When Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker debuted in 2019, it marked the conclusion of the sequel trilogy helmed by J.J. Abrams. Although the film received a mixed reception from fans and critics alike, with many pointing to its rushed plot and unresolved storylines, it still earned over $1 billion globally. A key element of its success was Disney and Lucasfilm's elaborate marketing campaign. However, not all promotional materials saw the light of day, including several unused poster designs.
These posters, recently revealed by Star Wars Curated, offer a glimpse into alternative creative directions considered during the marketing process. Each design showcases the franchise's iconic aesthetic, blending sci-fi artistry with a nostalgic nod to the saga's legacy.
The unused designs vary from minimalist concepts that focus on symbolic elements, like lightsabers and starfields, to more character-centric posters that spotlight Kylo Ren, Rey, and other major figures from the trilogy. Some posters even hint at themes or confrontations that didn't fully materialize in the film, sparking discussions about what could have been.
For fans disappointed by the movie's execution, these unused artworks serve as a reminder of the potential The Rise of Skywalker had to close the saga with more thematic coherence. Meanwhile, for art enthusiasts, they provide a fresh appreciation for the effort that went into creating a compelling visual identity for the film, even if not all of it was utilized.
What's most striking is the contrast between the unused and released posters. The former often lean into a darker, more mysterious tone compared to the final polished designs optimized for mass appeal.
As a long-time Star Wars fan, seeing these unused posters is both thrilling and bittersweet. The designs are visually stunning and offer tantalizing hints of paths not taken in the film's narrative. The minimalist ones, in particular, feel like they could have been part of a more focused marketing approach that emphasized the epic stakes of the saga's finale. While The Rise of Skywalker didn't meet everyone's expectations, these artworks remind us of the immense creative effort behind the scenes.
Which of these unused Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker posters resonates with you the most, and do you think they would have impacted the film's reception?
