The Star Wars galaxy is a vast and ever-expanding universe, both on and off the screen. While the official Star Wars canon encompasses a wide range of films, TV series, novels, comics, and other media, there exist a treasure trove of Expanded Universe (EU) properties that fans fervently wish were considered part of the official canon. Recently with the recent developments in Ahsoka Disney Plus series, it looks like they have made the Thrawn Trilogy canon which is usually the #1 spot when it comes to properties that should be apart of Star Wars canon. Here are a few properties that we would like to see as canon:
Knights of the Old Republic
The “Knights of the Old Republic” (KOTOR) video game series is a beloved and iconic part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. It transports players to a bygone era in the Star Wars galaxy, thousands of years before the events of the original films, and offers a rich and intricate tapestry of lore, characters, and stories. At the heart of the series are unforgettable characters like Revan and Bastila Shan, whose journeys and moral dilemmas have resonated deeply with fans. As a result, KOTOR has amassed a dedicated and passionate following that eagerly awaits the potential reintegration of its lore and characters into the official Star Wars canon.
One of the series’ standout features is its intricate and morally nuanced storytelling. “Knights of the Old Republic” explores themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of one’s choices. Players are often faced with complex decisions that have far-reaching consequences, and this depth of narrative has endeared the series to fans who appreciate the moral ambiguity and character development it offers.
The character of Revan, in particular, has left an indelible mark on the Star Wars fandom. The mysterious and conflicted Jedi-turned-Sith Lord, and later, the redeemed hero, is a character of immense depth and complexity. Revan’s journey from a seemingly typical Jedi to a pivotal figure in galactic history is a story that many fans hold dear.
Bastila Shan, with her strong connection to the Force and her own internal struggles, is another character who has captured the hearts of players. Her character arc, as well as her interactions with Revan, has been a highlight of the series.
Despite the rebranding of the Expanded Universe as “Legends” and the subsequent creation of the official Star Wars canon under Disney’s ownership, the desire among fans to see elements of the KOTOR series reintegrated into the official timeline remains strong. This sentiment was reinforced when Lucasfilm announced a new KOTOR video game in development, suggesting a rekindling of interest in this era.
Fans hope to see the Old Republic era explored in films, television series, or other media that are part of the official canon. They yearn for the return of beloved characters like Revan and Bastila Shan and the opportunity to witness the ancient history of the Star Wars galaxy on the big screen or through new storytelling mediums.
In conclusion, “Knights of the Old Republic” has left an indelible legacy in the Star Wars universe, captivating fans with its rich lore and compelling characters. The series’ dedicated following continues to dream of a day when its stories and characters are officially recognized and reintegrated into the ever-expanding Star Wars canon, allowing a new generation of fans to experience the epic tales of the Old Republic era.
Mara Jade
Mara Jade, an iconic character crafted by Timothy Zahn, has etched her name into the hearts of Star Wars fans as one of the most beloved figures in the Expanded Universe. Her evolution from the Emperor’s Hand, a loyal enforcer of Palpatine’s will, to a Jedi Knight has been a narrative journey that continues to captivate readers and enthusiasts. Her compelling transformation from antagonist to hero adds a layer of complexity and depth to the Star Wars universe, making her an enduring fan favorite.
Mara Jade’s absence from the official Star Wars canon is widely regarded as a missed opportunity. Her character possesses a unique storyline that encompasses her struggles, growth, and redemption. Her complex past, marked by loyalty to the Sith and eventual transition to the Jedi path, offers a rich narrative arc that could add depth to the current Star Wars storytelling landscape.
Fans have expressed a strong desire to see Mara Jade reintroduced into the official Star Wars canon, hopeful that her presence would inject fresh and dynamic storytelling possibilities. Her character not only represents a beloved part of the Expanded Universe but also symbolizes the enduring appeal of multifaceted characters who grapple with the complexities of their past while striving for redemption and heroism. While the Expanded Universe may have transitioned to “Legends,” the legacy of Mara Jade lives on in the hearts of Star Wars enthusiasts who yearn to see her become an integral part of the official canon once more.
