The Star Wars series became a multi-billion franchise over the past thirty-seven years, but do fans think that the franchise’s success will be upheld with the release of the new film? In 2012, when the Disney company purchased Lucas Films, the company which produced Star Wars, rumors about a new Star Wars trilogy spread in a frenzy. Recently, Disney released the first trailer of the new film titled Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The trailer sparked a great feeling of anticipation in many fans of the Star Wars series as well as much speculation about the plot of the new film; however, Friends students and faculty have varying levels of excitement about the continuation of the series.

The first Star Wars film, Episode IV: A New Hope, was released in 1977, followed by two sequels. The original trilogy detailed the lives of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, as well as many other members of the Rebel Alliance, and their fight against Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire. Twenty-two years after Lucas Films released the original film, they introduced Episode I: The Phantom Menace, along with two sequels that explain how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Overall, director and creator George Lucas created a highly complex space epic that entertains viewers of many generations. Now in 2016, the Disney company will release the third trilogy with great anticipation.

Although the plot of the new film has not yet been released, many people express excitement about the cast members: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher will continue to play their roles of Luke, Leia, and Han Solo respectively. When asked if excited about the original actors’ return in the upcoming film, Noah Landis ’16 commented, “Of course I am excited about the new movie and I think that it will be interesting to see the old actors return; however, none of the actors have aged well, least of all Mark Hamill. I think it will be a nice tribute to the original trilogy for the people who grew up watching them, but I don’t know what they could possibly do with the three in terms of action.” Along with Landis’ concerns about the return of the original actors, he believes, “it will be very hard to continue the previous storyline and there is very little that one could add to such a cohesive and well made story.”

It seems that other students share Landis’ mix of wariness and excitement in regards to the new film. Daniel Shahbazian ’16 stated, “I think that it’s risky to come out with another Star Wars movie but J.J. Abrams is a proven director, and he could do something good for the series.” J. J. Abrams established his talent by directing Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Mission: Impossible III (2006), and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011). Abrams’ work demonstrates his experience and expertise as a director, as Shahbazian said, especially with revivals of older films.

Some students and faculty have grown up watching the Star Wars films and are excited to see what the new installation of films will bring. Even if they are not dedicated fans, the legacy of the esteemed Star Wars movies keeps them coming back. Kate Mraz ’16 shared “Even though I am not a huge Star Wars fan, I grew up watching the movies and I’m interested in seeing how the new film will add to the series as a whole.” Mr. Clothier grew up watching all of the Star Wars movies and is a big fan of the films. When asked if he thought that the new movie would contribute to the saga, Clothier replied, “The second installment already worked to tie up the ends and actually hurt the original three films, but I am pretty open to a third installment.”

Over the years, the Star Wars franchise has been one of the top names in entertainment, so it is no surprise that the new movie has already generated great excitement at Wilmington Friends School. The question that remains, however, is whether the talent of director J.J. Abrams will introduce a fresh new era for Star Wars or if the series and original cast should remain in the past. Set to release on December 18, 2015, Star Wars: The Force Awakens will have the chance to either lead a new generation of Star Wars films or disappoint many dedicated fans.