Sci-fi fans baffled by the latest Star Wars episode starring bizarre digital cast.

By Our Entertainment Editor: Arthur Pint

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – Fans of the long-running Star Wars franchise have reacted with a mixture of bewilderment and loyalty exhaustion following the release of Disney’s latest instalment, Episode X: E.T. & The Emperor.

The film, which is notable for being entirely AI-generated—from script to soundtrack to what one critic called “emotionally speculative acting”—features a series of creative decisions that have left even seasoned followers struggling for context. Chief among them is the casting of a digital version of Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi as Han Solo, alongside a re-animated 70’s folk singer, John Denver, portraying Luke Skywalker.

The plot centres on a dramatic reimagining of the beloved extraterrestrial E.T., who is revealed, after several reflective monologues and an extended finger-glow sequence, to be the galaxy’s ultimate evil emperor. Critics have largely agreed that this narrative development is “utter crap”.

C3P Oh No!

Production design has also drawn scrutiny, with sets reportedly generated from “loosely interpreted prompts,” resulting in environments that shift subtly between scenes. One reviewer noted that desert planet, Tatooine “features a McDonald’s drive-thru in the far distance.”

Disney executives have defended the project as “bold,” “innovative,” and “distinct from anything audiences have previously complained about.” They also reiterated their broader strategy of evolving the franchise to reflect contemporary values, including DEI hiring and a focus on universal human rights, a direction that continues to divide audiences—some of whom maintain a preference for more traditional elements such as exciting storytelling and laser-gun battles.

Several online fan sites recommend that Star Wars lovers skip the movie entirely and simply start again from Episode I.