Why Episode VIII Needs More Time

In a move that doesn’t surprise me at all, Disney/Lucasfilm have pushed back the release date to Star Wars: Episode VIII to Open December 15, 2017.

This is GREAT news.

Here’s why:

First off, script re-writes.

According to the Meet the Movie Press podcast, writer/director Rian Johnson is currently rewriting his screenplay to focus more on the characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens instead of introducing new protagonists.

This makes perfect sense to me. The new cast of TFA have received almost universal affection from fans new and old. In my view Rey, Finn, and to a lesser extent Poe, are the very life and energy of the film. Putting them front and center is the right choice. It can’t be stated enough: the new characters in TFA have captured the hearts and minds of fans much in the way the original cast did in 77.

Second, financial and cultural impact (aka MONEY!)

Now the biggest movie in U.S. box office history, TFA has proved the December release window is the perfect time for a Star Wars movie. Also, with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in early may, it makes sense not to have 2 big budget space fantasy films from Disney releasing in the same month.

So what do you think of the release date  change? shoot e a tweet: @TheRileyGuy

Author: Riley Blanton