The central thesis—that George Lucas somehow “betrayed” his fans by altering the Star Wars universe—is presented with the kind of melodramatic fervor one might expect from a courtroom drama, not a film about space wizards and laser swords. Participants speak as though Lucas committed some moral crime against humanity, not creative decisions about his own intellectual property.
What’s most grating is the smugness with which many of these fans carry on, blind to their own ridiculousness. Their imbecilic behavior is not only cringeworthy but undermines any legitimate critique of Lucas’s choices. There’s a difference between thoughtful analysis of art and throwing a fit because your nostalgia was slightly bruised. This documentary too often aligns itself with the latter.
Instead of a mature, reflective look at the intersection of art, ownership, and fandom, The People vs. George Lucas becomes a case study in arrested development. It fails to strike a meaningful balance between fan passion and basic self-awareness. The result is a film that feels like it was made by people who never learned that creators don’t owe them anything beyond what they choose to share.
In short, The People vs. George Lucas is less a love letter to Star Wars than a spiteful, juvenile tantrum—and I despised nearly every minute of it.
and coming right up-to-date, for nearly five decades, Star Wars has stood as a sprawling epic that transcends generations, cultures, and even mediums. From the original trilogy’s mythic storytelling to the controversial prequels and the divisive sequels, the galaxy far, far away has never lacked passionate fans. But somewhere along the hyperspace lanes of fandom, a peculiar and problematic phenomenon has emerged: a certain segment of Star Wars fans who believe they represent all fans — and wield that belief like a lightsaber of absolute authority.
You’ve likely seen it online: someone declaring that a particular film “isn’t real Star Wars,” or that if you liked The Last Jedi (or The Rise of Skywalker, or The Phantom Menace), then you clearly “don’t understand the franchise.” These gatekeepers speak in absolutes — ironically, like the Sith — assuming a mantle of authority they’ve never earned. They declare what is canon in the court of public opinion and dismiss any dissenting views as invalid or uninformed.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth for these self-proclaimed Jedi Councils: they don’t speak for all Star Wars fans. They speak for themselves — often quite loudly — in a corner of the fandom that is more interested in controlling the narrative than engaging in meaningful dialogue.
One of the enduring strengths of Star Wars is its incredible diversity — not just in characters and worlds, but in the stories it tells and the people who love them. Some fans grew up idolizing Luke Skywalker. Others connected deeply with Rey, Ahsoka, or even Darth Maul. Some adore the intricate politics of the prequels, while others are swept up in the spiritual ambiguity of Andor. None of these experiences are more valid than the others.
When a subset of fans insists that their preferences represent “real” Star Wars, they erase the rich plurality that has kept the franchise alive and evolving. Worse, they use their self-appointed authority to launch targeted harassment campaigns against creators, actors, and other fans — all under the banner of “saving” Star Wars. The irony is almost Shakespearean: in their attempt to “protect” the saga, they end up stifling it.
What’s especially galling is that much of this outrage isn’t about the art itself — it’s about control. These fans often push specific political or cultural agendas under the guise of caring about lore or “story integrity.” For example, the inclusion of diverse characters or progressive themes is frequently attacked not on the grounds of storytelling, but as some kind of ideological invasion.
Let’s be honest: when someone throws a tantrum over a Black Stormtrooper or a female Jedi, they’re not fighting for Star Wars — they’re fighting to keep their narrow worldview unchallenged. The franchise has always been about rebellion, resistance, and hope. These themes don’t become less valid just because they make certain fans uncomfortable.
Fandom should be a celebration, not a battleground. Critique is healthy, and nobody is saying every installment of Star Wars is flawless. But there’s a difference between thoughtful criticism and entitled outrage. If your reaction to a new Star Wars project is to scream that it’s “ruining your childhood,” maybe it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with the franchise — and with reality.
The Star Wars galaxy is big enough for all of us. So next time someone tries to speak on behalf of “all fans,” remember: no one gets to own a story that belongs to everyone.
And if you don’t like where the saga is going? That’s fine. But don’t mistake your personal grievance for universal truth.
And here’s a great couple of videos, The Legacy of George Lucas Parts 1 & 2
