We may have become used to a polarized Star Wars fanbase following The Last Jedi, but there are a few things about George Lucas’ franchise that welcome the scorn of all fans. Jar Jar Binks. Anakin Skywalker. Midichlorians. The Star Wars Holiday Special. The latter aired for the first in 1978 and, suffice it to say, was a pretty wild trip as Han and Chewbacca raced to get to Kashyyyk in time to celebrate “Life Day”, which is basically the Wookie version of Christmas. It’s ridiculous and makes sense to the Star Wars mythos like Darth Maul in a pair of Converse would.
However, the Star Wars Christmas Special has become a cult favorite, especially among stoners. Think of it as the Pineapple Express of the Star Wars universe. Someone who is definitely a fan is The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau, who told ET following the Saturn Awards that he’d totally be down for a new Holiday Special if somebody at Disney gives him the nod…
“I love the Star Wars Holiday Special, certain sequences more than others. But I love the introduction of Boba Fett and that rifle that he had. That animated piece still holds up. It’s pretty cool. And I still draw inspiration from that. I would love to, maybe someday on Disney+, we’ll do a Holiday Special too. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? I gotta pitch that to them. We’ll see. If you want to see a holiday special, let Disney+ know.”
Yeah, I’m not so sure how well that stuff holds up, even Boba Fett’s debut as part of an animated sequence in which the bounty hunter looks different than in future appearances. The special wasn’t well-received at the time, yet Lucas maintained that it was part of continuity. Now, it’s more of a joke, which is why Lucasfilm made sure to clarify that is NOT a part of continuity since the acquisition by Disney.
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney gives the go ahead on a new Holiday Special, with a totally different name and a more serious vibe. Whatever brings in the green, right?
