The 2024 U.S. election was a turning point. Donald Trump won both the popular vote and the Electoral College, a result that caught many off guard and underscored just how divided the nation truly is. But this division isn’t confined to politics. It ripples into every corner of culture, even into the galaxy far, far away.
That’s right—Star Wars fandom isn’t immune to these cultural shifts. For years, a faction of fans—sometimes called the “Fandom Menace”—has been critical of the Disney era, claiming that Star Wars has become “too woke” and lost touch with its roots. And now, as this political moment unfolds, we’re left asking: What does this polarization mean for the future of Star Wars? Can the franchise still be a unifying force? And more importantly, what does it need to be to thrive in this deeply divided world?
Here’s the thing about Star Wars: It’s bigger than any one group of fans.
Always has been.
Always will be.
From the beginning, Star Wars has been a story about hope, rebellion, and fighting for what’s right. It’s about underdogs taking on oppressive systems and ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges. And that spirit resonates with a vast spectrum of people.
But here’s the reality: To some fans, Star Wars is all about the big ideas—the fight against tyranny, the importance of community, and the power of redemption. For others, it’s a thrilling escape into a galaxy of laser swords, space battles, and unforgettable characters.
And you know what? Both are valid ways to love Star Wars.
The problem isn’t that fans have different perspectives; it’s that, increasingly, we’ve forgotten how to make room for those differences. Gatekeeping—whether it’s dismissing fans of the Disney era or alienating those who feel disconnected from the new direction—doesn’t just hurt the fandom. It betrays the core of what Star Wars is about.
Now, let’s talk about this word: “woke.” Some fans use it as a shorthand for what they think is wrong with modern Star Wars. They point to characters like Rey, Finn, or Rose Tico, or to shows like The Acolyte, and accuse Disney of putting “politics” before storytelling.
But here’s the truth: Star Wars has always been political. It’s always been about fighting oppression, about standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. When Luke Skywalker looks out at the twin suns of Tatooine, he’s not dreaming of staying where he is. He’s dreaming of a better, freer galaxy. And when Leia leads the Rebel Alliance, she’s doing more than fighting the Empire—she’s showing us what courage, intelligence, and leadership look like.
The diversity in modern Star Wars isn’t a betrayal of its legacy—it’s an extension of it. The galaxy has always been a place for heroes of all kinds. Including more voices, more perspectives, and more stories doesn’t diminish Star Wars. It strengthens it.
If someone’s offended by Star Wars embracing inclusivity, it’s worth asking: What did they think the Rebel Alliance was fighting for in the first place?
That said, not all the criticism of Disney-era Star Wars is rooted in bad faith. Some of it comes from how these stories are marketed. Shows like The Acolyte and even movies like The Last Jedi have been promoted with a heavy focus on their inclusivity. And while that’s something to celebrate, for some fans—especially those who come to Star Wars purely for the escapism—this kind of messaging can feel out of sync with what they’re looking for.
Does that mean Lucasfilm should stop telling inclusive stories? Absolutely not. Those stories are essential to the galaxy far, far away. But maybe the marketing doesn’t need to lead with the messaging. Instead of putting diversity front and center in the promotion, let’s put it in the stories—where it’s always belonged.
When people watch The Acolyte or revisit The Last Jedi, they’ll see it: the rich, inclusive universe that reflects the best of what Star Wars can be. The marketing doesn’t need to prove anything; the stories already do the work.
Star Wars is at a crossroads, much like the world it reflects. Divisions are deepening, and it’s tempting to see the fandom as just another battlefield in the culture wars. But here’s the thing: Star Wars is bigger than that.
Its legacy isn’t tied to one type of fan. Its success doesn’t depend on catering to one group. Star Wars thrives because it brings people together—from those who dream of rebellion and justice to those who just love a good space battle.
For Star Wars to survive—and to grow—it needs to embrace the truth of what it is: a story for everyone. That means continuing to tell inclusive, meaningful stories that reflect the vastness of the galaxy while making space for every kind of fan.
If inclusivity feels out of place to someone, maybe they’ve missed what Star Wars is about. Because at its heart, Star Wars isn’t just about laser swords or space ships. It’s about hope. It’s about the power of community. And it’s about showing us that no matter where we come from, we all have a place in the galaxy.
The future of Star Wars isn’t about choosing one group over another. It’s about reminding us all why we fell in love with it in the first place.
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