The Power of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy successfully captures the essence of a classic Star Wars tale, offering more than just a whimsical “what if?” scenario. It incorporates key elements that have defined the Star Wars universe for generations: themes of family and redemption, iconic character archetypes like scoundrels, pilots, and Jedi, a blend of witty and slapstick humor, a diverse cast of supporting characters, and exhilarating action sequences. This four-part special is designed to appeal to fans of all ages and backgrounds, drawing inspiration from various eras within the Star Wars franchise. For newcomers and casual viewers, it serves as a delightful addition to the Star Wars mythos. Meanwhile, longtime fans will appreciate the creative use of LEGO to bring to life concepts and ideas that have lingered in the realm of imagination for years – including the infamous Darth Jar Jar theory.
Exploring the Multiverse with LEGO
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy follows the tradition of the LEGO Star Wars series by playfully twisting the timeline to explore unconventional narratives within the Star Wars canon. The story revolves around Sig Greebling (portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo), an ordinary individual from a remote planet who harbors a deep fascination with legendary heroes, particularly the Skywalker Saga. Sig’s mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when he stumbles upon an ancient artifact that alters the course of Star Wars history. This imaginative multiverse tale rivals the creativity seen in films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
A Blend of Nerdy References and Emotional Depth
Showrunners Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit infuse Rebuild the Galaxy with a perfect mix of nerdy references and heartfelt storytelling, reminiscent of their work on projects like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Detective Pikachu. The special playfully parodies various aspects of the Star Wars universe across its four episodes, paying homage to not just the main film trilogies but also the diverse range of TV shows associated with the franchise. A standout moment includes the unexpected cameo of Darth Jar Jar, with actor Ahmed Best embracing the theory that his character might be a secret Sith lord. Best’s performance alone makes the special a must-watch for die-hard fans.
Unleashing the Power of LEGO
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy retains the signature humor and visual gags characteristic of LEGO video games while crafting its own unique storyline and timeline. The portrayal of Jedi Bob (voiced by Bobby Moynihan) stands out, offering a tragic backstory intertwined with the broader Star Wars lore. The special showcases the versatility of LEGO as a storytelling medium, blending humor with emotional depth to create a compelling narrative.
That’s best encapsulated in the special’s take on the Force. Much like The LEGO Movie and its Master Builders, Rebuild the Galaxy portrays the act of putting LEGO bricks together as a Force power that some Jedi are capable of using, unlocking not just the ability to lift rocks, but to rewrite reality. The animation by Atomic Cartoons helps sell the idea of Force Building; though clearly lacking the budget and scope that allowed Animal Logic to mimic stop-motion filmmaking techniques in The LEGO Movie and its follow-ups, there is still very much a tangible quality to the animation, and an effort to make the Force Building feel real. This is particularly impressive in an early sequence where Jedi Bob rebuilds a starship into several different configurations seemingly using the exact same number of bricks, like a kid going off-manual with a LEGO set – in the process communicating the theme of imagination and creativity as a power.
The Heart of the Story
Ultimately, the success of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy lies in its central character, Sig. Showrunners Hernandez and Samit craft a poignant Star Wars narrative centered around themes of family, even without the allure of cameos and LEGO building antics. Sig’s relationship with his brother Dev (played by Tony Revolori) forms the emotional core of the story, with Dev’s transformation standing out as a highlight of the franchise. Revolori’s performance conveys a range of emotions, from grief to anger, setting the stage for exciting new adventures within the unique timeline established in Rebuild the Galaxy.