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The release of the new
Star Wars film prompted a
renewed focus on fan activities in the news media, such as this speculation on
the role of the prequels. "By the mid 2000s it was clear:
George Lucas had betrayed us
Star Wars fans. From his director chair he shot lifeless actors on lifeless green screens as he produced the terrible prequels and updates to the original films. In response, we the fans began to take ownership of Star Wars away from George Lucas. We became the moral owners and protectors of Star Wars. It was our galaxy now. We were Star Wars. He was not. The Star Wars prequels and special editions have caused a lot of debate. Yet, their role in how they have shaped a fan community is often overlooked. The prequels illustrate the fascinating ways fan culture survives and evolves."
