Key Takeaways:
– Star Wars Ahsoka successfully presents a seamless experience for viewers, regardless of prior knowledge about the animated series.
– MCU acknowledges the need for change, with future projects like Deadpool & Wolverine aiming for accessibility over extensive fan knowledge.
– Showrunners are becoming more aware of the need to make new entries more lenient for fans without prior knowledge about lengthy franchises.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is known for its interconnected franchises. Its expansive universe is rich with numerous entries, making it accessible only to those who are deeply familiar with its history. An exemplary case would be the Madness of Multiverse. This show became a difficult terrain for viewers who weren’t quite familiar with the previous entry, Wanda Vision. Nevertheless, the Star Wars franchise exceptionally solved this issue with Ahsoka, a show that gained popularity for its accessibility to both new and old fans alike.
Making Ahsoka Stand Alone
Before earning a live-action series on Disney Plus, Ahsoka initially appeared in the 2008 animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. She also made appearances in Star Wars Rebels. Given Ahsoka’s ingrained history in Star Wars lore, showrunner Dave Filoni had the challenge of crafting a show that would appeal not only to loyal fans familiar with Ahsoka’s backstory but also to new audiences.
The head of development at Lucasfilm, Carrie Beck, revealed in an interview with EW that Filoni carefully constructed the narrative to invite and involve people. This strategy made the show a standalone piece of entertainment that didn’t require viewers to be familiar with or watch the previous animated series.
The Upcoming Approach in the MCU
Recognizing the complexity within their composite universe, the MCU decided to reassess their strategy. Disney CEO Bob Iger recently emphasized the company’s desire to emphasize quality over quantity. A striking example of this transition is the forthcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. The director, Shawn Levy, confirmed in an interview with The Associated Press that the sequel would not require fans to peruse the intricacies of the characters’ lore.
The director further stated that while they hold immense respect for the loyal fan base, they do not presume that everyone is familiar with the mythology of the characters and the world. Hence the film is constructed in such a way to ensure entertainment without necessitating prior knowledge about the characters.
A Welcome Change in Franchise Strategy
In a constantly evolving industry like ours, it’s uplifting to witness such changes. With franchises getting bigger and more complicated, it’s fair to ask creators to construct their shows so that they are more accessible to fans who are not well-versed with the history of the franchise. We hope for more creators to follow in the footsteps of Star Wars Ahsoka’s approach, ensuring that more viewers can enjoy new entries without having to delve deep into the lore.
As we wrap up this news, it’s worth mentioning that Ahsoka is available to enjoy on Disney Plus. As the industry moves forward, we hope this trend of accessibility continues to grow, making it easier for more people to engage with and appreciate these beloved franchises.
