Since its groundbreaking debut in 1977, Star Wars has become a behemoth in the entertainment industry, transcending the silver screen to occupy every corner of popular culture. What began as a single film has grown into a vast and ever-evolving universe, encompassing numerous sequels, spin-offs, and reboots across various mediums. The franchise has spawned a plethora of animated series, TV shows, and films, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars canon. Beyond cinema and television, Star Wars has also permeated the realms of comic books and video games, further solidifying its omnipresence.
Today, Star Wars is no longer simply a movie – it is a fully-fledged business entity that has become synonymous with science fiction and fantasy. As such, the Star Wars canon has become a constantly evolving body of work, with new stories, characters, and plotlines being added to the mix, while still honoring the original vision of its creators. This monumental achievement has cemented Star Wars‘ status as a cultural phenomenon, forever changing the landscape of popular entertainment. However, there are also stories that exist outside of the canon. So, let’s explore the Star Wars non-canon and unveil one of the best stories within it.
The Star Wars Non-Canon Explained
Non-canon Star Wars refers to any creative work that is part of the Star Wars franchise but is not officially recognized as part of the official canon. This can include things like novels, comic books, video games, and even certain films and television shows that were produced outside of the official Lucasfilm umbrella. Prior to 2014, the term “Expanded Universe” (EU) was used to describe these non-canonical works, which included a vast array of stories and characters that expanded on the Star Wars universe beyond the original films. However, in an effort to streamline the franchise and clarify what constitutes official Star Wars storytelling, Lucasfilm declared that all EU material published prior to 2014 would be rebranded as “Legends” and would no longer be considered part of the official canon. This means that while these stories may still be enjoyed by fans, they are no longer considered authoritative or officially sanctioned by Lucasfilm.
Why the Thrawn Trilogy Is Still the Best Non-Canon Story
Star Wars fans weren’t given much new content between Return of the Jedi and the release of The Phantom Menace. For nearly two decades, there really wasn’t much new Star Wars material coming out. However, the Thrawn trilogy began to re-emerge during this time and was originally considered part of the canon.
The Thrawn Trilogy, written by Timothy Zahn, is a legendary non-canonical Star Wars book series that introduced the beloved villain Grand Admiral Thrawn to the galaxy far, far away. Published in the 1990s, the trilogy consists of Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command. Set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the series follows Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa as they face off against the cunning and cultured Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Chiss warrior who seeks to conquer the galaxy using his unparalleled tactical genius. The trilogy is renowned for its engaging characters, intricate plotlines, and detailed world-building, which expanded the Star Wars universe in ways that captivated fans worldwide. Although The Thrawn Trilogy is no longer considered part of the official canon, it remains a beloved and influential addition to the Star Wars saga, inspiring countless fans and influencing future storytelling in the franchise.
When Disney took over the franchise in 2014, it stated that all non-film works would now be considered non-canon. This means that Zahn’s books were entered into the Star Wars Legends category. With many fans feeling disappointed by this, Zahn was hired to create a new trilogy within the Disney canon. To that, he created a new trilogy. These books consisted of Thrawn (2017), Thrawn: Alliances (2018), and Thrawn: Treason (2019).
While not the first supplementary Star Wars stories, Timothy Zahn’s original Thrawn Trilogy set the stage for the Star Wars Expanded Universe’s enduring popularity. The trilogy’s success paved the way for future adventures featuring iconic characters like Luke, Han, and Leia, which have since been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Nevertheless, The Thrawn Trilogy remains a treasured tale in the Star Wars universe, with many fans continuing to campaign for a big-screen adaptation that would bring this beloved story to life. Want to read more about the Star Wars Expanded Universe? Here’s why The Acolyte has faced mixed reactions.
It’s a good thing George Lucas screwed up Star Wars, because if he had been smart and made the Thrawn Trilogy instead of the godawful original prequel trilogy, I might have been a nerd for much, much longer.
These books were so cool. pic.twitter.com/ctOWfzm4IA— BaroqueMan (@VivaldiVril) June 22, 2024
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