Reflections on the Star Wars Expanded Universe and Canon Shift

I never had an interest in the Star Wars franchise, but what surprises me is how dedicated fans continue to support it even after Disney's acquisition. The extended universe, or Legends, once comprised a vast and intricate collection of stories, but it faces a controversial fate in the wake of Disney's canon decision. In this article, we explore opinions on the Legends/Legacy books, the impact of Disney's shift, and whether it's a positive or negative development for the franchise.

Opinions on the Star Wars Expanded Universe and Canon

During an interview, GL stated that the Expanded Universe, or Legends, was outside his own canon. Personally, I haven’t read all the old material, but I believe we have an idealized view of the Legends. Often, the stories felt superficial, with many plot points feeling misplaced or inconsistent.

Lucas wasn’t great at maintaining continuity, cherry-picking parts of the expanded universe for the films (such as Coruscant and Heir to the Empire), yet he was not the only one to blame. Disney's departure from Legends has been criticized, but wasn’t entirely surprising. The acquisition hasn't fundamentally altered the status quo at Lucasfilm.

Disney’s Impact on the Skywalker Saga

Disney has radically changed the fabric of the Skywalker Saga. Much of what was previously considered canon has been redefined, resulting in a mutilated narrative. On the positive side, some new material, such as 'The Mandalorian,' has been well-received. However, the overhaul of previously established canon material has proven difficult for many fans to stomach.

My personal experience with Disney's new content has been predominantly negative. The new materials, including canon novels, have not resonated with me or my husband. We recently cancelled our Hulu subscription and instead enjoy documentaries on Amazon Prime. The new movies, especially The Rise of Skywalker, have received mixed reviews, with the prequel trilogy and The Last Jedi being particularly divisive. The plans for the animated series and TV shows have also been mixed, with many titles receiving consistently negative feedback.

Critique of New Content and Canon

The comics produced under Disney’s oversight have been positively reviewed, particularly in the case of Darth Vader. By removing the myth that Vader was 80 percent Palpatine, the depiction of Vader has been enhanced. However, I have not read the novels they've put out, leaving me without a definitive opinion on their quality. The movies, particularly The Rise of Skywalker, have been heavily criticized. While Rogue One stands out as a shining light, Solo is largely forgotten, and The Mandalorian continues to generate mixed reactions. The animated series, Kenobi and Tales of the Empire, have been particularly panned, and The Acolyte has been widely regarded as one of the worst TV shows ever made.

The shift to a new canon has brought a chasm to the fandom. The new material, both films and TV shows, often contradicts the original trilogy's narrative, particularly in character development for Luke Skywalker. The new The Acolyte series was particularly criticized for its convoluted plot and inconsistent perspective, leading to a lot of fans and critics to question the direction of the franchise.

In conclusion, Disney's acquisition of Star Wars has had a significant impact on the franchise, though not always in a positive way. While some new content has been appreciated, the continuous redefinition of the canon has led to frustration among many long-time fans. The future of the Star Wars universe, under Disney's stewardship, remains a source of debate and division among its fanbase.