Highlights
- Star Wars fans want a TV series centered on the underutilized podracing subculture, with an alien-centric cast.
- The idea of a Fast and Furious-like vibe for the series was popular among fans in the Star Wars subreddit.
- A podracing series could expand the Star Wars universe beyond the traditional Jedi-centered stories and bring in video game heroes.
Star Wars fans may have just cracked the code on how to keep things freaky and fresh in a galaxy far, far away. This franchise has already done dramas, comedies, heist movies, and even a holiday special that fans will rightfully never let George Lucas forget. But what about something that focuses on a little-noted aspect of the universe? What about something... faster?
It's no secret that Star Wars arguably hasn't been particularly creative in recent years. It seems like everything is focused on a typical Jedi-centered story with some "chosen one" storyline. Not only that, but they also always have humans as their main characters despite being set in a galaxy where countless different alien species hang out together on the reg. Sure, masterpieces like Andor exist, and upcoming shows like The Acolyte seem to promise more diverse stories with better representation both in-universe and out. But some fans got tired of waiting.
On the official Star Wars subreddit, one fan introduced the idea of a series centered on the franchise's underutilized podracing subculture. Reddit user Scientist2021 asked whether anyone would be interested in a TV series based around the sport, prompting a ton of replies in the affirmative. Not only did the response appear overwhelmingly positive, but pretty much everyone had their idea about how to turn it into a full show. Lucasfilm may want to take notes.
Almost immediately, one user pushed the idea of an alien-centric cast. This alone would be a big stride in the general lack of aliens in many Star Wars projects lately. Sure, aliens can be seen milling about in the background of shots or as secondary characters. But fans rarely get to see starring roles filled by non-human characters, and even when they do, they're usually humanoid like the Togruta Ahsoka Tano or the Twi'lek Hera Syndulla. A story allowing some really "alien" looking aliens to take center stage would be a nice change of pace, especially since podracing is not made for humans.
"Heavily non-human oriented cast, as Anakin was the only human who could do it. Worthwhile for that aspect alone."
Other users offered up ideas inspired by real-life documentaries and famous movies. Specifically, the idea of a Fast and Furious-like vibe was tossed around in the comment section. It's a given with how the Fast and Furious movies love their racing but still manage to tell stories. Granted, the quality of those stories can arguably range from halfway decent to "did they seriously write this just so the characters could go to space?" But if Star Wars can bring in the guy behind the Bourne movies to blow audiences away with Andor, then Fast and Furious can inspire a bunch of plucky aliens to band together in a well-written race for their lives.
"I would LOVE a series based on Pod Racing, it's probably one of my favorite Star Wars things (aside from other things)... Maybe something like the original Fast and Furious movies, or somewhat like a documentary following a group of racers."
Whatever the case, there's some real potential there. It seems like Star Wars is afraid to go outside its Jedi-centric wheelhouse lately, so something like a podracing series could go a long way in expanding its horizons. Fans have been asking for a new Star Wars podracing game for years now after loving the previous two games, Star Wars Episode I: Racer, and Star Wars Racer Revenge, so it only makes sense that such an idea would get a friendly response in a TV show as well. Maybe they could find a way to include Cal Kestis, Dash Rendar, Iden Versio, and even Rianna Saren. Bring all the video game heroes to have some fun in one star-studded swoop.
The Star Wars saga is available on Disney Plus.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space, including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other mediums like comics, video games, TV shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.
Source: Scientist2021/Reddit
