Beyond the Films: What Else Counts as Canon in the Star Wars Universe

The Star Wars universe, an expansive and beloved franchise, extends far beyond its iconic films. From television series and video games to books and comics, there's a wealth of material that enriches the Star Wars mythos. This article explores the various categories of content that are considered canon in the Star Wars universe, particularly after Disney's acquisition in 2014. By understanding what makes these works canon, fans can better appreciate the interconnectedness of the story and its myriad creative expressions.

The Skywalker Saga and Beyond

The nine numbered "episode" films, collectively known as the Skywalker Saga, form the core of the Star Wars story. These films are the primary narrative spine of the franchise, establishing the characters, the conflicts, and the overarching plot. However, the Star Wars universe doesn't end with these films. Post-Disney, the franchise has expanded in fascinating ways, exploring both the prequel and postquel eras in greater depth.

Disney's Acquisition and Canon Expansion

On April 25, 2014, Disney made a historic acquisition of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars intellectual property. This acquisition came with a set of instructions clearing up the status of various works. To maintain story consistency, all materials released after the Disney acquisition became canon unless explicitly marked as non-canon. This includes:

Television series Video games Animated and live-action films Books and comics

The following is a list of the various media that fall under the current canon, released in chronological order:

Live-Action and Animated Series

Live-action and animated series form a significant part of the Star Wars canon. They continue the narrative and explore diverse perspectives within the storytelling:

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-2022) Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2016) Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2019-present) Star Wars: Book of Boba Fett (2022) Star Wars: Ahsoka (2023-present) Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Star Wars: Andor (2022-present)

These series not only enhance the main narrative but also bring new characters and storylines to the forefront, enriching the Star Wars universe.

Feature Films and Video Games

Beyond the series, feature films and video games contribute significantly to the canon, providing deeper dives into the Star Wars world:

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) Jedi: Survivor (2023) Battlefront 2 (2018) Outlaws (2024)

Animated Series and Movie

The animated series and movies carved out a significant space in the Star Wars canon:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2020 movie) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 animated series and subsequent shows) Star Wars: Ahsoka (2023 series)

Books, Comics, and Other Tertiary Media

Beyond films and series, the Star Wars universe encompasses a vast array of books, comics, and other tertiary media:

The Jedi: The Lost Books series Vader: Dark Hera series (books) Jedi Academy (books and comics) Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary (books)

These works provide deeper insights into the lore, character backstories, and historical events, making the Star Wars universe richer and more detailed.

Conclusion

The Star Wars universe is vast and complex, with a substantial canon beyond the films. From animated series and feature films to video games and books, each piece of media contributes to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars narrative. By understanding the status of these works, fans can fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the Star Wars universe, ensuring they are well-versed in all the medi...