Gareth Edwards appreciates the praise, but believes there are better films since Lucasfilm joined Disney.

Cinema

The director of ‘Rogue One’ disagrees with fans: “I don’t think” it’s the best modern ‘Star Wars’ film

Update: Jun 28th, 2025 14:19 CEST

Since Disney acquired the rights to ‘Star Wars’ and integrated Lucasfilm into its studio portfolio, many believe that ‘Rogue One’ is, by far, the best modern installment in the saga. It’s a sentiment shared by the vast majority of fans... except for its director.

The director of ‘Rogue One’ doesn’t think it’s the best modern ‘Star Wars’ film

Gareth Edwards is clear about his position when he hears this statement. “I don’t think it is, but I appreciate it. I’m grateful when people say good things,” he explains in statements reported by Variety. For the director, the passage of time and how the film matures on viewers’ palates are key.

“What you have to keep in mind as you’re making movies is that it doesn’t matter what people think the day it’s released, but what they feel 10 or 20 years from now,” he points out. “When you make a movie, you live at least a year ahead, imagining what it’ll be like, what decisions you’ll make, and what the audience will think. And when it comes out, you’re like, ‘I’m going to pretend I’m living 10 years in the future from this moment, and I don’t care what people say now.’ It’s that little kid who comes out and says, ‘Oh my God, I loved that movie.’ I think that’s the reward.”

‘Rogue One’ is a fan favorite

‘Rogue One’ is considered this way for many reasons. From the film’s more intimate, warlike style to the final stretch of the beach battle and that Darth Vader cameo that will make the medium’s history.