How The Force Awakens reignited Star Wars.
Ten years ago today, Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrived as one of cinema’s most anticipated releases. Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, it faced the daunting challenge of bridging the original trilogy with a new era for the franchise. For many fans, it succeeded as a thrilling reset. For others, the film sparked enduring debates about its direction and legacy.
Rey and the New Generation of Heroes
The film introduces Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, as a scavenger surviving among the wreckage of the old war on Jakku. As she discovers the Force and rises rapidly to become the trilogy’s central hero, her journey echoes Luke Skywalker’s while positioning her as a new kind of protagonist. Ridley’s performance balances strength, curiosity, and vulnerability, making Rey instantly iconic.
Rey’s journey is complemented by Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, a former stormtrooper who defects from the First Order. Finn’s arc offered a fresh moral angle rarely explored in Star Wars. Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron rounded out the trio, channeling classic Han Solo-style confidence as the Resistance’s best pilot.
Old Heroes Return, With Uneasy Results
The return of the original cast further heightened excitement. Harrison Ford’s Han Solo took center stage, delivering a performance filled with humor and regret that culminated in one of the saga’s most shocking moments. Meanwhile, Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa evolved into a battle-worn leader, grounding the film emotionally.
Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker, meanwhile, sparked significant discussion. His appearance, silent and isolated at the film’s conclusion, contrasted with the hopeful hero of earlier stories. Both audiences and Hamill himself noted the character’s new direction, with sentiments of disconnect intensifying in the later films.
Villains, Creatures, and a Living Galaxy
Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren provided a distinct villainous presence. Unlike past Sith Lords, his volatility and inner conflict as Ben Solo generated ongoing audience interest, with his story’s resolution in The Rise of Skywalker remaining a point of discussion.
Adding to the galaxy, the film introduced memorable supporting characters and creatures. Lupita Nyong’o’s motion-capture performance as Maz Kanata added wisdom and mystery. New aliens, practical creatures, and droids like the instantly beloved BB-8 helped restore the tactile, lived-in feel that defined the original trilogy.
The Droids Still Steal the Show in The Force Awakens
No Star Wars revival would feel complete without a standout droid, and The Force Awakens delivered one instantly in BB-8. Designed as a practical effect first and enhanced digitally, the rolling astromech became the film’s unexpected heart. BB-8’s expressive movements, loyalty to Poe Dameron, and quick bond with Rey recalled the charm of R2-D2 while feeling completely modern.
Within minutes of screen time, BB-8 emerged as a fan favorite and cultural icon, proving that Star Wars still understands how to create characters that connect without saying a single word.
Visual Effects, Music, and Box Office Power
Visually, The Force Awakens blended practical sets with cutting-edge effects, from the wreckage-strewn deserts of Jakku to the snowy forests of Starkiller Base. Enhancing these visuals, John Williams’ score introduced new themes that immediately felt timeless, particularly Rey’s motif.
Recognition from the Academy followed, with five Oscar nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects.
Box office success came swiftly. The film earned more than $2 billion worldwide, including approximately $936 million domestically. During its theatrical run, it became the third-highest-grossing film of all time, cementing Star Wars as a dominant force once again.
A Legacy That Still Divides
While The Force Awakens set a strong tone, Abrams’s decision to step away from the middle chapter left the trilogy feeling inconsistent. Ten years later, fans still debate Luke’s portrayal, the trilogy’s lack of a unified plan, and Ben Solo’s controversial end.
Even so, The Force Awakens remains a reminder of what Star Wars can be when wonder, legacy, and spectacle align as fans still await the next chapter for Rey.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
