Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron is still over two years away from its December 2023 release date. While information is scant about the next feature film in the franchise, it's perhaps the Star Wars movie project fans have the best understanding of - considering the existing entries into the 'Legends' which shares the same name.
Despite this, Jenkins has suggested her project isn't an adaptation of the novel or video game series. Nevertheless, the movie will undoubtedly bear similarities to the games. While it might not be an adaptation, Jenkins' movie can still take an important lesson from these past entries: pull the dogfights out of space and set them on planets.
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That's not to say Jenkins should get rid of space battles altogether. Sprawling space dogfights between X-Wings and TIE Fighters, with frigates and Star Destroyers littered across the background, are synonymous with Star Wars. The Death Star trench run, the battle above Endor, and the battle for Coruscant are all iconic moments in the series. It remains to be seen whether the movie will take place during the days of the Rebellion or if it will follow The Resistance - perhaps it will be neither. One thing that's certain, as this is a fresh entry into the universe, Jenkins has the opportunity to diverge from the well-trodden path. Opting instead to set the dogfights planetside can open up a wealth of unique plot avenues and build upon Star Wars' already impressive cinematography.
Bringing the dogfights down to planet level made for one of the best set pieces in The Force Awakens. Though it can be argued the film's trailer promised too much, the battle for Takodana delivered. As The First Order raids Takodana in an attempt to capture BB-8, and the map to Luke Skywalker, The Resistance arrives on the scene to fight back. The battle is woven around the skirmish on the ground, creating a sense of scale to the X-Wings and TIE Fighters as they zip past the ruins of Maz's crumbling castle and Finn, Han, and Chewie as they fight off Stormtroopers.
While the action is a wonderful spectacle, it also serves to develop character too. This is the first time the audience sees Poe Dameron since being freed by Finn in the opening act of the movie and the first show of The Resistance's strength. Poe's proficiency in the cockpit is portrayed with aplomb as director J.J. Abrams captures a stunning tracking shot of the pilot's X-Wing sweeps through the battlefield taking down numerous TIE Fighters and even some of the ground troopers, as Finn proclaims "That's one hell of a pilot!" It's one of the best shots in the entire movie and is almost bittersweet to reflect back on, considering how Abrams has recently reflected on the mixed reception of the sequel trilogy.
It goes without saying that by bringing the dogfights closer to structures and ground action, it allows the director more opportunity to experiment with the technical aspect of filmmaking. The Rogue Squadron games tasked players with protecting cities, facilities and convoys on the ground from being attacked by the Empire - some of the best missions involved freeing prisoners too. Each of these scenarios offers the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives on the traditional starfighter combat.
With London's Pinewood studios home to elaborate sets, Jenkins could conjure more practical environments to blend with CG. This would lay a more tactile foundation to shoot action shots, much like Takodana or Scarif in Rogue One. The Rogue Squadron games offered fans a first look at the infamous planet Kessel, and while it inevitably changed by the time it featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the opportunity to delve into new planets should allow for some creative design beyond the typical desert planet, forest planet, volcanic planet and ice planet that Star Wars can be reduced to. Think along the lines of the planet from Interstellar with frozen clouds, there are many more hazards that Jenkins can use to create tension and make the fights more dynamic.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has suggested that he hopes this is a more accessible entry for general audiences into the franchise than previous movies, perhaps Chris Pine is the best source to tap for hints at what's to come. However Jenkins decides to approach Rogue Squadron, one aspect that's proven successful for the post sequel trilogy material is to have familiar touchstones while making something new.
After the disappointment of The Rise Of Skywalker, The Mandalorian provided fans with an instant pick me up. It was a new story with familiar Star Wars iconography. That gives Jenkins a similar advantage as she helms the next big feature-length release. Telling a new story, with familiar imagery will begin to set things right again on the big screen with the galaxy far far away.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is scheduled for release in December 2023
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