Random Thought: What Makes Star Wars Worldbuilding So Timeless?

Lately I’ve been revisiting some classic sci-fi and fantasy franchises, and it got me thinking about why Star Wars still feels so engaging decades later. Beyond the obvious nostalgia, there’s something interesting about how the universe is constructed.

On the surface it’s a simple good vs evil space opera, but the setting itself feels unusually “lived-in.” Planets aren’t just backdrops, they have distinct cultures, economies, political tensions, and even architectural identities. You can jump from Coruscant’s endless cityscape to Tatooine’s desolation and instantly understand the tone of the story without exposition.

Another thing I find fascinating is how technology and mythology coexist. You have hyperspace travel, blasters, and droids alongside ancient religions, prophecies, and mystical energy fields. Normally those elements clash in other settings, but Star Wars somehow blends them in a way that feels natural rather than contradictory.

I’m curious how others see it from a storytelling or worldbuilding perspective. Do you think Star Wars succeeds mainly because of its aesthetic style, or is there something structurally different about how its universe is designed? And are there other fictional worlds that give you the same “this place existed long before the story started” feeling?

Interested to hear different takes, especially from people who enjoy dissecting lore and narrative design.