Did Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Follow the Original Canon?

Many fans of the Star Wars franchise have been curious about the relationship between the 2019 film, The Rise of Skywalker, and the original canon of the Star Wars universe. In this article, we will explore why these sequels diverged from the original lore and how the concept of canon has evolved over time.

The Rejected Expanded Universe

In 2014, Lucasfilm officially declared that the Expanded Universe (EU) of Star Wars novels, comics, and games would no longer be considered part of the official canon known as Legends. This move was made primarily to provide the filmmakers with greater creative freedom to tell new stories without being bound by these previously established narratives.

Some fans felt that this was a detrimental move, as many cherished the rich history provided by the EU. Nonetheless, Lucasfilm maintained that any film they produced would adhere to their own interpretation of the Star Wars universe.

The Concept of Canon

In the context of Star Wars, canon refers to the officially sanctioned stories and events that are considered part of the official Star Wars universe. It is not a static entity, but rather evolves based on the decisions made by the creative team at the helm of the franchise. Initially, for films like the Original Trilogy and Prequels, George Lucas was the ultimate authority on what was considered canon.

The Sequel Trilogies and the New Canon

The release of the sequel trilogy, which consists of films like The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, further entrenched this concept. These films diverged significantly from the EU and Legends, introducing new characters, storylines, and in some cases, retconned events from the original films.

For instance, the addition of Rey and the Knights of Ren in The Rise of Skywalker marked a significant departure from long-established lore. Rey, for example, was introduced alongside familiar characters, yet her backstory and origins were a complete break from earlier EU stories.

The Original Canon and Legends

When we speak of the original canon, we are referring to the universe as it was first established in the films of George Lucas. This includes characters like Anakin Starkiller, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo, as well as their adventures and relationships.

However, it is essential to remember that what constitutes the original canon is a curated selection maintained by Lucasfilm and Disney. It is not a static entity but rather a fluid interpretation that changes as the franchise evolves. The idea that Rey could have existed in the original EU is an anachronistic concept because she was not a part of that universe.

The Marvel Universe and Canon

For those interested in the official canon outside of the films and TV series, Marvel Comics play a significant role. The Marvel Universe app provides access to a vast array of comics, making it easier for fans to explore the official narrative established by Marvel and Disney.

The Star Wars universe recognizes only a few video games as part of its canon, namely Star Wars Battlefront II, Jedi: Fallen Order, and Vader Immortal. Therefore, while fans can immerse themselves in the larger lore via comics and video games, they must be aware of which narratives are considered canon within the official Star Wars universe.

Conclusion

In summary, The Rise of Skywalker did not follow the original canon established by the EU novels and games. It was part of a new timeline that diverged significantly to provide fresh stories for a new generation of Star Wars fans. Understanding the current canon is crucial for fans who want to fully engage with the latest entries in the franchise while appreciating the rich history that has come before.

Keywords: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Original Canon, Star Wars Expanded Universe