What if the Star Wars Expanded Universe/Legends Canon was Still Official?

Imagine a very different Star Wars saga if the Expanded Universe (Legends) was still considered official canon. The storyline would have been significantly altered, especially with regard to the Sequel Trilogy, the role of characters like Luke Skywalker, and supplementary material.

The Sequel Trilogy - A Different Path

The Sequel Trilogy as we know it would have taken a dramatically different turn. Instead of focusing on Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron's journey against the First Order, it would likely have centered around Luke Skywalker refounding the Jedi Order and handling threats to the New Republic and the re-established Jedi Order. This would have created a more traditional narrative, emphasizing the ideals of the Jedi and the challenges of maintaining peace.

Thanatos of Young Skywalker

A likely scenario would have resulted in a new sequel trilogy or a parallel storyline focusing on Jacen Solo and his eventual fall to the dark side, mirroring how the prequel trilogy treated Anakin Skywalker. This would have provided a deep and complex exploration of the path to the dark side, delving into Jacen's psychological and ideological changes.

Note that there would have been another animated series, such as the "Jedi Academy" series, set between the movies. This series would have allowed for character development and storylines that could not fit into the main film canon.

Supplemental Material - A New Landscape

The supplemental material, such as books, comics, and video games, would have been vastly different. We might have received more material from the Old Republic period, given its popularity and the rich political and historical background. The Disney period’s references to the Old Republic, such as in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and other series, would have been more frequent and detailed.

In terms of specific media:

Rebels and The Mandalorian

The movements and existences of characters like Ahsoka Tano and Din Djarin would have been shaped differently. Perhaps Ahsoka could have had a more structured path back to the Jedi Order, and instead of Grogu having to choose between his Jedi training and his relationship with Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker's new Jedi Order might have embraced attachment as a central tenet, thus supporting Grogu's relationship with Din Djarin.

Conflicting Canon - George Lucas's Perspective

It is important to note that George Lucas had no involvement in the expanded universe or Legends, and he emphasized that he created the core Star Wars universe. However, he was not entirely opposed to the concepts and ideas within Legends. George Lucas stated in an interview with Starlog magazine:

"we would have two universes: My universe and then this other one. They try to make their universe as consistent with mine as possible but obviously they get enthusiastic and want to go off in other directions."

Since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the Star Wars universe has integrated Legends more closely, with characters and events from both canons being interwoven in various media. For example, the elements from 'Heir to the Empire' and 'Dark Empire' are now part of the broader cinematic universe, with some elements being referenced or developed in the new films and TV series.

Given this perspective, the Star Wars expanded universe and Legends might have remained a significant and influential part of Star Wars lore, differing in minor details but maintaining the core essence of the original saga.