Key Takeaways:
– Midi-chlorians, a microorganism concept, introduced in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, might make the Force more accessible.
– George Lucas conceptualized midi-chlorians when making the Star Wars series, contrary to belief that the theory was an afterthought.
– Dave Filoni defends midi-chlorians analogy, likening the Force to all-accessible martial arts with varying potential among individuals.
The Underlying Concept of Midi-Chlorians
Star Wars, the iconic franchise created by George Lucas, is renowned for its intricate, expansive universe teeming with wonder and mystery. A significant element in this universe is the Force – a universally accessible energy harnessed through discipline and training. However, The Phantom Menace introduced the concept of midi-chlorians, a divisive microorganism theory that caused stirring among Star Wars fans.
Notably, midi-chlorians were presented as tiny lifeforms attached to an individual’s cells. Controlling these microorganisms enabled one to wield the Force. The concept was initially construed and developed by George Lucas while making the first Star Wars film in 1977, but the Force’s intricacies were only outlined subsequently.
A Democratic Force: The Theory of Midi-Chlorians
In “The Making of Star Wars” by JW Rinzler, it’s stated that several creatures possessed a higher Force sensibility than humans due to their unique brain structures and abundance of midi-chlorians in their cells. This affirms that every being, with determination and dedicated study, can learn to harness the Force, albeit at varying degrees of skill.
Fan contention stems from the notion that Lucas hadn’t considered the Force in the original movie and that it’s an add-on concept. However, evidence from Lucas’s statements regarding the Force’s accessibility validate that midi-chlorians were an enduring consideration during the development of the Star Wars saga.
The Controversy Surrounding Midi-Chlorians
Upon the introduction of midi-chlorians into the Star Wars universe, response from the fans was mixed. Some fans perceived this scientific explanation as an encroachment on the Force’s mystique. Until then, the ability to manipulate the Force was viewed as a rarity, only accessible to a selected few.
Nonetheless, the midi-chlorian theory has its advocates who appreciate the democratization of the Force. It is perceived to level the playing field, enabling anyone to potentially tap into the force.
Dave Filoni’s Defence on Midi-Chlorians
Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, defended George Lucas’s midi-chlorian concept by weaving an analogy with martial arts. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Filoni compared midi-chlorian mastery to skill in martial arts, where anyone can participate but not everyone will attain the same level of proficiency.
Echoing Lucas’s sentiments, Filoni believes the Force is universally inherent. Like martial arts, wielding the Force aptly requires substantial training and discipline. Filoni’s resilient defence strengthens the midi-chlorian theory’s credibility, portraying it as a metaphor for character choice.
As the contentious debate on midi-chlorians in the Star Wars universe continues, it is fascinating to reflect on George Lucas’s foresight and the depth it added to this beloved franchise.
In the end, whether you accept the scientific explanation of the Force or prefer the enigmatic aura that predated this revelation, one thing remains consistent – the enduring allure of the Star Wars narrative, available on Disney Plus.