A Shocking Star Wars Reveal: The Imperial Inquisitors and Starkiller's Secret Connection!
Starkiller: From Legends to Canon—The Inquisitors' Hidden Inspiration
Galen Marek (aka Starkiller), Darth Vader's secret apprentice from the beloved Star Wars Legends continuity, might not be in the movies, yet he's hugely important, leaving tons of fans hoping he would get included in canon. Now, thanks to Lucasfilm, we've got that really awesome link: his designs directly influenced the Imperial Inquisitors! The reveal of this awesome connection, the creative link between these wildly popular and intensely fascinating figures truly establishes a more interconnected history and the development for the larger Star Wars narrative that previously might not have really been established prior to the creation of the Imperial Inquisitors.
Starkiller is an immensely important figure who previously existed in those old Expanded Universe games, a beloved character many desperately wanted in canon. Those Imperial Inquisitors (introduced in Star Wars Rebels) are renowned for those really distinctive lightsaber hilts. And Amy Beth Christenson, that awesome concept artist reveals these awesome and incredibly unique hilts came from The Force Unleashed concept art!
Here's exactly what Christenson said: "I was assigned the lightsaber for the [Grand] Inquisitor, and then they pulled out this concept that was never used before. I looked and it was actually a lightsaber that we had designed for The Force Unleashed, which I was lead concept artist on. I was like, ‘Um, yeah, I could totally do that!’"
The Impact on Canon Star Wars: A Deeper Connection
Lots of fans hoped for Starkiller’s inclusion. That’s clear. He doesn’t quite fit in Star Wars’ current timeline as things stand – his placement before that original Rebellion’s founding won't fit neatly! And while we saw some hints (his armor shows up in Andor!), this isn't even close. It feels very much like the Inquisitors have actually replaced Starkiller! But this design connection strengthens the idea that it is.
Even the discarded concepts made a difference in this particular Star Wars universe. Other examples show some interesting re-usage: that Fifth Brother design–unused for Kylo Ren! And Leia's Rebels look? That’s also adapted from early concept art. So that could imply, Starkiller's canonical appearance isn't completely out of the picture! Remember other famous figures; some truly major, popular characters were brought from Legends to canon. It wouldn’t be surprising to see something like that here.
Making Starkiller Canon: An Inquisitor in Disguise?
Bringing Starkiller into Star Wars canon could be easy: He becomes an Inquisitor. This fits quite well. So far we've only had hints and vague descriptions around some aspects concerning those Inquisitors who remained active for many years! And adding more to that number would not necessarily sound surprising for those paying close attention!
There is also another extremely intriguing question about Darth Vader: Did he attempt to create an Inquisitor as his own apprentice? That aligns strongly with the ideas around Lucas's vision— remember Vader's temptation of Luke in The Empire Strikes Back? This idea highlights an unexplored element about Darth Vader who is essentially doing what many Sith might try and do at various points! And what could better highlight that particular aspect than actually attempting to create and cultivate someone entirely to become a subordinate?
Conclusion: A Legacy of Force and Creative Re-Use in the Star Wars Galaxy
This amazing design connection between Starkiller and the Inquisitors is more than just fan service. This shows clever utilization of earlier creative work, adding significant value to both! The possible storyline integration might well add another layer to Darth Vader's character; giving another potential direction not initially revealed; demonstrating his strategic capabilities which add to his enigmatic position. That alone could totally justify an addition into canon!
