Bringing Star Wars Legends to the Canon

Star Wars is a vast universe rich with lore and characters, both from the original canon and the sprawling legendarium that has grown over the years. While the current canon primarily focuses on the Skywalker saga, there are still numerous opportunities to incorporate elements from the Star Wars Legends continuity into the heart of the franchise. Here, we explore the reasoning behind the recanonicalization of certain characters and the potential for introducing new stories that would captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.

The Golden Opportunity of the Old Republic

One of the key elements of the Star Wars Legends continuity that deserves more attention is the Old Republic era. Dave Filoni, the showrunner for Star Wars Rebels, has already made significant strides by reintroducing Grand Admiral Thrawn and connections from the Republic Commando novels. However, the potential of the Old Republic era remains largely untapped.

This era offers a brand new timeline to explore, particularly in the first years of the Old Republic, where several classic characters and events have never been properly detailed in the main canon. For casual fans, this would be an exciting dive into a new era of Star Wars history, while for legendarium readers, it would be a nostalgic journey.

Darth Revan: The Dark and Complicated Hero

One of the standout characters from Star Wars Legends is Darth Revan. Originally a Jedi, Revan's story is filled with intrigue, complexity, and a compelling arc that spans the Old Republic era. Revan's journey from a Jedi to a Sith to a redeemed hero is a tale ripe with drama and potential for a multi-faceted movie trilogy or spin-off series.

Revan's story begins as a Jedi who fought in a great war with the Mandalorians and faced off against Mandalore the Ultimate in lightsaber combat. His fall to the dark side was precipitated by the influence of a Sith named Vitiate, culminating in the formation of a Sith Empire that challenged the galaxy. However, his redemption through the efforts of Bastila Shan sets him on a path to victory over his apprentice, Malak.

The two possible endings to Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR)—where Revan takes over the galaxy or where Malak is destroyed—highlight Revan's potential as both a figure of darkness and light. This duality makes him an ideal character for exploration in a trilogy or series. Furthermore, casting Keanu Reeves as Revan could breathe new life into the character for a modern audience.

Mara Jade: A Vice's Redemption

Another character that warrants inclusion in the Disney canon is Mara Jade, a key figure from the Legends continuity. Originally a loyal operative of Darth Sidious, Jade's later transformation into a force for good presents a fascinating narrative arc that is yet to be fully explored.

In the current canon, a version of Mara Jade serves as Luke Skywalker's later wife. However, reimagining her story as a former Inquisitor who seeks to kill Luke Skywalker due to believing he killed her Emperor could add an exciting layer to her character. This complex backstory, fleshed out through multiple novels and a compelling narrative arc, could potentially gain her a significant following.

By casting Scarlett Johansson as Mara Jade, the producer would tap into the actor's status as a formidable star, potentially bringing a new level of charisma and complexity to this character. This narrative could explore her journey from a purveyor of the dark side to an advocate for truth and justice, mirroring the transformation of a character in the main canon.

Conclusion

The Star Wars Legends continuity offers a wealth of untapped material to enrich and expand the Star Wars universe. The recanonicalization of characters like Darth Revan and Mara Jade not only provides a fresh narrative but also serves as a bridge for connecting eager fans and new audiences alike. With a strategic approach, the right storytelling, and perhaps a dash of star power, these characters can stand at the forefront of new stories that will captivate both old and new fans, further cementing the legacy of one of the most beloved franchises in modern pop culture.