Shadows of the Empire
“Shadows of the Empire,” a groundbreaking multimedia project, holds a unique place in the Star Wars Expanded Universe by offering fans a tantalizing look into the unexplored time period between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Through various forms of media, including a novel, comic books, video games, and more, “Shadows of the Empire” introduced a host of compelling characters and narratives that expanded the Star Wars universe in exciting ways. Characters like Dash Rendar, Prince Xizor, and others injected depth into this mysterious era, filling the gaps in the saga’s timeline with intrigue and adventure.
Dash Rendar, a skilled and roguish pilot, became a memorable addition to the Star Wars roster, embodying the spirit of the galaxy’s underbelly during the Empire’s reign. His adventures in “Shadows of the Empire” provided fans with a new perspective on the Rebel Alliance’s struggles, and his interactions with classic characters like Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia offered fresh dynamics.
Prince Xizor, the Machiavellian leader of the Black Sun criminal syndicate, served as a formidable antagonist, creating a power struggle that added complexity to the Galactic Civil War. His ambition and cunning tactics made him a standout adversary, and his intricate web of influence added a layer of intrigue to the story.
While “Shadows of the Empire” made a significant impact on Star Wars storytelling, it remains part of the Expanded Universe, now designated as “Legends.” Many fans hold a deep affection for the characters and events of this multimedia project and long for its official recognition within the Star Wars canon. The uncharted territory between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” continues to be a source of fascination for fans, and the adventures of Dash Rendar, Prince Xizor, and others remain a cherished part of the Star Wars legacy. The prospect of seeing this captivating narrative and its characters integrated into the official canon is a tantalizing dream for many enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and richness it could bring to the Star Wars galaxy.
Darth Bane
Drew Karpyshyn’s “Darth Bane” novels are a captivating exploration of the origins of the Rule of Two, a fundamental tenet of Sith philosophy in the Star Wars universe. These novels provide an immersive and rich backstory that sheds light on the dark side of the Force, making them a compelling addition to the Expanded Universe. At the heart of this narrative is the character of Darth Bane, a Sith Lord whose transformation and philosophy hold the potential for a fascinating contribution to the official Star Wars canon.
Darth Bane’s journey from a lowly miner named Dessel to the formidable Sith Lord who established the Rule of Two is a story of ambition, power, and self-discovery. Karpyshyn’s masterful storytelling delves into the complexities of the Sith’s struggle for dominance within themselves and against the Jedi. The Rule of Two, which dictates that there should be only one Sith Master and one Sith Apprentice at any given time, was a radical departure from the Sith’s previous traditions of infighting and betrayal. It was Bane’s realization that the Sith’s self-destructive tendencies were holding them back that led to the establishment of this rule, ensuring the survival and continued strength of the Sith lineage.
Darth Bane’s philosophy and his belief in the necessity of the Rule of Two introduced a fresh perspective on the Sith that goes beyond the typical portrayal of dark side users. His character is both compelling and morally complex, making him a standout figure in the Expanded Universe. The potential to incorporate Darth Bane and his Rule of Two into the official Star Wars canon could provide fans with a deeper understanding of the Sith’s evolution and their enduring quest for power.
As Star Wars continues to expand through films, television series, books, and other media, there remains an opportunity to reintroduce elements from the “Darth Bane” novels into the official canon. Doing so would not only enrich the lore of the Star Wars galaxy but also offer fans a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the eternal struggle between the Jedi and the Sith. Darth Bane’s legacy and philosophy stand as a testament to the enduring appeal and complexity of the dark side, making them a valuable addition to the ever-expanding Star Wars universe
Legacy
Star Wars: Legacy is a comic book series set in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, often referred to as “Legends.” The series is set approximately 130 years after the events of the original Star Wars films. Here’s a synopsis of “Legacy”:
Legacy introduces readers to a distant future in the Star Wars galaxy, where the Sith have returned and the Jedi Order has evolved into something different. The central character, Cade Skywalker, is a complex figure who is initially estranged from his Jedi heritage. He is a reluctant hero, dealing with personal demons and a troubled past. As the Sith, led by Darth Krayt, rise to power, Cade becomes embroiled in a conflict that will determine the fate of the galaxy.
