I am a major Star Wars fan. I've seen the original trilogy enough times that I can recite every line, from that first shootout on the blockade runner to the victory celebration on Endor. I've read many of the Rebellion era books. In fact, Star Wars is what got me interested in recreational reading and in novel writing. I was in fifth grade when I started reading Star Wars. The stories are not only exciting and engaging, but also nostalgic.
So it should be no doubt that I am excited for the upcoming Episode VII. Or should it?
I have a feeling that unlike some hardcore fans, I am optimistic about this trilogy. I've read rumors about who will and won't be cast, and what plot elements won't be included. Wisely, Lucasfilm and everyone involved is being extremely tight lipped. And because of this, fans have their theories. Even me.
While I would love to see Thrawn's campaign or the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong brought to life, I am pretty sure that the Sequel Trilogy will take place after the latest published books. Why? Simple.
First, we have to assume one of two things regarding these movies:
1) Lucasfilm is willing to negate almost thirty years of marketing and storytelling to make these films. They are willing to "kill off" thousands of characters that we have come to know and care about. They are willing to ignore hundreds of battles, including the end of the war, and the invasion of a new race. They are willing to deny the development of the major characters from the original Trilogy.
Or…
2) Lucasfilm will be setting this story after the Fate of the Jedi series and will incorporate some of the things from the Expanded Universe novels, but will not make too much mention of them unless absolutely needed.
I believe the second option is the correct one, and for one very undeniable reason.
Coruscant.
In the 1991 novel Heir to the Empire, it was established that the capital planet of the Empire, the New Republic, and the old Republic, was called Coruscant. This name was allowed, then later elevated to canon status in Episode I. To completely deny the Expanded Universe will result in the denial of the Prequel Trilogy.
And that's not going to happen.
So, what's going to take place in the "galaxy far, far away?" Who knows. The only rumor that seems solid enough to believe is that R2-D2 and C-3PO are to be in all three movies. This may not mean much at first until you consider the comic series Legacy. It takes place 130 years after the Death Star was destroyed over Yavin. R2 is, as usual, working with the Skywalker family. 3PO is nowhere to be seen. What does this mean? Maybe that the story's timeline is set between 45-120 years after the events of the first movie. And that opens up a huge amount of possibilities.
Regardless of what the movies will be about, I am confident that it will be well written, and have great music.
There are rumors that Luke, Han, and Leia will be back, and perhaps for the first movie they will be. I'm guessing we'll get to see the reestablishment of the Empire, under the leadership of a former hotshot starfighter pilot named Fel. And with it the founding of the Imperial Knights. Perhaps under the command of the oldest Solo child.
Anyway, this is all personal speculation. Except the theory on Coruscant being proof the EU is not being discarded. Logically, that's more than just plausible.
Though it is fun to theorize who will play which character. I saw today that Dwayne Johnson want's to be in the movies. My first thought was "I could see him being Talon Karrde, if he had more hair." Then I thought, "Maybe some of the Wraith alumni, like Face or Piggy." Picture the Rock with a scar and goatee, then compare that to the cover of Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand.
Okay. I've gotten that out of my system now. Its a nice day here, so I think the kiddos should go and run around outside.
May the Force be with you.
