[Commlist] Call for Abstracts: Routledge Handbook to Star Wars

The Routledge Handbook to Star Wars

Edited by Lorna Piatti-Farnell, Angelique Nairn, and Justin Matthews

The Editors invite abstract submissions for The Routledge Handbook to 
Star Wars. Contributions are encouraged from scholars across 
disciplines, including film and media studies, cultural studies, 
sociology, history, gender studies, literature, and related fields, as 
well as from those engaging with interdisciplinary approaches.

Since the release of A New Hope in 1977, Star Wars has been a defining 
force in cinema and global popular culture. As the franchise marks its 
50th anniversary in 2027, this Handbook volume seeks to reflect on and 
critically examine Star Wars not only as a ground-breaking cinematic 
entity but also as a transformative cultural phenomenon. From George 
Lucas’s mythic vision in A New Hope to the ever-expanding galaxy of 
sequels, spin-offs, series, and fandom, Star Wars has inspired 
generations of filmmakers, storytellers, scholars, and fans. Its 
influence on visual effects, narrative structure, transmedia 
storytelling, franchise economics, and fan culture has reshaped modern 
entertainment and the collective popular imagination.
In view of this wide-spread influence and impact, this Handbook aims to 
gather original scholarly essays that engage with Star Wars across its 
50-year trajectory, assessing its enduring legacy, its evolving 
narratives, and its broader social, political, and technological impacts.
Suggested Topics (not limited to):
•	The cinematic legacy of Star Wars and its influence on global filmmaking
•	Innovations in visual and sound effects: from analog craft to digital 
mastery
•	Lucasfilm, ILM, and the evolution of blockbuster storytelling
•	Genre hybridity: science fiction, fantasy, western, samurai, and 
mythic traditions
•	Star Wars and auteur theory: Lucas, Johnson, Filoni, Kennedy, and 
collaborative authorship
•	The mythology of the Force: spirituality, philosophy, and psychology
•	Star Wars and American identity: empire, rebellion, and political allegory
•	Gender, race, and representation in a galaxy far, far away
•	Fandom and participatory culture: conventions, cosplay, fan fiction, 
and online creativity
•	Digital culture, memes, and the politics of fan expression
•	Star Wars in television and streaming: from The Clone Wars and Rebels 
to The Mandalorian, Andor, and beyond
•	Canon, Legends, and the politics of narrative control
•	Transmedia storytelling, franchising, and the Disney era
•	Star Wars in global contexts: translation, adaptation, and 
cross-cultural reception
•	The future of the franchise: sustainability, innovation, and cultural 
legacy
•	Design worlds and material culture: architecture, costuming, and 
production design in Star Wars
•	Artificial intelligence, robotics, and posthumanism in the galaxy far, 
far away
•	Ecocriticism and planetary imaginaries: environments, ecosystems, and 
resource politics
•	Toys, collectibles, and nostalgia: the merchandising economy of Star Wars
•	Gaming and virtual worlds: narrative adaptation, interactivity, and 
immersion


Please submit an abstract of 250-300 words (with an additional 150-word 
bio) to the attention of the editors: Professor Lorna Piatti-Farnell, 
(lorna-piatti-farnell /at/ sae.ac.nz),  Associate Professor Angelique Nairn, 
(angelique.nairn /at/ aut.ac.nz), and Justin Matthews, (justin.matthews /at/ aut.ac.nz)
The submission deadline for abstracts is 15 December 2025.

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