There have been 11 feature-lengthStar Warsfilms, but none of them have given fans the Jedi origin story they deserve. The originalStar Warstrilogy introduced people to the Jedi, the Force, and the struggle for balance. Though there have been prequels, sequels, and spin-offs, theStar Warsfilms have all revolved around a very narrow slice of history in the galaxy far, far away.
The nine core films arecentered around the Skywalker Saga. The prequel trilogy follows Anakin Skywalker living at the end of the Republic Era in the galaxy. Anakin causes the fall of the Jedi and aids the rise of the Sith’s Galactic Empire. The original trilogy picks up in the Empire era and follows Luke Skywalker as he works with the Rebellion to free the galaxy. He defeats the Emperor and restores balance to the Force. The sequel trilogy more or less repeats the same formula, undoing Luke’s hard work by creating a new empire, the First Order.
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Television shows, both animated and live-action, have expanded on events between the movies. The spin-off films have stuck close to the Skywalker saga as well.Rogue Oneexpanded on eventsthat occurred between episodes three and four. Against the wishes of fans everywhere,Solobrought Han’s backstory to the big screen.
But since 1977 theStar Warsuniverse has been growing exponentially off-screen. Books, comics, and video games have all explored the deepest regions ofStar Warslore. They created theStar WarsExtended Universe. One of the most popular pieces ofStar Warscontent of all time is Bioware’sKnights of the Old Republic. The video game took fans further back into the galaxy’s history than the prequels had. Fans always show up to learn more about the galaxy they love, andStar Warshas a habit of looking backwards already, so where is the Jedi origin story we deserve?
Disney’s Change-Ups
Maybe it’s a good thing that the Jedi origins haven’t been brought to film yet. Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 and absorbed the entireStar Warsuniverse. The studio felt challenged by the amount of Extended Universe content that existed in theStar Warscanon. They felt it was impossible to create new material without contradicting what came before. So they made everything inthe Extended Universe non-canon and called it Legends.
Disney has restored some of the Legends material to the canon. Withsleek references inThe Mandalorian,they restoredKnights of the Old Republicto its place in history. Key components of the Jedi’s origin, however, are still up for grabs. The Extended Universe created a complicated, often difficult to follow, origin for the Jedi. That’s even more true for the Jedi’s arch-enemies, the Sith. Are Sith a counter-order or a specific alien race? The Extended Universe couldn’t quite say.Disney has simplified the Jedi’s and Sith’s origin stories, while still leaving room for them to be explored.
The Mandalorianreintroduced the planet Tython, hinting that Disney may be considering an origin story for the Jedi. Tython once held the Force, and first taught the Jedi about balance. It’s also where the Sith split from the Jedi, and their war began.
Moving Forward Backwards
Disney’s first decade withStar Warshas been uneven at best. There’s never been moreStar Warscontent coming out than there is now, but fans are agitated.Disney failed miserably withThe Last Jediand the conclusion to their sequel trilogy,The Rise of Skywalker. Everyone enjoysThe Mandalorian, but the spin-off films received mixed reception.
One thing is certain: Disney isn’t going anywhere. Despite recent failings,Star Warsis still an incredibly valuable franchise, andDisney paid a shocking amount of money for it. They already have another film trilogy in the works. Rian Johnson, who divided fans withThe Last Jedi, heads the project.
After the disastrous sequel trilogy, the future of theStar Warstimeline is unclear. Some fans are still enraged aboutThe Last Jediand are calling for the entire trilogy to be erased fromStar Warscanon. Others realizedthe genius ofThe Last Jediand are upset that Disney walked back from it inThe Rise of Skywalker.
Until Disney decides how to handle the future ofStar Wars, their best bet might be to turn to the past. A recent rumor claimsDisney is considering the High Republic erafor a newStar Warssaga. This would bring fans about 500 years back from the original trilogy. During the High Republic era the Jedi were at their most active in the galaxy. However, the Sith were at their weakest point, so conflict might be a stretch.
It would be more exciting to see the two on equal footing. A look at the Jedi’s origin would do wonders forStar Warsas a whole. The story could offer a deeper understanding of the Force and re-contextualize the endless struggle for balance. It could answer some burning questions. How was the Force harnessed? Where do Jedi come from?Did the Jedi create the Sith?Star Warshas always been best at its simplest. By going back to the roots of the story, Disney might be able to rediscover what makes a greatStar Warsfilm.
