How Star Wars Betrayed Its Most Beloved Character

Luke Skywalker was more than a character—he was a symbol of hope, resilience, and the belief that anyone can choose the light, no matter how dark things get. But in the sequel trilogy, something went horribly wrong.

In this deep-dive video essay, we explore how The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker collectively dismantled everything that made Luke Skywalker an icon. From sidelining him in The Force Awakens, to the controversial character assassination in The Last Jedi, and finally the empty course-correction in The Rise of Skywalker, this video explains why so many Star Wars fans feel betrayed—and why the franchise has never recovered.

We’ll explore:

Luke Skywalker’s original arc in A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi

How the sequel trilogy ignored his growth and values

The creative missteps by Rian Johnson, J.J. Abrams, and Lucasfilm

Why Luke’s fall broke not just the character, but the fandom itself

Whether you loved or hated the sequels, this video offers a thoughtful, impassioned look at what Star Wars was—and what it’s become.

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - The Hero's Journey
07:22 - Falling So You Can Rise
14:03 - A Master at Last
21:35 - An Example in Cowardice
24:10 - A Masterclass in Character Assassination
31:02 - The Final Nail
33:58 - Conclusion
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