Original sentence: Many fans believe that Lucas originally intended to make nine movies and affection for the Thrawn trilogy is partly owed to the wishful thinking of fans longing for a final trilogy of films.This is partly because many see the volumes of the Thrawn trilogy as being as well done as the Star Wars films themselves
Edited sentence: (Though many fans believe that he did promise that he would make nine movies, before he changed his mind.This is also usually partly due to wishful thinking on the part of fans for such a trilogy to actually be made.This is partly due to the fact that many see the entries of the Thrawn trilogy as worthy of, and the quality of a typical Star Wars films