The Star Wars sequel trilogy-Episodes 7 through 9-remains as divisive among fans now as the prequel trilogy was years ago. Brian Herring, one of the actors behind the beloved droid BB-8, weighs in on this ongoing debate, drawing parallels between the two trilogies’ receptions. Speaking recently, Herring pointed out that controversy and split opinions have always been part of Star Wars’ legacy, fueled today by the internet’s reach.
Herring argued that the backlash against the sequels is similar to the one experienced by the prequels when they debuted. ”If the internet had existed on the scale it does now back then, we’d have seen the same uproar,” he said. While the sequels have their share of critics online, they also boast a passionate younger fanbase. This generational divide plays a big role in how the films are perceived.
The actor noted that fans who dislike the sequels are completely entitled to their opinions, but the discussion often overlooks that every era of Star Wars fans grapples with change and new directions. ”Everything’s not for everyone,” Herring observed, citing the sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica to illustrate how history tends to repeat itself in fandoms.
Beyond this perspective, Herring also shared insights about his work bringing BB-8 to life and teased upcoming Star Wars projects, including the recent ”Dark Forces Remaster.” His take highlights how the controversy over the movies is part of a larger tradition of passionate fan engagement that has shaped the Star Wars saga since its inception.
- The Star Wars sequel trilogy includes The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker
- Brian Herring was an actor and puppeteer for BB-8
- He compares the sequels’ polarized reception to that of the prequels
- Generational differences influence fan reactions and online debates
- Herring referenced Battlestar Galactica’s view on cyclical storytelling