Revenge of the Sith’s Box Office Triumph Exposes Star Wars’ Biggest Disney Mistake

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The force of nostalgia should never be underestimated: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith has now secured the second-highest spot among all re-releases in history. This remarkable feat underscores some missteps in the galaxy far, far away.

If you visited a movie theater this weekend, you might have thought you were time-traveled to 2005. The place was filled with Star Wars memorabilia, Darth Vader helmets, costumes, and fans engaging in mock battles with lightsabers on the screen. There was excitement and tears as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi engaged in their epic duel on Mustafar.

Instead of its two earlier versions, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith was generally well-received, being aptly praised as a poignant, tragic melodrama featuring groundbreaking digital filmmaking from the 2000s. It boasts some of the most memorable and amusing moments in the Star Wars series, and years later, Hayden Christensen’s performance as the ill-fated Anakin has undergone reevaluation and acceptance by fans.

Remarkably, despite numerous shortcomings, some might contend that Attack of the Clones is a painfully dull film, to put it mildly. This controversy, ironically, makes it one of the least debated Star Wars productions today. Unfortunately, this can be attributed in part to Disney, as they’ve played a role in fostering this divisive discussion.

Revenge of the Sith is a reminder that Star Wars used to be mainstream

19th May, 1999: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace premieres across the country. This cultural phenomenon, though not meeting all expectations, still generated massive box office earnings, demonstrating that Star Wars had made a triumphant return and would continue to be a lasting force in entertainment.

On May 19, 2005, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, which George Lucas referred to as “Titanic in space,” premiered, shattering midnight screening records and immediately gaining iconic status, flaws included.

Star Wars fans. No one like them.

— Bob: Gooch Protocol (@bobgoochman) April 26, 2025

After that event, it wasn’t until 2014 that Star Wars made a comeback on the big screen with The Force Awakens. Meanwhile, on the small screen, The Clone Wars and Rebels series were introduced, but these weren’t essential viewing, similar to the expanded Legends canon and games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Essentially, they didn’t significantly impact the overall franchise.

As the sequel trilogy – The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker – were released, there was no sense of apprehension among moviegoers about a new Star Wars film. Each movie, despite the polarizing opinions following TLJ, became a significant box office draw for the public; collectively earning over $4.47 billion, with each installment grossing more than $1 billion. Even Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, marking the franchise’s initial theatrical spinoff, surpassed the $1 billion mark as well.

From 1977 to 2019, I found myself constantly surrounded by the infectious excitement of Star Wars. The release of Revenge of the Sith reminded me just how much we craved that nostalgic sensation once more – but then, something seemed to fade away.

Disney Plus has turned Star Wars into a niche property

2019 marked a significant shift. That was when Disney Plus debuted, introducing The Mandalorian – the inaugural live-action Star Wars TV series. A month later, The Rise of Skywalker brought an end to the sequels, becoming the franchise’s least-favorably rated production. Its portrayal of Palpatine, character-pleasing plot, and underdeveloped characters left many viewers feeling let down.

In the six years since its last theater release, Star Wars has been noticeably missing from cinemas. Instead, Disney and Lucasfilm have been channeling their resources and creativity into producing content for their streaming platform, leading to new Star Wars releases there.

  • The Mandalorian
  • The Book of Boba Fett
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi
  • Andor 
  • Ahsoka
  • The Acolyte 
  • Skeleton Crew
  • The Bad Batch 
  • Star Wars: Visions 
  • Tales of the Jedi 
  • Young Jedi Adventures

Over the course of six years, 11 different television series have been produced. Compared to this, since the release of Star Wars in 1977, a total of 11 movies have been made. This disparity is quite significant, particularly when considering the impact it has on viewers.

Even an ordinary viewer isn’t typically expected to grasp every detail, especially when it comes to complex series like The Mandalorian’s later seasons and Ahsoka, which tie into the extensive lore of Dave Filoni’s Clone Wars and Rebels shows. It’s quite demanding for viewers; I myself had to delve into some in-depth research just to keep up with them.

Even though Andor, widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars productions, might seem difficult to interest a casual fan, let me explain why you should give it a try: Picture Cassian Andor from Rogue One, but this time in a TV series that unfolds five years prior to the movie and reveals how the rebellion began. You won’t find any Jedi or Sith here, so forget about lightsaber battles for now. Instead, expect a gripping storyline filled with political intrigue, espionage, and resistance against an oppressive empire.

If you’re not deeply passionate about Star Wars, as I am due to my professional obligations – it might be challenging for you to enjoy all the Disney Plus shows because the franchise has become so intricate and complex that it may feel overwhelming to newcomers. In essence, what was once a globally popular franchise now seems difficult to grasp. This phrase might apply: “Pride comes before a fall.

During the time when Revenge of the Sith was playing in theaters, it was straightforward. In total, there were six Star Wars films, and for dedicated fans, there were only a handful of additional content: Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars, books, and games.

As a devoted fan, I’ve witnessed the meteoric rise of Star Wars into an iconic part of pop culture. However, by placing too much emphasis on streaming and flooding the franchise, it seems to have diminished its broad appeal. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu, along with Starfighter, manage to rekindle the flame? Time will tell. The reception to Revenge of the Sith serves as a testament: the nostalgia of Star Wars remains stronger than any content offered on Disney Plus.

As a dedicated Star Wars fan, stay tuned for my updates on all the exciting upcoming projects, a clear layout of the Star Wars chronology, and my personal take on the top-ranking Star Wars characters.

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2025-04-29 14:20