Summary
TheStar WarsExpanded Universe is no longer canon, but a new rumor claims a popular character could rejoin the franchise in a new TV series from Lucasfilm.
TheStar WarsExpanded Universe consisted of multiple books, video games, shows, toys, and other media outside the six feature films (andStar Wars: The Clone Wars) by George Lucas. Many Expanded Universe stories and characters became fan favorites, but Lucasfilm rebranded the EU as non-canonStar Wars Legendsafter the property was acquired by Disney partly so they wouldn’t have to adhere to its continuity as it moved the franchise forward. However, certain Expanded Universe elements have been re-canonized in the ensuing years, perhaps most notablyStar Warsvillain Grand Admiral Thrawn. Now, another famous EU character could rejoin the franchise.
Is Lucasfilm Bringing a Star Wars Expanded Universe Character Back?
ScooperMyTimeToShineHelloclaimsLucasfilm is developing aStar WarsTV series centered on Mara Jade.For the uninitiated, Mara Jade was introduced inTimothy Zahn’s Thrawn novel titledHeir to the Empire. She was a Force-Sensitive woman who served as an assassin and agent for Emperor Palpatine ever since he took her from her parents at a young age. Over her long history in the Expanded Universe/Legends tales, she’s been a smuggler, a Jedi Knight, a member of the Jedi High Council, and an enemy of Luke Skywalker. Mara Kade eventually fell in love with and married Luke Skywalker, with whom she had a son named Ben.
MyTimeToShineHello did not elaborate on how Mara Jade would be re-introduced toStar Warscanon. However, fans can likely tell that Lucasfilm must significantly change her story to fit withthe currentStar Warstimeline. The most notable required change would be her relationship with Luke Skywalker. As of this writing, there’s been no indication that Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker ever met Mara Jade much less married and had a son with her. Fans last saw Hamill’s Luke Skywalker as a recluse on the planet Ahch-To inStar Wars: The Last Jediand then as a Force Ghost inThe Rise of Skywalker. In both instances, he did not mention a wife or son. The role of Ben Skywalker has also essentially been filled by Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren, who was born Ben Solo to his parents Leia Organa and Han Solo before he fell to the dark side.
Lucasfilm could depict a failed relationship between Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade that occurred betweenthe originalStar Warstrilogyand the sequels. However, most fans would likely recognize this as a retcon, regardless of how well Lucasfilm would explain Mara Jade’s absence. Still, there’s much that fans love about Mara Jade that could still be adapted for a newStar WarsTV series. If this rumor is true, many Expanded Universe fans will be eager to see how Lucasfilm handles the character.
TheStar Warssaga is available on Disney Plus.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy of movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other media like comics, video games, TV shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.
