When ‘Star Wars’ hit theaters for the first time in 1977, creator George Lucas had no idea just how successful his film would be. Upon its release, the movie series amassed not only a box office frenzy but a die-hard fan base who followed the series so religiously that the movie would become a cult classic in years to come. The science-fiction franchise has proved to be one of the most recognizable and profitable series on the planet and had surmounted quite the fortune that is still growing today.
After the release of ‘The Force Awakens’ the franchise, debatably more relevant now than ever, has promised fans a new trilogy series including a few spin-off films including ‘Rogue One’ set for release in December 2016. Ever since Disney bought out Lucasfilm Ltd, which was essentially the rights to ‘Star Wars,’ their plan was to cash in with the powerhouse fantasy that George Lucas had created. Disney’s intentions have become more than incredibly obvious but it does not matter much simply because the extra content satisfies the fans and the money that follows makes Mickey one happy mouse.
‘Star Wars’ just always seems to find its way out from the fantasy world into reality. Whether it be trying to prove technological phenomena like the lightsaber or ion cannons, recreate droids like C-3PO and R2-D2, or trying to master light-speed travel, ‘Star Wars’ bears heavy influence in the sciences. While these anomalies have yet to actually become solidified facts, there have been other instances how ‘Star Wars’ has made a significant impact on our society. No, it is not through Comic-Con cosplay this time, but strangely enough through social media’s favorite feline friend.
The SPCA in Monmouth County, New Jersey posted a picture of a cat up for adoption in their shelter and did not expect the commotion that would follow. Social media is strangely obsessed with cats, possibly at the same level of popularity as ‘Star Wars.’ The way the meme trends work these days, any interesting looking cat will become an online sensation. When the post made its way onto the internet and onto the mobile devices and computer screens around the country, the cat went instantly viral. It may have appeared as just a normal cat but little did the shelter know that they were accommodating the Dark Side of the Force.
There is a strange darkness about this animal. Why does he look so familiar?
That may be because our furry friend here is nearly identical to the emotional Darth Vader fanboy, Kylo Ren. The new antagonist of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ has caused a lot of stir in regards to himself as a villain but this cat may have stolen the show. His facial features are so close to Adam Driver’s own appearance that “Corey” just had to be renamed to “Kylo” once he was adopted by his loving owner.
Who knows, maybe Kylo Cat used to be Kylo Ren’s emotional help animal behind the scenes on Starkiller Base? If that was the case, we are going to be in for some crazy temper tantrums in the next movie.
Until then, we have seen how ‘Star Wars’ helped save this lovable cat by being so commonplace in pop-culture. It is always amazing to see an animal in need find a loving home and it is this kind of news that can make anyone smile.