Revenge of the Prequel: Star Wars Episode III, 20th Anniversary Re-Release

Poster for the re-release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The film will be re-released on Friday April 25th.

“It’s over Anakin, I have the high ground…” at the box office! Revenge of the Sith is coming back to theaters for the first time since its original release! Theaters in the U.S. and select ones in Canada will bring back the chance to experience the final chapter from the prequel trilogy on the big screen, bringing back the same nostalgia and excitement just like it did 20 years ago. Even today, this movie still resonates so strongly with fans, but this wasn’t always the case. So how did Revenge of the Sith go from being part of a widely criticized trilogy to one of the most celebrated Star Wars films?

First of all, let's look at the overall legacy of the saga. The first Star Wars movie premiered back in 1977 and became a cultural phenomenon. Since then we’ve seen 11 movies, 10 shows and an ever-expanding universe of beloved characters. What makes Star Wars so unique is how well it navigates the gray area between heroes and villains. Initially we were introduced to Darth Vader as the villain of the original trilogy. The prequels present us with his backstory aka the tragic downfall of Anakin Skywalker, reshaping our perception of Vader. 

That being said, the prequel trilogy was not universally loved when it first came out. In fact, before the sequel trilogy was released, many considered them to be the weakest of the saga. So what made fans change their mind?

Back in 2005, there were a lot of mixed reactions surrounding Revenge of the Sith. Some praised it for the emotional weight and intense action scenes, whereas others scrutinized the delivery and writing, specifically the implication of romance between Padme and Anakin in the first two episodes. Many critics also shared their distaste for how the story was told, as they were clinging onto the nostalgia from the original trilogy. They dismissed the movie's storytelling choices, especially since it rejected the classic hero’s journey structure. A review from The New Yorker criticized the film’s lack of humor and unconvincing script, referring to it as a blend of vast visual effects lacking emotional substance. Similarly, IGN talked about how the film’s dramatic elements were undermined by plot convenience.

The prequels were quite different and somewhat ahead of their time. They provided the tragic backstory to Anakin Skywalker's ultimate demise, but there was much more to the story going on as well. The prequels portrayed complex political themes, diving into how a democratic society can collapse into newfound authoritarianism. The gradual erosion of the Galactic Republic and the Empire’s creation mirror real-world historical transitions to fascism. At the time, many fans found this political angle to be dialogue-heavy or dull, however over time that particular aspect has been reappraised as one of the trilogy’s most insightful and relevant contributions to the entire saga. Wired noted the successful manner in which the film answered lingering questions about the series and featured engaging action sequences despite some contrived sequences. In addition to this, we see Yoda and Obi Wan Kenobi in their prime; which adds layers to depth to characters that had previously remained mysterious. 

So now that it’s 2025 and we have 20 years of hindsight, fans have come around on the prequels. 

After the sequels came out, opinions of the fans shifted. People called out the change in production for moments of plot convenience and overreliance on call backs to the original trilogy. This led to fans reassessing the prequels and appreciating them for the intricate and political story they told, along with layered character arcs of course. 

The Star Wars universe expanded significantly after the release of the prequels. The resurgence of television includes shows like The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch, each deepening the lore of the prequels as they take place during the same timeline leading up to Revenge of the Sith. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka came out next, further developing the prequel era. These series of shows that came out right before and after Revenge of the Sith allowed fans to revisit familiar characters while also building on them, making the prequels feel even more relevant. 

Revenge of the Sith returning to theaters is huge for original and new fans alike. It is widely regarded as a fan favourite, if not one of the best movies. If anything, this trilogy popularized the term “prequel” and has created a huge foundation for pop culture on social media. Excitement on platforms through Instagram memes and Tiktok edits have been seen all over the place and the chance to hear “I have the high ground!” or “Unlimited power!” in theaters will surely be an experience fans wont want to miss.

Fans may not have always loved Revenge of the Sith and the prequels, but they have grown to become arguably the most beloved. Whether you saw the very first star wars movie in theaters or are planning to watch them before the rerelease, the excitement is a testament to the lasting impact of the Star Wars saga and the continued evolution of its fandom. 

May the force be with you!