The Fall of Skywalker V: The End
Summary
This episode of Going Rogue analyzes the production, marketing, and release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Host Tansy Gartam details the film's two rounds of reshoots, focusing on character inconsistencies for Poe Dameron and the controversial use of Carrie Fisher’s archival footage for Leia. The discussion covers the film’s massive promotional campaign, including its Fortnite event, and critiques the narrative choices, such as the opening crawl and Rey’s connection to past Jedi, before examining the movie's box office performance relative to other 2019 blockbusters.
Topics discussed
Introduction and George Lucas's history of declaring Star Wars 'over'
Lucas's creative freedom, Skywalker Ranch, and ownership of his work
The sale to Disney, Lucas's withdrawal, and his criticism of the sequels
Rise of Skywalker reshoots: Palpatine's return and Poe Dameron's character arc
The use of Carrie Fisher's archival footage and Leia's digital appearance
The opening crawl controversy, marketing, and the Fortnite event
Box office performance and comparison to Avengers: Endgame
Narrative analysis: Rey's isolation, the voices of the Jedi, and nostalgia
The financial imperative of franchises and the role of shareholders
Unmade Star Wars films, including the Kylo Ren standalone and new Jedi Order
Kathleen Kennedy's legacy, the end of the era, and podcast credits
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