Buckle up, Star Wars fans – the sequel trilogy that divided a galaxy of viewers has just found a cozy new spot on ITVX in the UK for free streaming!
Imagine stepping back into a universe where laser swords clash and epic sagas unfold, but with twists that have left audiences as split as the Jedi Order itself. That's the essence of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, now readily available on ITVX. The lineup includes The Force Awakens (released in 2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), each bringing fresh adventures to the iconic franchise.
These movies were crafted by Disney following their acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, marking a new chapter after George Lucas's original vision. Picking up right where Return of the Jedi (1983) left off – decades later, that is – the trilogy welcomed back beloved stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. They reprised their iconic roles as Han Solo, the wise-cracking smuggler; Princess Leia, the resilient leader; and Luke Skywalker, the hopeful Jedi knight. For newcomers, these characters form the emotional core of the original trilogy, and seeing them return added layers of nostalgia and depth.
But here's where it gets controversial – the trilogy ushered in a fresh generation with Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, and Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, sparking endless debates about representation and storytelling. The main storyline revolves around Rey, a resourceful scavenger attuned to the mystical Force (think of it as an invisible energy field that connects all living things, granting powers like telekinesis and mind-reading to those who master it). She gets pulled into a colossal showdown against Supreme Leader Snoke's First Order, a ruthless empire determined to crush the rebellion. Teaming up with Finn, a defected stormtrooper who breaks free from his brainwashing, and Poe, a daring pilot for the Resistance, this trio faces overwhelming odds to dismantle Snoke and his menacing apprentice, Kylo Ren – played by Adam Driver, who is revealed to be Ben Solo, the troubled offspring of Han and Leia.
And this is the part most people miss – despite the mixed feelings, these films proved to be massive financial successes for Disney. Each one raked in over $1 billion at the box office, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Star Wars brand. On the critical front, the first two entries earned solid marks on Rotten Tomatoes (a popular website that aggregates reviews from critics and audiences to give a percentage score based on positivity). The Force Awakens scored an impressive 93%, and The Last Jedi came close with 91%. However, the final chapter, The Rise of Skywalker, saw a notable dip to just 51%, highlighting a divide in opinions.
Critics didn't hold back their thoughts, either. The Times lamented, "Just a shame, then, that [Rey's] story should have so little emotional resonance, and that the Skywalker saga, with its 42 years of cinematic tradition, should end on such a charmless whimper." Echoing this, MovieFreak.com chimed in: "[This] is the first time I feel like The Force is no longer with the franchise and the Dark Side of corporate cookie-cutter greed has proven to be victorious." Meanwhile, Empire Magazine observed: "It looks gorgeous and offers strong performances from Driver and Ridley in particular, but ultimately the saga ends with neither a bang nor a whimper but something in between." For fans, social media buzzed with complaints about uneven plotlines and noticeable inconsistencies, such as unexplained origins in Rey's journey or puzzling gaps in the overall narrative.
Is this trilogy a worthy extension of the legendary Skywalker saga, or does it falter under the weight of expectations? Some argue it innovated by introducing diverse heroes and exploring themes like redemption and identity, while others see it as a cash-grab that diluted the magic. What do you think – did Disney hit the mark with these sequels, or should they have stuck closer to the originals? Share your hot takes in the comments below!
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Megan is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.
