Colin Trevorrow's Script for Star Wars Episode IX: Why It Was Rejected

When it comes to the reasons behind Lucasfilm’s rejection of Colin Trevorrow’s script for Star Wars Episode IX, the details remain elusive. No one outside Lucasfilm can definitively know what the actual issues were, as this was an early draft script rather than a finalized product. It is important to note that early drafts of any movie, including A New Hope, can differ significantly from the final version. However, this does not provide a clear answer to why Trevorrow’s script was ultimately rejected.

The Process and Rejection

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, did not outright reject Trevorrow’s script. The decision to proceed with Star Wars Episode IX was heavily influenced by the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher, who played Leia Organa. Given her pivotal role, it was clear that the script needed to be adapted to her character's absence. Additionally, there were strict guidelines from Lucasfilm regarding Leia's portrayal; they had already stated they would not recast the character or use a virtual version of Leia. These constraints were cumbersome, to say the least, and ultimately led to the script not being what was needed for the project.

It is said that following Fisher’s death, Trevorrow encountered difficulties in progressing the script. Speculation suggests that his creative process stalled, unable to find a suitable path forward without Fisher’s character. Once J.J. Abrams was rehired, he opted to develop the story independently, diverging from Trevorrow’s script.

The Script: A Critical Review

A thorough analysis of Trevorrow’s script reveals significant issues with its overall narrative. Despite having a strong opening scene and a well-crafted end battle, the script lacks a sense of stakes. This results in an existential feeling of meaninglessness. To fully understand the critique, you can peruse my comprehensive review of the script here: Sameer Ketkar’s Review of Colin Trevorrow’s Star Wars IX Script.

Reading the script can indeed be a comical experience. It is peppered with peculiar and seemingly nonsensical plot points, such as:

“Both Rey and Kylo eventually get to MORTIS.” Kylo is set to go to a Sith planet, Remnicore. Before leaving Coruscant, he takes Vader’s mask and states, “I understand Vader now.” “One final deet: Han Solo does appear and does confront Kylo at some point.” The infamous “deet” (“One final deet” is a humorous interjection, commonly used as an afterthought or a reminder).

Such elements are astounding, especially considering the years of planning and refinement that should have been evident. If these were the ideas from Trevorrow that Disney was expected to launch into production after years of preparation, it is no wonder the project was reconsidered. The reception of such a script after years of work would naturally be met with skepticism and rejection.

Conclusion

The reasons for Lucasfilm’s rejection of Colin Trevorrow’s script remain enigmatic, but it is evident that the script fell short of the expectations for a Star Wars episode. The complexity of the story and the introduced elements, such as the mysterious Mortis, added to the confusion. The script’s issues with stakes and meaningful storytelling were also key factors. This experience highlights the importance of meticulous script development and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges, such as the loss of key talent or strict production guidelines.