When Star Wars was released in the spring of 1977, no one could have predicted the colossal impact it would have on audiences worldwide and the film industry as a whole. Paving the way for future blockbusters and forever embedding itself into pop culture, no other film has even come close to surpassing its legacy.
The past 15 years, though, have been a testing time for Star Wars fans. Since 1997, the original theatrical versions have slowly but surely been wiped clean off the face of the earth (see: Han shot first!), replaced with new and, as George Lucas would have you believe, 'improved' cuts. The prequel trilogy then stumbled to screens and disappointed just about everyone over the age of 12, and the many Lucas cash-grabs have made him a villain worthy of a Sith title amongst Star Wars purists.
2012 now marks the latest disturbance in the Force as Disney announced its $4billion acquisition of Lucasfilm along with plans to release a brand spanking new Star Wars trilogy - Episodes VII - IX - in 2015.
There is much to be discussed, then, during this week's Star Wars #MTOS (Movie Talk on Sunday). The ten questions are below so get your Star Wars helmets on and join me on twitter (@stefatthemovies) this Sunday at 8pm GMT!
1. Kicking things off nice and easy, what is the best viewing order for the Star Wars saga?
2. To put the debate to rest once and for all, is Star Wars sci-fi, fantasy or space opera?
3. What is the fundamental reason why the original trilogy is better than the prequels? Or do you actually prefer Episodes I-III?
4. Since the '97 Special Editions Lucas has made many controversial alterations to the OT. What have been the best/worst?
5. How do you feel about the current 3D re-releases? Will it encourage a new generation of SW fans or is it merely another cash grab?
6. Does Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm mean a brighter future for Star Wars?
7. What do you want to see in Episode VII, and what should the new trilogy avoid?
8. Who would you like to see direct the next Star Wars film(s) and why?
9. What is it about Star Wars that continues to capture audience's imaginations?
10. Finally, what is your all-time favourite Star Wars scene?
For more info, visit the #MTOS blog and follow them on Twitter at @MovieTOS.
