'Star Wars Episode 7' News Update: Why Han Solo and Yoda Spin-Offs Should Never Be Made

Disney is hard at work on "Star Wars: Episode VII," but has also recently revealed that it will be doing origin stories on a number of franchise favorites. Fans have eagerly expressed their interest in seeing the origins of such characters as Yoda and Han Solo, but these particular characters should never be expanded into individual films. Here are a few reasons why.

Yoda

Yoda is a fan favorite and the idea of seeing his origins explained is easily on the wish list of most fans. While it may be awesome to see the little green Jedi transform into the master, the actual finished product may not be what everyone really wants. In the original films, Yoda was a puppet brought to life by Frank Oz. The puppet was a major part of "Episode IV, V and I." Most fans would likely say this is their favorite representation of Yoda. However, in "Episode II," franchise creator George Lucas opted for a different strategy that would allow the character to do things he had never done before.

Lucas created a CGI character that had more mobility and the chance to fight, but less of the charm that made him a household favorite. He no longer looked real, and was obviously a computer animation. His battle with Count Dooku in "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" has been criticized by a number of fans because of how it portrays Yoda as a manic ball of energy that is almost impossible to keep track of. If there was a spin-off of Yoda, this is probably how the franchise would portray him. Afterall, how do you create a story revolving around a puppet? If this was a meditative film, maybe it could work. But a "Star Wars" movie where action is essential? Yoda would be unable to do battle and would be hindered in his movement. An animated film may be the only option here, but most people are expecting live-action movies for the spin-offs. As Yoda would say, "A great Star Wars film this formula does not make."

Han Solo

Han Solo's origin is rather obscure and there are a number of people that want to know who he really is, and how he wound up battling the empire alongside the likes of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. However, that is a risk so large it might not be worth taking. Plenty fo fans were angry when Lucas made the decision to alter the scene with Greedo in "Episode IV: A New Hope" because they felt that it completely altered the dangerous element about Solo. However, many fans were more turned off by how Lucas ultimately altered the character of the fearless Darth Vader with his prequels.

While Lucas is no longer onboard, his actions serve as a caution for any filmmaker that takes on these beloved characters: do not mess with them. An origin story could help create a new perspective on Han Solo but it could also damage his aura for fans. Either way, no matter what happens, a lot of people will be unhappy. So why take the artistic risk at all?

Conclusion: The spin-off films are a great idea from a financial perspective, and they provide the chance for Disney and Lucasfilm to explore the "Star Wars" universe in a more expansive approach by bringing in new characters and developing older and more unknown ones.