Can Fans Accept the Star Wars Sequels as Canonical?

The question of whether the new Star Wars sequels, created without George Lucas's direct involvement, can be considered canonical within the Star Wars franchise is a topic of much discussion among fans. This article explores the reasons behind this acceptance and the differing viewpoints on the quality and canon status of Disney's contributions to the franchise.

George Lucas and the Expansion of the Canon

With the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the process of determining what constitutes canon in the Star Wars universe underwent a significant shift. While George Lucas himself is no longer involved, his blessing effectively transferred the creation of additional Star Wars content to Disney. This paved the way for the expansion of the Star Wars canon, which now includes the films, books, comics, and other media created under Disney’s oversight.

Fans' Perspective

As a fan, the author of this article can accept the Star Wars sequels as canonical, given that they are part of both the Star Wars and Disney canon. However, this acceptance is not universal. Personal biases and quality assessments play a crucial role in determining whether one considers a work canonical or not.

Quality and Continuity

The quality of the Disney-produced Star Wars content, particularly The Force Awakens, which is a direct remake of A New Hope, is often a topic of critique. Some fans found this continuation unsatisfactory, leading to a desire for a fresh retcon or a complete reimagining of the story. The author acknowledges this sentiment but suggests that the quality issue is not solely related to George Lucas's involvement.

Expanded Universe and Alternate Realities

Before Disney’s acquisition, the Expanded Universe (EU) included a vast array of content that was considered canonical. The author notes that after Disney took over, the distinction of canon became simpler, with everything authorized by Disney being explicitly considered part of the canon. The new EU is viewed by some as an alternate reality, a divergence from the established universe in the works of George Lucas.

This alternate reality includes several interesting hypothetical scenarios, such as Palpatine ordering the destruction of the Empire, Luke failing to build the Jedi order, and the absence of the Yuuzhan Vong and sex-based inequalities. The author suggests that even with its flaws, the new Disney canon can still be accepted as canonical by fans who are willing to embrace this alternate reality.

Character Development and Representation

The shift in the new Disney canon includes a greater emphasis on female characters and non-humans, although this is sometimes perceived as a regressive trend compared to the old EU. The author acknowledges the positive development of characters like Rey and Phasma, but expresses disappointment with the elimination or marginalization of non-human characters.

Characters such as Phasma from the book Phasma are seen as more compelling, especially compared to her portrayal in the movies. Similarly, while Rey is growing on the author, there is a personal preference for existing characters like Ahsoka, who have maintained a strong presence in the ongoing storytelling.

Conclusion

The issue of canon in the Star Wars franchise is complex and multifaceted. While some fans and critics may have reservations about the new Disney-produced content, others view it as an extension of the broader Star Wars universe. The quality and representation within these works are key factors in determining their canonical status. Ultimately, the acceptance of these sequels as canonical may depend on an individual's willingness to engage with and accept the evolving nature of the Star Wars story.