Disputing Disney's Star Wars Canon: A Critical Analysis of Legends and the New Continuity

When George Lucas founded the Star Wars franchise, it rapidly captivated the hearts and minds of millions. After Disney's acquisition in 2012, the franchise has faced significant controversy and debates over the continuity. This article delves into the arguments for and against Disney's canon, known as the Disney Canon, by contrasting it with the previously established Legends continuity.

Legends: An Idyllic Rose-Tinted Past?

Lucasfilm's Legends continuity, as it is now dubbed, is often seen as a more idyllic, romanticized vision of Star Wars. Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire" series, for example, is often cited as one of the best-unofficial additions to the canon, offering a unique and engaging storyline that many fans found compelling. However, the Legends continuity has faced criticism for its inconsistencies and authorial decisions that deviated from Lucas's vision.

Lucas himself was not known for his consistency, as he often cherry-picked elements from the Legends continuity for the prequels and sequels. This inconsistency was a contributing factor to the divide between the two continuities. Critics argue that Disney's decision to incorporate some elements from the Legends continuity has further muddied the waters, creating a confusing and disjointed narrative.

The Disney Canon: A Mixed Bag

Disney's approach to the Star Wars franchise has been controversial, to say the least. The acquisition in 2012 marked the beginning of a new era for the beloved franchise, but it came with a significant downside. According to many, Disney has "mutilated" the Skywalker Saga, introducing changes that alienated long-time fans and created a chasm in the fandom. Some of the issues include:

Canonical Revisions: Many fans are frustrated by the changes to previously established canon material. For example, the 'Phantom Menace,' 'Attack of the Clones,' and 'Revenge of the Sith' novels, which were greenlit by Lucas, have been reclassified as Legends. This has been met with a sense of betrayal, as many loyal fans felt their memories and emotional connections to these stories were being disrespected. Quality of Content: Disney's approach to content creation has been criticized for inconsistency and quality. While some projects like 'The Mandalorian' have been successful, others like 'The Book of Boba Fett' and 'Andor' have been widely panned. The 'Bad Batch' series, in particular, has faced harsh criticism for its forgettable episodes and weak plotlines. New Movies: The films in the sequel trilogy, while visually impressive, have faced significant criticism for their narrative and character consistency. 'The Rise of Skywalker' in particular has been a source of controversy, with its character arcs often seen as lacking depth and coherence.

Conclusion: A Fan's Perspective

For many fans, the Star Wars franchise has been marred by Disney's inconsistent and often disappointing approach to the continuity. While some argue that the Legends continuity offered a more immersive and engaging universe, others believe that Disney's efforts to create a coherent and consistent narrative have made an already complex franchise even more confusing.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to embrace the current Disney canon or the Legends continuity remains a personal one. While there are certainly arguments on both sides, the divide between fans who support Disney and those who remain loyal to the Legends continuity is clear. It remains to be seen whether Disney can bridge this gap and restore the continuity to a level that satisfies both old and new fans.