It's similar to Potter in theory, yes. The entirety of the series was written as original and then made into film as an 8-movie franchise.Ahh. Okay. Explains why so many middle aged people are stoked for this. Sounds like todays Harry Potter movement?
I look forward to the attractions though much like Potter. Never too late to gain a fan.
I think as far as the impact it had on film though, the best modern comparison is Avatar. James Cameron literally changed the entire film industry with the release of Avatar, which is pretty much what Star Wars did way back in the day.