For those of you who don’t know, Disney has acquired Lucasfilms and is set to release Star Wars Episode VII in 2015. Nobody knows yet what the storyline will be, although several Star Wars video games have explored periods in the Star Wars timeline outside of the famous films.
George Lucas has confirmed that he will not be involved in the next set of Star Wars films. He wanted to pass the torch so to speak so a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and wonder that only Stars Wars can generate.
Anyway, it’s interesting to note that Disney is calling it Star Wars Episode VII. This could mean it will be set after the events of Return of the Jedi. As aforementioned, several Star Wars video games have explored telling this story and here are some ideas Disney could use of the upcoming movie.
Star Wars: Jedi Knight Series
These were a set of great games that starred a Obi-Wan looking Jedi by the name of Kyle Katarn. He works for the Rebel Alliance to help stop the Empire. Yes, we all know that Emperor Palpatine died in Return of the Jedi, but the Empire still controlled most of the entire Galaxy at the time. Only a small fraction of Stormtroopers and other personnel died in the Death Star.
As the series progressed, we see Luke Skywalker is teaching the ways of the Force to a whole new generation of young learners. Jedi Academy had an interesting story where a Sith Cult has formed and its leader wants to resurrect an ancient Sith Lord. Luke Skywalker is too old to do these types of jobs so it’s up to Kyle Katran and his own apprentice to save the Galaxy.
Star Wars: 1313
Not much else is known about the plot and characters of Star Wars 1313, although we do know it follows two bounty hunters on their way to the mysterious underworld called 1313. Judging from the trailers and overall look of the game, it could be that the game is set after the events of Return of the Jedi. Since it’s based on bounty hunters and there might be a lack of lightsabers, there’s a chance Disney might not take this idea on board for Episode VII.
Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic Series
Who knows, maybe Episode VII could even be a prequel to the prequels perhaps? The Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic series explores the period in the Star Wars timeline where both Sith and Jedi were at war with one another. In the main Star Wars films, there was only two Sith in each films and most of the Jedi died out after Anakin killed most of them in Episode III. This might be an area Disney could look at because force powers and lightsabers are plentiful during this period.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Series
These more modern series of games was set during the long 19 year period after Episode III and before Episode IV began. It followed the story of Darth Vader’s secret apprentice named Starkiller. This is a period where the Empire is at full strength and it was Starkiller’s job to search and hunt for anymore Jedi that survived “Order 66”. Since Disney plans to make a series of new films, I don’t think they would set Episode VII during this time period. Although Starkiller had some cool moves that they could use in the action sequences for the movie.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Many Star Wars books, comics and fan fiction have told stories for most of our beloved characters from life after Return of the Jedi. Some other characters I can name are Anakin Solo who is the name of the son of Han and Leia. Then there’s a love interest for Luke Skywalker by the name of Mara Jade. This character has proved to be one of the most popular non-movie Star Wars characters. They go on to have a son named Ben Skywalker. I don’t know full details, but sadly Chewbacca gets killed in one of these post Return of the Jedi books and an Empire Clone wrecks havoc too somewhere.
Disney is already having writers conjure up a story for Episode VII. Whether or not they draw inspiration from previous Star Wars stories remains to be seen. In either case, 2015 is shaping up to be a huge year for movies. The Avengers II is out that year and Warner Bros. will be releasing its Justice League movie in 2015 too!
I’m happy that the Star Wars saga will continue, I just hope they do it right. It sounded to me like Lucas already has a story line in the works for the next trilogy that will likely be used.
Yea, didn’t know Lucas had something already planned until after I wrote this post lol.