Help Me George Lucas, You’re My Only Hope! The Expanded Universe is Under Attack

Summary

In this article, we discuss the recent controversy surrounding the Star Wars franchise and the decision to eliminate the expanded universe. We explore the impact of this decision on the Star Wars community and the future of the franchise.

The Expanded Universe: A Brief Overview
The Disney Acquisition and the Death of the Expanded Universe
The Impact on the Star Wars Community
The Future of the Franchise
Conclusion

The Expanded Universe: A Brief Overview

For decades, the Star Wars franchise has existed beyond the realm of movies and TV shows. The so-called “expanded universe” includes comic books, novels, and games that have contributed to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. These stories have introduced beloved characters, explored new worlds, and added depth to the mythology of the franchise.

The Disney Acquisition and the Death of the Expanded Universe

In 2012, Disney acquired Lucasfilm and with it, the rights to the Star Wars franchise. This acquisition brought about a new era for the franchise, with new movies and TV shows on the horizon. However, it also marked the beginning of the end for the expanded universe.

In 2014, Lucasfilm announced that the expanded universe would no longer be considered canon. This decision meant that all future tie-in cartoons and novels would be forced to align with the J.J. Abrams sequel films. The Thrawn trilogy, Shadow of the Empire for Nintendo 64, and even the infamous Holiday Special were erased from existence.

The decision to eliminate the expanded universe was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some saw it as an opportunity to streamline the canon and create a cohesive universe, while others saw it as a betrayal of the franchise’s legacy.

The Impact on the Star Wars Community

The elimination of the expanded universe had a profound impact on the Star Wars community. For many fans, the expanded universe was a vital part of their experience with the franchise. It provided a wealth of stories and characters that they had grown to love and cherish.

The decision to eliminate the expanded universe also created a divide within the fan community. Some fans felt that the new movies and TV shows were a betrayal of the expanded universe, while others embraced the new direction for the franchise.

The Future of the Franchise

With the expanded universe no longer considered canon, the future of the Star Wars franchise is uncertain. While the new movies and TV shows have been successful, many fans still long for the days of the expanded universe.

Some fans have taken matters into their own hands and have created their own expanded universe through fan fiction. While this may not be considered canon, it allows fans to continue exploring the Star Wars universe in their own way.

Conclusion

The decision to eliminate the expanded universe was a controversial one, and it continues to be a point of contention among fans. While the new movies and TV shows have been successful, many fans still mourn the loss of the expanded universe. Only time will tell what the future holds for the Star Wars franchise, but one thing is certain: the expanded universe will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans.