to Kazanjian, the filmmakers did not understand the fundamental nature of the Star Wars saga, particularly the role of the Skywalker family. Kazanjian implied that the sequels failed to capture the narrative’s essence and argued that fans knew more about its overarching storyline than the filmmakers who made the sequels.
Fans Resonate With Howard Kazanjian’s Comments About Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
Howard Kazanjian’s criticism of the sequel trilogy in his book made its way onto social media. Fans came out in support of Kazanjian’s comments and agreed with the veteran producer that the sequels failed to understand the fundamental ideology behind the franchise, especially with the concept of Jedi Knights.
Here is how fans reacted to Kazanjian blasting the sequel trilogy of Star Wars on X (formerly Twitter).
he makes good points.
— Matt LaRock (@matt_larock) October 13, 2023
Exactly…Making the Jedi extremely numerous after Order 66 destroys their mystical idea of an ancient order being wiped out by the government which makes you wonder what really happened. Filoni ended that by creating thousands upon thousands of Jedi survivors😒
— Ed J (@FlightBaron3) October 13, 2023
So true. JJ Abrams only directed Episode VII and came back for IX because Lucasfilm wanted someone who was safe and controllable, and Rian Johnson directed Episode VIII because he shared Kathleen Kennedy’s SJW and Woke ideologies.
— Ben Bissett (@BenBissett8) October 15, 2023
Exactly. Disney SW made it a whole point to say it’s not Luke (wasn’t even in TFA) and that the Jedi we’re bad and must end (TLJ). They wanted it so anyone can be special, and ruined the whole mythology
— In a way, all of us has an El Guapo to face (@RBI_Studios) October 14, 2023
Says it all: that tradition of not understanding the Jedi, or the SW take on the struggle between tyranny and freedom continues to this day and is on full display in all those articles that talk about the way Ahsoka "changes the Lore" or "redefines Jedi". They just don't get it.
— Language Hearts (@LanguageHearts7) October 13, 2023
As the tweets indicate, the fans were supportive of Kazanjian’s harsh comments against the sequels. Several fans pointed out that the concept of a Jedi Knight was mishandled in the sequel trilogy. On the other hand, other fans took an issue with the plot point of Rey’s parentage.
The revelation of Rey’s connection to Emperor Palpatine, and her later adopting the Skywalker name have been major points of frustration for Star Wars fans and have generated divisive reactions over the years. As a result, it is easy to understand why fans of the franchise resonated with Kazanjian’s criticism of the sequels.
You can stream the entirety of the Star Wars franchise on Disney+.
