3. Pre-Sequel Trilogy Star Wars Eras
What we really think is holding Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge back from being spectacular is the fact that it's set within - or around - the Star Wars sequel trilogy era, which, in a way, is very limited. For starters, it's set 30 years after the original trilogy ends, and is the farthest point along the Star Wars timeline we've been. This means that because it's 'canon' (as canon as a themed land can be, of course), there's no room for other Star Wars characters or experiences from other eras.
But what if there was? Think about it - the faraway galaxy would be your oyster! The themed land could incorporate the Clone Wars (or prequel trilogy) era, the reign of the Galactic Empire (which would cover Star Wars: Rebels and the original trilogy), and post-original trilogy shows such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka and beyond! While no doubt a trendy move, the fact that the themed land has glued itself to what is considered the least iconic portion of the timeline is pretty baffling to say the least.
4. More Entertainment Around Batuu
As well as characters, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is also running pretty short on experiences. That's not to suggest there's nothing to do around Batuu - that would simply be untrue. After all, there's the Star Wars: Datapad, but for a remote trading outpost that's supposed to exude a sort of hustle-and-bustle vibe, sometimes it feels a little flat (in fact, if it wasn't for the guests, it would look pretty short on life altogether!).
So how could this be remedied? Well, for starters, we think there should be more 'locals' to fill the streets, to give it the impression that it's a world that's living and breathing - which is what was promised from the start. But more importantly, a number of Star Wars-themed experiences wouldn't hurt, either. Whether it's a band, a new version of the Jedi Training Academy, First Order troopers pursuing fugitives, lightsaber duels or other action-packed events, we're sure guests wouldn't complain about seeing Batuu brought to life in new ways!
Comments
I know the topic of Galaxy's Edge has been argued over and over for the past 3 years, but here's my thought:
I think I Disney dropped the ball with Galaxy's Edge, especially by setting it during the sequel years. Yes, I understand that Disney paid $4 billion for LucasFilm and Star Wars and they wanted to show off their new toys. But setting Galaxy's Edge after the original series would be like Universal Studio setting the Harry Potter land during "Fantastic Beasts", simply because "Fantastic Beasts" is newer.
If you go to Universal's Harry Potter land, Hermione casts a spell on you and you fly with Harry Potter! Yay!
In Galaxy's Edge, you can fly the Millennium Falcon! Yay!
But you go on a mission for Tanako Hondo? Who?
And you need to collect coaxium? Huh?
I think Smuggler's Run would be a 1000% better if you went on a mission for Han Solo and Chewbacca. How much would it have cost Disney to get Harrison Ford to record a "training video" (like how Gary Sinise did the training video for Mission: Space). Star Wars fans won't care that Han Solo is 75 years old (or that he died in The Force Awakens).
One of the things that made the original Star Tours so much fun was that you joined an X-Wing squadron to attack the Death Star. Then in the new version, you escape Darth Vader, you get a mission from Yoda, and so on.
And it's interesting to see how Disney is bringing their IP's into the parks (Frozen at Epcot's Norway, Guardians of the Galaxy in the old Universe of Energy), yet they created all-new characters for Galaxy's Edge.
Why couldn't they use Luke, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and the other characters from the original movies?