After a challenging 2024, Star Wars has a lot riding on 2025. The franchise has struggled with positive reception and audience engagement in recent years, and 2024 saw intense negativity, particularly regarding The Acolyte.
The show faced review bombing and harassment of its actors and creators, which likely contributed to its cancellation. This is not an isolated incident, as Star Wars actors have shared experiences of being bullied for their performances, especially people of color and women.
The franchise’s lack of clarity on upcoming projects has also been a major issue. With few confirmed shows and movies, fans are unsure what is coming next, making it difficult for them to be excited. Star Wars Celebration 2025, taking place in Japan from April 18-20, 2025, could be the perfect opportunity for the franchise to hit the reset button and provide a clear, concise release lineup.
At the event, Lucasfilm could outline its plans for the future, giving fans a sense of what to expect. This would be especially important with the announcement of few projects, and fans eager for more information. However, even with a relaunch, the franchise’s success is not guaranteed. The issues with vitriol and harassment in the fanbase need to be addressed, and the franchise must call out unacceptable behavior, such as harassment and bullying.
The upcoming Star Wars movie starring Rey and other projects demand a game plan for addressing this behavior. The franchise has a chance to make positive changes at Star Wars Celebration 2025, and if successful, it may be the turning point the franchise needs to revitalize its reputation.