The series follows Cade’s journey as he grapples with his identity and the responsibilities that come with his Skywalker lineage. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, he navigates a galaxy fraught with political intrigue, new Sith threats, and the echoes of the past. Legacy is renowned for its intricate world-building, morally nuanced characters, and exploration of the enduring legacy of the Skywalker family.
Regarding whether Legacy should be considered canon in the official Star Wars universe, it’s important to understand that in 2014, Lucasfilm, under Disney’s ownership, made the decision to redefine the Star Wars canon. They established a new official canon, which includes the mainline films, select TV series, and a specific range of novels and comics produced after the acquisition. Everything else, including Legacy, was rebranded as “Legends” and is considered non-canon.
Reintegrating Legacy into the official canon would be challenging. It would require significant changes to the existing narrative and character arcs established in the current official canon. Additionally, Lucasfilm has been focused on creating a cohesive and consistent new canon since 2014, which might not align with the storyline and themes presented in Legacy. While it has its devoted fan base, the official stance of Lucasfilm is that Legacy exists as part of the Expanded Universe, separate from the new canon. However, fans can still enjoy Legacy as a compelling and imaginative exploration of the Star Wars universe’s potential future.
Dark Empire
Dark Empire is a notable Star Wars comic series set in the Expanded Universe, now known as “Legends.” It consists of six issues and was first published by Dark Horse Comics in the early 1990s. While it’s not considered part of the official Star Wars canon, it has been appreciated by many fans for its engaging storyline. Here’s a synopsis of Dark Empire:
Set several years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the story begins with the galaxy still in turmoil as the remnants of the Galactic Empire seek to regain power. Suddenly, Emperor Palpatine, presumed dead after his defeat on the second Death Star, returns from the grave, revealing a previously unknown ability to transfer his essence into cloned bodies. Palpatine’s resurrection poses a grave threat to the New Republic and the Jedi Order.
In response, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and other heroes from the original trilogy must confront this resurrected Sith Lord. Luke, struggling with the dark side of the Force, seeks to learn more about his father’s redemption and faces a moral dilemma in dealing with the resurrected Emperor. As the conflict intensifies, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Now, as for the question of whether Dark Empire should be considered canon in the official Star Wars universe, it’s important to note that in 2014, Lucasfilm, under Disney’s ownership, made the decision to redefine the Star Wars canon. They established a new official canon, which includes the mainline films, select TV series like The Clone Wars and Rebels, and a few novels and comics produced after the acquisition. Everything else, including Dark Empire, was rebranded as “Legends” and is considered non-canon.
While Dark Empire has its merits and a dedicated fan following, reintegrating it into the official canon would be a complex process. It would require significant changes to the existing narrative and character arcs established in the current official canon. Additionally, the Disney-owned Lucasfilm has been focused on creating a cohesive and consistent new canon since 2014, which might not align with the storyline and themes presented in Dark Empire. Ultimately, whether it should be considered canon is a matter of personal preference, but the official stance of Lucasfilm is that it exists as part of the Expanded Universe, separate from the new canon.
The Star Wars Expanded Universe is a treasure trove of captivating stories, characters, and lore. While Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm led to a reset of the official canon, the passion of fans for these beloved EU properties endures. Many fans continue to hope that, one day, some of these cherished elements will find their way back into the Star Wars galaxy, enriching the franchise even further. Until then, these EU stories remain iconic pillars of the Star Wars legacy, cherished by fans around the world.