Our series of interviews “From Different Points of View” highlights Star Wars fans from across the world and allows them to tell you about Star Wars fandom from their point of view and how it has influenced their lives and the direction it has taken them.
This week’s point of view is from the USA, and it is Matt Shope.
When did your love of Star Wars begin and what was it that drew you to it?
It all started with The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. I was absolutely mesmerized by the film. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before and opened a world for my imagination to run wild. I didn’t see A New Hope until some time later but most of my action figures and playsets were from A New Hope era. Plus, my schoolmates, storybooks, and trading cards made up for the gaps. I feel very fortunate to have the Star Wars experience coincide with my life
How has Star Wars influenced you?
Star Wars has matched every major threshold in my life. The “Original Trilogy” marked my childhood, “The Prequel Trilogy” was there for adulthood, and “The Sequel Trilogy” is there for fatherhood. So, it’s always been there in some way or another and I’ve never lost interest.
What is your most memorable Star Wars moment?
The opening of every film featuring John Williams. The exhilaration of hearing those opening notes is makes my mind and heart go into hyperdrive.
How do you celebrate your fandom, do you for example collect anything, cosplay or have a tattoo?
I collect mostly the comic books and literature. I also contribute to Fantha Tracks which is my absolute favourite way to celebrate Star Wars.
What’s the best part of being a member of Star Wars communities?
Star Wars is common ground for nearly every person I’ve ever met. It’s a great kick-off point to start a conversation which can lead to long lasting friendships. It is an enjoyment to hear another’s “Certain Point of View”.
What are your next plans for Star Wars?
To have the most overindulgent experience for my family at Galaxy’s Edge.
What are you looking forward to from Lucasfilm Ltd and Star Wars in the future?
I think the franchise is in good hands. There are a lot of creative minds that are passionate about their subject. I have an insatiable appetite for Star Wars so I can take it any size portions served. However, I’d prefer to not have a drought like between Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace.
Is there anything that hasn’t happened yet in Star Wars that you would like to see happen?
Nothing that I can think of. I am fine with the storyteller taking me wherever they want to take the story.
To end each point of view we ask you to answer some rapid fire questions, gut feeling and no hesitation…..
- Favourite Star Wars Film? – I am one of the sort that views all of it as a favorite but for the sake of this questionnaire, I have to say The Empire Strikes Back.
- Favourite Character? – Han Solo
- Most ridiculous random piece of merchandise? – My AHL Hockey Jersey featuring a 212th Attack Battalion Clone Trooper by Dave Filoni.
- Holiday Special or Caravan of Courage? – Since I can honestly say that the only thing I remember from the Holiday Special is Chewbacca’s house, I have to go with Caravan of Courage. It was a very anticipated movie to see at the time.
- Clone Wars or Rebels? – Extremely hard choice. I have to go with Rebels the story is fantastic.
- Worst Star Wars film? – Again, I see them all as one great story, but I have to say Attack of the Clones is weak. However, The Clone Wars supplements the film and redeems it.
- Porgs or Ewok? – Ewoks
- Treasured Star Wars possession? – The same as I most ridiculous because of the price I paid for it. I didn’t get thrown out of the house though.
- What colour of lightsaber would you have? – Blue
- What planet would you visit? – Coruscant
