The latest STAR WARS film, THE FORCE AWAKENS has been passed ‘PG-13’ by the MPAA.
Following in the spirit of REVENGE OF THE SITH, which was the first STAR WARS film to get the higher rating, the film will contain ‘Sci-fi Action Violence’ according to reports initially released.
The ‘PG-13’ (12A equivalent in the UK) has been regarded as the most commercial rating in the USA for 30 years and was created in light of concerns over violence in the second INDIANA JONES film, the prequel INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM back in 1984, partly also down to Steven Spielberg‘s concerns that that film would be too frightening for children and requested that the ratings board would compromise with a new rating between the ‘PG’ and ‘R’.
Since then, numerous films like ROBIN HOOD – PRINCE OF THIEVES, THE FUGITIVE and CLOVERFIELD have been passed to create the most beneficial commercial rating in the USA. Â Recently, it has been the key rating of choice for the LORD OF THE RINGS / HOBBIT / MARVEL AVENGERS franchises amongst others.
It is understandable given JJ Abrams style of intense fantasy and action which he used to effective success in his STAR TREK reboot and it allows more potential to build a bigger canvas.
The rating history of STAR WARS is interesting too. The well-documented concerns over its initial commercial potential went even as far to securing the most suitable rating. When the 1977 version of the film was submitted, the MPAA voted it a ‘G’ – for General Audiences, but the film-makers wanted a ‘PG’ as ‘G’ was seen as ‘an uncool rating’. The sequels were passed ‘PG’ subsequently.
Irrespective of the rating, it isn’t going to stop millions seeing the film, which is already setting records across the board for IMAX and pre-bookings.
