It wasn't just the media. Whether they started it or not, I can't speak to, but I do recall fans talking about this as well. So of this was in real life - live conversations I can remember having.
Here's a Cracked article where they reference a novel that also tried to plug the "plot hole":
https://www.cracked.com/article_24462_6-ridiculous-ways-movies-plugged-up-famous-plot-holes.html
The article is from Rogue One's year, but that novel is really old. People have been thinking about this and talking about it for a long time now.
You're right; I should not have said "hinges on" when talking about the plans aspect of the plot. Nevertheless, it is not a superfluous detail of the plot, because that stuff is all Erso the Elder's character path of protecting his daughter (and the universe!), etc. So, it's not the totality of the plot, but it isn't an inconsequential part of the story, either.
I do disagree that "get Princess Leia the plans" is the main plot, either. Princess Leia (in this film) was definitely an afterthought and could've been subbed out for any other character but for the fact that the first film has her with the plans. In other words, Princess Leia doesn't do anything in this movie that makes it necessary for her to be there.
reply
share