Filmmaker Gareth Edwards says he’s content to move on from “Star Wars” following his work on 2016’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”.
Edwards directed the first “Star Wars” spin-off feature, but the film famously became the first of multiple “Star Wars” projects which underwent major behind-the-scenes dramas and overhauls.
Tony Gilroy came in to rework some of it, but which parts have been up for debate – the most significant change apparently was Gilroy having everyone die at the end and the opening scene with the courier. Interest in the title has also surged recently in the wake of the second season of the highly acclaimed “Andor” finishing up on Disney+ last month.
Edwards says he appreciates fan reaction but has done his bit for the franchise, telling Business Insider: “I’m very happy to move on and do my thing.”
Some claim it as the best “Star Wars” film of the Disney era, a claim Edwards refutes when asked about it: “I don’t agree with it, but I appreciate it. I’m very grateful that people say nice things.”
Asked what the franchise means to him now, he says: “It’s the thing that was in my life before I knew what a film was. It’s like your mom, it’s like something that’s a part of you. I’m always fascinated by what they’re doing. I never stop loving that trilogy.”
The release of “Andor” has led to something of a reassessment of “Rogue One” – some appreciating it more, others less. The tone of the former’s deep character drama and the latter’s big scale action approach is so different it certainly makes for a jarring experience to go from one to the other.
Speculation also lingers as to just what elements are Edwards and what were Gilroy, with fans quick to give credit to Gilroy for stuff that wasn’t necessarily his – such as the famous Darth Vader sequence which the film’s writer and VFX animator all confirm Edwards directed.
Indeed, Edwards remains the sole director credited and reportedly worked alongside Gilroy during the reshoots, not being sidelined in the way you sometimes hear about with these movies.
Edwards returns to cinemas with “Jurassic World Rebirth” next month.
