Introduction

The acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney in 2012 marked a significant shift in the Star Wars universe, bringing new stories and characters to the forefront while redefining the existing Extended Universe (EU). 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' introduced a modernized take on the galaxy far, far away, but its narrative and character arcs often diverged from the established EU. This article explores the discrepancies and overlaps between the EU canon and 'The Force Awakens,' examining key areas such as character backstories, the First Order and the New Republic, the Jedi Order, the Force and its users, and legacy characters.

Character Backstories

Luke Skywalker: In the EU, Luke Skywalker emerges as a key figure in the revival of the Jedi Order, becoming a powerful Jedi Master. However, in 'The Force Awakens,' his backstory shifts significantly. Here, Luke is portrayed as an isolated figure grappling with the loss of his sister, culminating in his refusal to return to the order he helped re-establish. In contrast, the EU details Luke's extensive efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order, leading to mixed results and personal struggles.

Han Solo and Leia Organa: The EU significantly expands on Han and Leia's family life, depicting them as parents to three children: Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin Solo. In 'The Force Awakens,' they are shown to have one child, but the film omits details about other potential siblings or their roles within the New Republic. This change underscores how the reboot series simplifies its narrative, focusing on the immediate conflicts rather than extensive family histories.

The First Order and the New Republic

The rise of the First Order in 'The Force Awakens' is a central theme, mirroring the shadow of the Empire's return. However, the EU presents a more nuanced timeline and political landscape for the New Republic. In the universe of novels and comics, the New Republic faces ongoing challenges and conflicts, their success is not as unequivocal as it is in 'The Force Awakens.' The EU's New Republic often contends with internal divisions, political intrigue, and external threats, while the film offers a more simplified, linear narrative.

The Jedi Order

In the EU, the re-emergence of the Jedi Order is explored through various narrative arcs, including the establishment of Jedi Praxeums and the philosophical and ideological struggles they face. In 'The Force Awakens,' the Jedi Order is reintroduced in a more straightforward manner, with a focus on Rey's discovery of her powers. This new approach in the film delves less into the complexities and diversities of Force traditions present in the EU, opting for a more simplified and linear portrayal of the Jedi's mission.

The Force and Its Users

The portrayal of the Force in 'The Force Awakens' introduces characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, with their unique and distinct methods of accessing and utilizing their abilities. This modernizes and simplifies the Force, making it more relatable to a contemporary audience. However, the EU often delves into the subtleties of Force power, exploring different traditions, philosophies, and the varied nature of its users.

Legacy Characters

Many characters from the EU are either absent or represented differently in 'The Force Awakens.' For instance, characters like Thrawn, Mara Jade, and other prominent figures from the EU series do not appear in the sequel trilogy. This omission aligns with the film's focus on building a new narrative that does not directly reference the extensive canon from the EU.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney in 2012 brought a massive, intricate universe that spanned numerous books, comics, and video games. Many of these sources were highly regarded, such as 'The Thrawn Trilogy' by Timothy Zahn, while others were less favored. The EU was by no means a uniform entity, with some material accepted widely, while other elements, like the 'Legacy' comics series, were more controversial.

When comparing 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' to the EU, we see both significant contradictions and instances of overlap. In terms of character backstories, the film often simplifies and diverges from the EU, presenting a linear narrative that omits many of the complex family dynamics and political challenges faced by the New Republic. The film's portrayal of the Force and its users also reflects a more simplified and accessible approach, different from the nuanced, diverse exploration of Force traditions in the EU.

However, there are areas where the film and EU align closely, such as the New Republic's overall goal of establishing peace and stability in the galaxy, albeit with different timelines and political landscapes. The contradictions between the two can be seen as a re-evaluation of the Star Wars universe, aimed at creating a new narrative that is relatable and accessible to a contemporary audience.