Rogue One: 8 Reasons To Be Excited Even If You Aren't A Star Wars Fan
2. It's Not A Star Wars Movie - It's A War Movie
It's odd to think that a franchise called 'Star Wars' hasn't really delivered on the second half of its name yet. Sure, we've seen a number of space dogfights and small, gun-based skirmishes, but we've never really seen anything that closely resembles a full-blown war. Star Wars has stuck so rigidly to the sci-fi space-opera formula since it was created, and that's limiting its appeal.
Fortunately, Rogue One looks to be expanding in this regard, with a grittier, darker approach that stands a better chance of satisfying both franchise veterans and franchise newcomers alike. It won't just be a sci-fi adventure. It's part heist film (the plot revolves around a group stealing the plans to the Death Star) and part war movie (the hectic, ground-based combat in the trailers is evidence of that).
Because Rogue One isn't a numbered episode, it can afford to take liberties with the formula and change things up a bit. This effect directly impacts the audience too - if you don't like the quintessential, numbered Star Wars movies, then Rogue One is offering you something else - it's a war movie with Star Wars coated on top, not the other way around.
And if you need one last piece of evidence, just look at the title. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - not Star Wars: Rogue One. This isn't your traditional Star Wars film, and for people who aren't fans it could prove a big enough departure to get them on-board.