Part 2/10:
There’s a prevalent phenomenon among fans and critics: the tendency to either sell "copium"—a term for delusional optimism—that everything is fine or to appoint a scapegoat for its failures. Some defend Disney’s stewardship vehemently, claiming that all criticisms are unwarranted or rooted in hate, while others see the current product as a significant downgrade from Lucas’s original vision.
Many fans, particularly those who love Star Wars with genuine passion, see the franchise’s recent iterations as a betrayal: $100 million or more poured into movies and shows that feel disconnected from the core themes and storytelling that made the universe beloved. The dissatisfaction is not limited to critics; it is widespread across both hardcore and casual audiences.