How Disney’s Star Wars Lore Retcons Have Actually Aided the Series Moving Forward

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Since the initial release of the Star Wars movie, the series has branched out with various forms of spin-off content. The first novel appeared in 1976, followed by numerous others. These stories haven’t been limited to the realm of literature; they’ve also found their way into video games and comics, exploring new territories for the franchise. However, once Disney acquired Star Wars in 2012, all this content was reclassified as Star Wars Legends, no longer considered part of the main storyline.

The labeling of it as Star Wars Legends caused quite a stir among the fanbase, since they had developed strong connections with these tales and personalities over many years. Many fondly recall battling across the galaxy as Starkiller in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, while spending countless hours delving into sagas like the Yuuzhan Vong or The Old Republic, and games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic are still highly regarded for their quality within the franchise. Yet, Disney’s move may have been just what the franchise required, even if it meant letting go of some exceptional narratives.

The Star Wars Retcons Helped Give the Franchise a Clean Slate

The Star Wars Expanded Universe Was a Bit of a Mess

As a dedicated Star Wars gamer, I’ve got to admit that while the Expanded Universe was rich with captivating tales and engaging games, it was also a bit of a tangled web. For instance, it was overflowing with continuity issues and contradictory narratives. One glaring example is the numerous accounts of the Death Star plans heist. Contrary to popular belief, there wasn’t just one daring theft, but rather countless versions, each featuring distinct thieves and their unique stories. This inconsistency, especially when it comes to such a pivotal part of Star Wars lore, made things somewhat bewildering for us fans.

Beyond that, there were tales and figures presented which, if they remained valid in the universe, could have significantly altered its course. The video game “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” introduced Starkiller, a secret apprentice of Darth Vader with exceptionally potent force abilities. Although this might have resulted in an entertaining duology, his powers were so overwhelming that he became virtually unstoppable across the galaxy. Furthermore, the narrative depicted in these games could potentially contradict established lore, as they suggest that the entire rebellion was orchestrated by Darth Vader himself.

In the Star Wars universe, the Expanded Universe continuity has often been criticized for being messy due to numerous inconsistencies and conflicting stories found in various games and novels. One example is the game “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,” which added to these lore issues, as well as the novels that were filled with conflicting accounts. Additionally, events such as the Yuuzhan Vong War were not well-received by fans. While there may have been enjoyable stories within this continuity, it was difficult for many to keep track of what was happening in the galaxy far, far away due to its complexities and inconsistencies.

This New Era of Star Wars Feels Much More Cohesive

When Disney acquired Lucasfilm, it decided to redefine the storyline by declaring the Expanded Universe as non-canonical. This move provided the studio with a blank canvas to narrate the tales they desired within the galaxy. Although the sequel trilogy sparked controversy, it was not obligated to adhere to all those conflicting stories and instead paved its own path. Furthermore, the true canonical account of the Death Star plans heist is now presented through the movie “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. Moreover, the Lucasfilm Story Group ensures that future novels, video games, and comics align seamlessly within the extensive franchise’s chronology.

Despite some lingering continuity problems, they’re not as numerous as in the Expanded Universe. Simultaneously, video games have been crafting engaging narratives that fit seamlessly within this revised universe. Characters like Cal Kestis don’t seem to violate established lore, and games such as Star Wars Squadrons and Star Wars: Battlefront 2 have a definite place in the timeline. In fact, Ubisoft has also contributed to the canon with Star Wars Outlaws. Now, these stories can stand independently while contributing to a coherent, sensible canon.

As a passionate fan myself, I must admit that while the consolidated timeline offers a sense of continuity, there’s an undeniable longing among us for the tales and personalities of the Expanded Universe. Fortunately, Lucasfilm has been tactfully incorporating these cherished aspects, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn, into the narrative mix. Time will tell how many more of these elements we’ll see, but it’s a delightful prospect that these stories can endure in a fresh new light. And should this new direction not resonate with us, the comforting solace lies in the fact that our beloved older stories remain accessible for our reading and gaming enjoyment.

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2025-01-15 01:34