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There’s an Angry Online Debate on What It Means to be a 'Real' Star Wars Fan


Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker might have been one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year, however, to everyone's surprise, the film became one of the most divisive entries in the Star Wars franchise. Though the film does have its fans, The Rise of Skywalker has been suffering from mixed-negative reviews from critics who lambast the film for its odd pace and for its poor narrative.

Being divisive as it is, The Rise of Skywalker has sparked quite a discourse online, and now it seems the conversation has taken a different turn with fans debating to what qualifies the title of a Star Wars fan. Taking the fight to Twitter, netizens have begun listing the qualities that make up a "true" Star Wars fan.

Some traditional fans have begun posts that gatekeep others, saying that those who've only seen the movies aren't actually fans of the franchise.

According to a certain Ed Powell, an "actual Star Wars fan" has either read the novelizations, read books in the EU, read new canon books, read some comics, watched the animated shows, or participated in the SW discussion groups.

Others have decided to call out on the gatekeeper, reminding everyone that the only real quality to make someone a Star Wars fan is to like Star Wars. Others have decided to go trolling the post.

It's really funny how The Rise of Skywalker has sparked a debate on the legitimacy of Star Wars fandom. The fanbase can really be passionate sometimes.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is currently screening in cinemas.

Read: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Didn't Use Any of Colin Trevorrow's Original Script

For more articles like this, take a look at our Star Wars: Episode IX page.