Gareth Edwards on Rogue One’s Legacy and His Jurassic Comeback

As Rogue One: A Star Wars Story celebrates its 10th anniversary, director Gareth Edwards is setting the record straight. In a recent interview, Edwards addressed the widely shared belief that Rogue One is the best Disney-era Star Wars film. His take? He doesn’t fully agree with the sentiment, but he’s grateful for the love.

Rogue One’s Surprising Longevity

When Rogue One premiered in 2016, it was considered a daring departure from the usual Star Wars formula. With its grittier tone and self-contained story, the film felt more like a war movie than a space opera. Over time, its reputation has only grown. The success of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to Rogue One, has reenergized interest in the film and solidified its standing among fans.

Still, Edwards downplays the accolades. He appreciates the praise but is quick to point out that the “best Star Wars movie” title is subjective. “I don’t think it’s helpful to say that,” he said, emphasizing that every Star Wars film offers something unique to different people.

Filmmaking with an Eye on the Future

Edwards explained that his approach to directing always considers how a film will age. “You don’t make a movie just for the weekend it opens,” he said. “You make it hoping that people will still be watching it 10 or 20 years from now.” That mindset has clearly paid off, Rogue One’s legacy is stronger now than ever.

Rogue One’s Impact on the Franchise

The film’s closing sequence, which directly leads into A New Hope, is often cited as one of the most thrilling moments in modern Star Wars. Its darker themes, along with the bold decision to eliminate the main cast by the end, made it a standout project that expanded what a Star Wars film could be.

What’s Next for Gareth Edwards?

While fans continue to debate Rogue One’s place in the franchise, Edwards is already moving on. His next blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth, is set to hit theaters on July 2, 2025. This new chapter promises to blend prehistoric spectacle with high-stakes storytelling. The plot follows a daring team tasked with collecting DNA from the largest land, sea, and air creatures ever to roam the Earth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you rank it #1 or not, there’s no denying that Rogue One reshaped expectations for what a Disney-era Star Wars film could be. With Gareth Edwards Jurassic World Rebirth on the horizon, the director seems poised to leave another big mark on genre filmmaking. As he puts it, “I just want to make something that still resonates a decade later.”

Source: JoBlo