Lucasfilm is officially signaling a departure from one of the defining elements of Disney-era Star Wars with the upcoming season of Ahsoka (2023). This move reflects a broader shift in the production approach, one that many fans see as a return to the franchise’s roots and a response to longstanding criticism.
The Disney era of Star Wars has been marked by a mix of innovation and controversy. While some projects, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), were praised for their high production values and engaging new characters, others faced significant backlash.
The sequel trilogy, in particular, divided fans, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) lauded for its bold narrative but criticized by others for breaking from established lore. Television projects on Disney+ have faced similar scrutiny. Shows like The Mandalorian (2019) initially won fans over, but subsequent seasons and spin-offs, including Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Book of Boba Fett (2021), received mixed reviews for inconsistent storytelling and heavy reliance on digital technology.
A central point of contention has been the use of Industrial Light & Magic’s The Volume, a cutting-edge LED screen technology that creates immersive environments. While innovative, critics argue that overuse of The Volume has resulted in visuals that feel constrained and overly artificial.
Fans often point to Andor, which eschewed The Volume in favor of practical sets and real locations, as a standout example of how traditional filmmaking techniques can elevate the franchise. The show’s critical acclaim reinforces the value of tangible environments in a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars Moves On From The Volume
In a promising development, Lucasfilm has announced that Ahsoka‘s second season will relocate its production to the UK – and move away from relying solely on The Volume.
This shift mirrors the approach taken by Andor, which benefitted from practical sets and location-based filming, earning praise for its cinematic depth.
Production on Ahsoka is set to begin in April 2025, with fans eager to see how this change impacts the storytelling and visual experience. The move away from The Volume doesn’t signify its complete abandonment, but it suggests a re-evaluation of how and when to use the technology.
Lucasfilm’s willingness to revisit traditional production methods signals a broader effort to address fan concerns and reignite enthusiasm for the franchise.
Upcoming projects, such as the highly anticipated Rey-centered film and the Jedi origin story Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, may provide further insight into how Lucasfilm balances innovation with the timeless appeal of its classic filmmaking roots. This evolving approach could mark the beginning of a new era for Star Wars, one that bridges the best of both worlds.
How do you feel about Lucasfilm’s use of The Volume?
