Is the New KOTOR Remake Canon to the Old Canon?

With the recent confirmation that the original KOTOR (Knights of the Old Republic) game is part of the new canon, many fans are debating whether the upcoming remake can also be considered canon. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it involves understanding the different canons within the Star Wars universe and the potential impact of the new writer, Sam Maggs.

Defining Canon in Star Wars

Star Wars has two main canons: one for the films and one for everything else known as the Expanded Universe (EU). Within the EU, KOTOR plays a significant role in the galaxy. However, the EU has undergone changes through the years, and the question of whether this new remake can be considered canon is complex.

Lucasfilm's Canon and the Old Republic

When Lucasfilm acquired Lucasfilm, they reduced the Star Wars universe to the films and the Star Wars canon, known as the “Legends” or “Lore.” This move created a distinction between the official films and other stories. The Old Republic was placed in this Legends category, where it remained until the release of the new canon.

The question of whether the new KOTOR remake will be canon hinges on the direction and content of the remake. Sam Maggs, the lead writer for the new game, has expressed her dislike for the original KOTOR and her preference for the themes and stories of the newer films. This perspective raises questions about the alignment of the new KOTOR with the established canon.

Sam Maggs and the New KOTOR

Sam Maggs, a vocal advocate for the Sequel Trilogy and a critic of the original trilogy, has been a controversial figure in the Star Wars community. Her political views and tweets about Star Wars have sparked discussions about how the new KOTOR will be written. Maggs has admitted that KOTOR is not her favorite BioWare game, which raises concerns about her ability to accurately capture the essence of the original game.

The themes of the new KOTOR are expected to shift towards more modern and socially conscious storytelling, which could make it difficult to align with the original canon. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the new KOTOR evolves and how closely it aligns with the established canon.

Conclusion

While the original KOTOR is confirmed to be part of the new canon, the future of the new KOTOR remake is uncertain. The direction set by Sam Maggs and the changes in storytelling themes may make it challenging to consider the new KOTOR as canon to the original. Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see how these factors play out as the release date approaches.

Follow the latest updates on the KOTOR remake and stay tuned for insights from writers, developers, and Star Wars enthusiasts to get a clearer picture of the game's place in the new canon.