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George Lucas launchedStar Wars, the epic space opera franchise with the 1977 original film, with several sequels, prequels, and spin-off media expanding the story. Aside from films, a major part of the franchise, especially in the era when Lucas wasn’t making new entries, was the media dubbed as theExpanded Universe.
Despite theExpanded Universe‘s popularity, Lucas himself did not consider these stories a true part of the canon. Nonetheless, Leslye Headland’sThe Acolytedrew inspiration from theEUand canonized several aspects of it. As a result, it is safe to say that Headland’s series quietly gave the underratedEUthe recognition it deserves.
George Lucas Didn’t Consider theExpanded UniverseTrueStar WarsLore
George Lucasdirected 1977’sStar Wars(later retitledStar Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). The film was followed up with two sequels, rounding off the original trilogy before Lucas returned to helm the prequel trilogy.
Lucas also crafted theClone Warsanimated series and eventually sold Lucasfilm to Disney, who produced the sequel trilogy. In the interim several spin-off media from novels to games, dubbed theExpanded Universe, kept the franchise going.
However, following Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm, this content was declared non-canon and retitledStar Wars Legends. On the other hand, Lucas himself only saw this content as supplementary media, tellingStarlog magazinethe following:
I don’t read that stuff, I haven’t read any of the novels. I don’t know anything about that world.That’s a different world than my world.
Lucas made the above statement, firmly expressing that he saw hisStar Warsstories as separate canon from theExpanded Universelore.
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Similarly,Dave Filoni, who worked with Lucas on theClone Warsanimated series and currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm alsostatedthat Lucas only saw the films and the shows as trueStar Warslore, proving theEUwas just supplementary media.
Leslye Headland’sThe AcolyteCanonized Several Aspects ofStar WarsExpanded Universe
Despite the non-canon status of theExpanded Universe / Legendsstories, fans have enjoyed the novels and additional media set in the galaxy far, far away. As a result, fans have always felt theEUdeserved more recognition andThe Acolyte, created byLesyle Headlanddid exactly that.
The series was heavily criticized for its storytelling and apparent lore-breaking. However, the concept ofThe Acolyteitself is based on anideafirst introduced in theEU. Similarly, The Stranger’s fighting style was reminiscent of the Tràkata style, which has itsrootsin theEU.
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Furthermore, the series broughtLegendsconcepts such as Cortosis into live-action despite the metal beingcanonized in the comics. Lastly, the series also introduced Darth Plagueis into live-action. Although the character was name-dropped inRevenge of the Sith, his story was mainly told in theEUandThe Acolytewill at least canonize some of it, should it receive a season 2.
The Acolyteis streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1772
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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Leslye Headland
