Summary
Star Warsaudiences are in an uproar aboutStar Wars: The Acolyteshowing a ship catching fire in space, but that backlash ignores the very nature of the galaxy far, far away.The Acolytereleased with a two-episode premiereon June 4th, and it’s already received plenty of criticism and praise as the newest ofStar Warsmovies and TV shows. However, not all the criticism is constructive, nor does all of it take into account the long history ofStar Warsplaying fast and loose with the laws of physics.
InThe Acolyte’sfirst episode, Osha,The Acolyte’srogue Padawan, is working on a ship when it catches fire. Viewers have since taken to social media to point out that this isn’t physically possible; fire, which requires oxygen, can’t happen in space.
However, these responses overlook George Lucas' intention forStar Warsand the innumerable examples ofStar Warschoosing to ignore real-life physics.
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Star Wars Has Never Cared Much For Real-World Physics
The pushback againstThe Acolyteshowing a fire in space would be understandable ifStar Warshad ever followed the rules of real-life science, but it hasn’t. From the very beginning, George Lucas wantedStar Warsto feel like fantasy; in fact, that’s why he referred to it as science-fantasy rather than science fiction.It’s also in part what is conveyed by the tag having always been"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away."
From the very beginning, George Lucas wantedStar Warsto feel like fantasy.
Even beyond that, there are plenty of examples dating back to the original trilogy that proveStar Wars’focus isn’t on producing factual or scientific representations of space. SinceA New Hope,Star Warshas broken the rules of physics, including by having sounds in space. Arguably,this is part of what makesStar Warsso beloved; the sounds of TIE fighters zipping through space or the incredible sound effect following the Holdo Maneuver inStar Wars: The Last JedimakeStar Warsso much more enjoyable to watch.
George Lucas Desperately Wanted To Avoid Just This Kind Of Debate
This very line of thought currently being used to criticizeThe Acolyteis also precisely what George Lucas wanted to avoid inStar Wars. In fact, althoughGeorge Lucas didn’t create the name lightsaber, the decision to transition from the term laser sword to lightsaber makes clear that Lucas didn’t want arguments about factual science to affectStar Wars. Essentially,he didn’t want to waste time explaining how it worked; that isn’t what the franchise is for.
This very line of thought currently being used to criticizeThe Acolyteis also precisely what George Lucas wanted to avoid inStar Wars.
Part of watchingStar Warsrequires the suspension of disbelief. IfStar Warswas based on true science, so much of the franchise wouldn’t be realistic or able to happen, and watching with the expectation that the movies and shows will be true to real life will only ruin the experience and miss the point of the franchise entirely. Yes,Star Wars: The Acolyteshowed a ship catching fire in space, becauseStar Warsisn’t meant to mirror real life.
The first two episodes of The Acolyte are streaming now on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
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