Okay, so this is too big for one post, so I'm going to have to share it in multiple parts.
A few weeks ago, I decided to sit down and write an alternative Star Wars Sequel trilogy. I'm currently near the end of the first film, and have a plan in place for the following two instalments.
It was just a fun little project I decided to do, and it's something that I had a vague idea of around the time of the sequel's release. I'm sure everyone has their own ideas about potential films in the franchise, but this is what I think would be good.
The film opens in space, as a ship flies into shot and then leaves. Pan down to reveal a familiar desert world.
Han and Chewie land on Tatooine and head for Jabba's Palace.
The building is the same, but there are extended parts to the original structure. More so than those additions, there is a village surrounding it. Walls, watch towers, turrets, ramshackled buildings, huts, tents and market stalls. The village is immense, and the locals seem destitute on average. There is a clear distinction between the guards and civilians.
They gain access to the village easily enough, but there are some glances thrown their way as they navigate the place.
Finally, they reach the entrance to the palace, and they're stopped by some armed guards. A fight nearly breaks out as Han fails to talk his way in, but before it escalates, the pair are recognised.
This person ushers them past the guards and inside. They pass numerous antiques and oddities as they head for the main hall. The Twins are referenced in conversation as they walk.
The main hall is busy, but not overcrowded. In the centre of the room are the Twins (from The Book of Boba Fett), Hutts who are now the rulers of this world.
Jabba surrounded himself with slimy clientele, but the Twins, however, seem to run the place differently. They display interesting collections, everything from weaponry to statues, organised with pride. The people who inhabit this space are dressed luxuriously, they do, however, seem just as dangerous as the previous occupants.
Han is greeted with glee by the Twins, and everyone looks at them curiously. Han and Chewbacca's praises are sung, their past accomplishments mentioned, plus some we've never heard. They are esteemed guests and are treated as such.
When asked about his work for The New Republic, Han reveals that he has retired from the military and wants to return to his old life. The only life he has ever loved. "Who better to work for than the Twins?" He shrugs.
They're flattered initially, but soon one points out that Han failed Jabba, and couldn't be trusted as anything more than a talking point. "A living decoration in the hall."
The Twins squabble for a moment and come to a stalemate. They offer him a room until their decision is made.
Han notices a Stormtrooper. Armour broken and old, he is sweeping the hall. The Stormtrooper stares at them, but is soon forced to get back to work. (Finn is the Stormtrooper)
As the night goes on, he notices others wearing old Stormtrooper armour, some in better condition than others. Han notes where their quarters are, and as the night winds down, he and Chewie go in search of them.
(Let's take a pause to discuss a few aspects of this idea.)
The twins in my mind serve a very specific purpose; their attitude and almost constant bickering represent the Star Wars fandom. Not in a derogatory sense, but in the sense that they love the history of the galaxy. They're collectors of it, and each enjoys different aspects of it. Their bickering and love of these different aspects are very much like the Fandom. While most aspects of Star Wars in general can lead to divisive debate. We're all fans of it as a whole and have commonalities. So, while their collection in the film, on the surface, seems like a chance to nod and wink at the audience with references. It is, of course. But it does serve a purpose for the plot, rather than just being meaningless Easter eggs.
That purpose will become apparent as the story unfolds.
(Back to the story)
Han and Chewie find Finn and another Stormtrooper.
The offer of freedom is on the table, but the troopers are apprehensive. One is afraid of getting caught and killed, but Finn convinces him to trust him and leave with Han and Chewie. Neither Stormtroopers like nor trust them, but they know that they don't have much of a choice.
A guard is alerted, but they kill the guard before they can hit the alarms.
Quietly, they make it away from the quarters. Before continuing, Han stops and asks the troopers where his ship is. Finn gets irritated and complains that they came to rescue them without a ship, and Han clarifies that his ship was somewhere in the palace. The Millennium Falcon. Neither of them knows of the ship, which Han is taken aback by. They do know where the main hangar is, though, so assure him that the ship would be there, if anywhere.
They make it through the complex without incident. When they enter the hangar, they see many different ships, and right at the end is the Falcon. Perfectly preserved, and it actually looks better than when Han owned it. Chewie comments on this.
As they near it, guards appear, and a firefight ensues. Han, Chewie and the troopers are a good match and work as a team against the guards. As their numbers dwindle, one of them hits a button which triggers an alarm and red emergency lighting, then they retreat, leaving the four in the hangar alone with the blaring sirens and ominous churning. A gate crunches to life and begins to open. They are left staring, unable to move.