Mara Jade and Talon Karrde in the New Star Wars Canon: Will They Make a Comeback?

With the vast universe of Star Wars now firmly under the umbrella of Lucasfilm and Disney, one might wonder how the new canon fits with the beloved characters from the Legends series, such as Mara Jade and Talon Karrde. As we dive into this intriguing question, we explore the recent developments, potential placements, and overall continuity of the Star Wars narrative.

Understanding the New Canon

It feels like the new canon of Star Wars is more fleshed out and consistently tied together than ever before. Whether reading through the latest media or revisiting the original Thrawn trilogy, fans are presented with a rich, interconnected narrative. While Legends introduces numerous inconsistencies, these are often accepted as part of the grand tapestry woven across many years and creators.

Relevance of Legends in the Current Canon

Given the immense size of the Star Wars universe, with its long timeline and countless untold stories, it seems more beneficial to focus on new developments rather than retreading old ones. While Filoni and his team are fans of Legends, bringing Mara Jade back would be a challenging task. Her story is deeply intertwined with Luke Skywalker, and unless she makes a spontaneous appearance post-The Mandalorian and vanishes pre-The Force Awakens, her inclusion would be difficult without disrupting the timeline.

Even if Mara Jade were to return, it might not be advisable to do so. The core story of the original trilogy has run its course, and Mara's relationship with Luke is a significant part of that narrative. Exploring her story further could dilute the impact of the main saga. For those who want to relive or re-explore Mara's adventures, the comics and books offer a rich source of content.

Similarly, for Kyle Katarn fans, the games provide an immersive experience. Although these characters are deeply embedded in fans' hearts, it's important to remember that simply reprinting old stories wouldn't enhance the Star Wars universe.

George Lucas' Opinion on Mara Jade

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, actually had strong feelings against Mara Jade. He intended for Jedi to be celibate, making Mara's inclusion in the main saga challenging. If Disney were to bring her back, it might be because of the high demand from dedicated fans. However, given that they are focusing more on prequel projects and main characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Mara Jade revival is unlikely.

Potential Comebacks for Mara Jade and Talon Karrde

While Mara Jade and Talon Karrde may not return in exactly the same roles, they could still appear in various capacities. The new canon of The Mandalorian is essentially the The Clone Wars for the sequel trilogy, expanding the narrative and filling in the gaps between the main storyline. However, the canon is not being unravelled; episodes like Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and The Book of Boba Fett will add to the complexity and richness of the narrative.

Mara Jade could make a return in Ahsoka or Rangers of the New Republic, possibly in the role of the Emperor's Hand, where her influence and wisdom could be utilized effectively. However, it's unlikely she would become Luke Skywalker's wife again. As for Talon Karrde, his character could serve as a formidable antagonist, building up Boba Fett's criminal empire in The Book of Boba Fett.

Furthermore, Karrde could also play a supporting role in Ahsoka, much like how Hondo Ohnaka appears in earlier episodes, providing support and assistance to the protagonists. Thus, while the new canon may not directly address the exact characters from Legends, it opens up numerous possibilities for similar yet distinct roles.