The conversation surrounding the Star Wars franchise has always been as vast and turbulent as the Outer Rim itself. Since the credits rolled on The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, the debate over the creative direction of the Disney era has remained a central fixture in the community. However, according to Brian Herring, the puppeteer and actor behind the lovable droid BB-8, the Star Wars sequel trilogy future looks remarkably similar to the path taken by the films that came before.
In a recent interview with Gamereactor, Herring shared a unique perspective from inside the production of Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Having spent years bringing one of the sequel era’s most iconic characters to life, Herring has had a front-row seat to the evolving reactions of fans. His most striking takeaway? The “polarization” we see today is destined to fade into nostalgia.
The Ten-Year Shift
Herring boldly predicted that in a decade, the narrative surrounding the sequels will have shifted entirely. “I think in 10 years’ time, you’re going to see what you’re seeing with the sequels, because the sequels have a huge fan base and I meet them all the time,” he explained.
He noted that while the internet is currently filled with vocal critics, those voices often belong to a different demographic than the ones truly connecting with the new stories. The Star Wars sequel trilogy future belongs to the younger fans who are growing up with these characters as their primary entry point into the saga. Much like the children of the early 2000s eventually grew up to champion the prequel trilogy, Herring believes a similar reclamation is inevitable for the sequels.
Lessons from the Prequel Era
To understand why the sequels will be beloved in 10 years, Herring suggests looking at the franchise’s history. “I think the sequels are no more polarising than the prequels were when they came out,” Herring stated.
For many fans, the memory of the early 2000s remains vivid. When The Phantom Menace debuted in 1999, it was met with a firestorm of criticism regarding its tone and characters. Herring argues that the only real difference between then and now is the platform upon which these opinions are amplified. He suggested that if the internet had been what it is today during the prequel era, the “discontent” would have looked exactly the same.
A Generational Cycle
Herring’s outlook remains optimistic, viewing the current friction as a natural byproduct of a multi-generational saga. He specifically noted that he meets younger fans constantly who don’t share the frustrations found in online comment sections. To them, Rey, Finn, and Poe are just as foundational as Luke, Leia, and Han were to previous generations.
He even quoted Battlestar Galactica to drive the point home: “This has all happened before, it will all happen again.”
As Lucasfilm prepares for new cinematic ventures, including the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey, the Star Wars sequel trilogy future seems to be following a proven cycle. For the fans who grew up with BB-8 and the Resistance, the sequel trilogy isn’t a point of contention; it is the heart of their fandom. While the internet may continue to debate the merits of the films today, Herring’s comments serve as a reminder that time is the ultimate editor in the Star Wars universe. Whether it takes five years or ten, the dust always settles, usually leaving a new generation of fans ready to defend the movies they love.
What’s your take? Do you think the sequel trilogy will be viewed differently in ten years?
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