The Force Awakens needed something else: a twist or a subversion to hold the same effect. That impact cannot be recaptured merely by copying what came before. The reason why the Mos Eisley cantina is iconic is because it feels original and unique. However, the problem with replicating something is that it’s always going to be limited to a replica. Effectively, it does everything the original cantina did, and successfully. With Star Wars: The Last Jedi hitting 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 27th, I’ve gone through all the deleted scenes to provide a bit of a rundown.
The scene introduces Maz Kanata, confirms Rey’s connection to the Force, pushes Finn’s character arc, and advances the plot by bringing the First Order to the planet. His attempt is a good one: Maz Kanata’s castle is filled with aliens and practical effects it has plenty of visual character and a great band playing in the background. Abrams tried to replicate the iconic moment.
By the time The Force Awakens was released, those who had grown up with A New Hope and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones were old enough to be directors themselves. After years without a Star Wars movie, it was inevitable a new one would reference the cantina scene.
