The Star Wars Timeline: A Guide to Canon and Legends

How Did The Star Wars Timeline Change?

The Star Wars saga has had a series of adjustments - one that affected its storyline and the characters that are associated with the Star Wars Expanded Universe - often considered a universe outside of the movies and Star Wars Disney+ series. However, this world changed in 2014 as Disney made the decision to bring about what was known as a Canon Legends Reboot - effectively taking all those stories that appeared across those novels, comic books, video games, and other productions (such as those found in LEGO Star Wars) and placing them under Star Wars Legends - leaving them as part of an alternate universe, which continues to remain popular amongst many Star Wars fans - particularly those who enjoy those events that took place across centuries within that era. In doing so - it would give greater opportunity to expand the current Star Wars Canon Timeline (one that is centered on those events and storylines from Star Wars Disney+ releases).

With these major decisions - it caused those familiar with the Star Wars saga to reassess its history and storylines - a transition from the former Star Wars Expanded Universe - to an updated, reimagined universe - one that is centered on a new continuity of storytelling - highlighting new adventures for characters that are found in those movies, series and other productions. One could even point to The Mandalorian which, for many, has given Star Wars a breath of fresh air.

Why Is There A Difference Between Star Wars Legends and Star Wars Canon?

Sig Pulls Cornerstone in LEGO Star Wars Rebuild the Galaxy Image

Star Wars - as it continues to grow - has several distinct versions of those events - those are categorized under Star Wars Legends and Star Wars Canon. In essence, this represents the distinction between those who like to explore various universes - some of the oldest tales of those Star Wars Heroes and Star Wars Villains like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, or the iconic Darth Vader. While there have also been some amazing, classic storylines and heroes within the Expanded Universe, Disney made an attempt to streamline its timeline for those who enjoyed the movies - as it moved toward a more cohesive storyline and universe across its different forms of entertainment (Star Wars series, comic books and Disney-owned series, and animated productions such as Star Wars Rebels, as well as several games). This transition served as the starting point to establish those events in Star Wars, often bringing viewers a greater degree of clarity.

The goal behind this separation and restructuring (often known as a reboot) - meant to redefine the timeline. One might even argue it set a stage to offer an innovative series, including the Star Wars trilogy. Disney even went a step further as they worked toward a more streamlined Canon for those who could now fully appreciate the core storyline across all those production forms, while it has remained as a separate timeline (in essence a Reboot). While it appears as if it's been more effective, many who enjoy Star Wars Legends still see those stories as being some of the greatest and more exciting versions of the Star Wars universe, often seeing a continuation of a timeless saga - one that had captivated audiences across decades, showcasing an extraordinary array of characters, villains, and their powers as the Star Wars Empire rose and fell, giving those watching, the most compelling and engaging events and stories.

Why Did Disney Reboot The Star Wars Timeline?

Grand Admiral Thrawn and Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars both smiling face the other in a combined image Image

Disney, after taking control of the Star Wars franchise sought to make major adjustments as it took an active part in redefining the Star Wars franchise. As a result - the Star Wars story took a shift and would continue in a much different manner, but one which also set the foundation for the films and television shows to appear as a collection that would give viewers a strong and uniform narrative. One of those goals, was to further expanse the franchise with more compelling stories - often building on characters from the past, like Luke Skywalker and the rise of the Empire, and giving new stories for Star Wars Villains such as Darth Vader or even Palpatine.

While Star Wars had a vast library of stories within the Expanded Universe (a massive array of Star Wars Movies , games, novels, comic books) that were created prior to Disney taking over in 2012. However, the decision was made to give a "refresh" to the Star Wars Timeline, one that gave Disney and Lucasfilm greater creative license. The end result, was to create a more centralized approach to Star Wars Canon. There is a reason why fans may enjoy those that are produced in the present day and find those storylines a lot more compelling, and for others, who enjoy those from the Expanded Universe.

Is There A Real-World Reason For Star Wars Canon Changes?

Rey from The Rise of Skywalker to the left and Jar Jar Binks from the prequel trilogy to the right in front of a blue background with various Star Wars images Image

Star Wars has long been recognized as one of the most powerful and impressive franchises - with those films, games and other forms of entertainment (even animation), having the capacity to capture the imaginations of millions across generations, particularly when those events continue to expand, especially since Disney took control.

Those changes - the Star Wars Disney+ , releases, are not the only things that are considered significant, there's also been an ongoing effort by the studio to streamline the universe - a more centralized control for production (giving a much more coherent experience and story), for fans who may seek greater clarity across all productions, including the main Star Wars Movies, as well as Star Wars games.

Are There Significant Story Changes To the Canon After the Reboot?

Cornerstone in LEGO Star Wars Rebuild the Galaxy Image

With the transition of those Star Wars stories - a series of events occurred. These shifted to bring about an important transition from a larger Expanded Universe that was more delimited - to a unified canon for the franchise, as they sought a new set of productions, movies, series and even those LEGO Star Wars games that had their place as part of a massive Star Wars franchise.

This, as some might know - is one of the core elements behind how Disney moved forward, taking a great degree of creative liberty in shaping those Star Wars Movies. It even set the foundation to explore more innovative storylines, even when it's viewed through an array of diverse Star Wars Disney+ productions.

When did Disney Start the Canon Timeline Reboot?

Lego Star Wars Rebuild the Galaxy TV Show Teaser Poster Image

The transition from Star Wars Legends (formerly the Star Wars Expanded Universe) to a unified Canon was made official in 2014, the same year "Star Wars Episode VII" - The Force Awakens, was released. This set the stage for a new direction - with Disney working toward the sequel trilogy - to become a core element that defined its expansion across different mediums.

For those familiar with the series, this served as a critical moment to understand how those previous, expanded events would no longer be considered official, and those stories that were featured would be placed under the designation Star Wars Legends. It allowed for greater freedom and control for the creative forces behind Disney Star Wars and to allow the production and studio more leeway in how their story would continue. It's worth noting, the universe for Star Wars has taken on an almost overwhelming scale and has led to numerous productions - both those that are movies, TV shows, comic books and those that are released through various gaming and online entertainment. The Star Wars Canon has continued to expand and serve as an integral part of how those events that unfold, are seen in an array of forms - from those released through the internet to theaters.

Is The LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Universe The New Canon?

The LEGO Star Wars - is well known across multiple versions of its game, and has proven to be incredibly popular with millions of players worldwide. It serves as one of the greatest examples of a series that has not only remained consistent but continues to offer a vast and entertaining experience through its stories and visuals, all with that playful charm that LEGO has long been known for. The franchise even has a slew of titles.

In an interesting and unconventional addition - Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy has introduced a unique event in an effort to explain those transitions that have impacted Star Wars. Those who enjoy this production have discovered how Sig Greebling, one of the characters, pulls out a LEGO Cornerstone, which resets reality itself - bringing about a world where Darth Jar Jar is one of the most feared villains (as well as a number of Sith lords), and the galaxy is reimagined, with unique additions that make the series even more intriguing. It would appear to have been made as a fun addition - one that's based on the premise of “what if,” giving those playing a different perspective, one that is playful, lighthearted and a fun way to reimagine how this universe could appear.

Does The LEGO Cornerstone Impact Star Wars Reality?

The LEGO Cornerstone serves as a pivotal moment for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy as its storyline - one of the most outlandish moments in the series and for the Star Wars galaxy as a whole - it rewrites reality and it sets the stage to show those who are familiar with Star Wars, how much fun a lighthearted re-imagining can be.

The LEGO Cornerstone appears as a key to unlocking an alternate timeline as it represents how the universe and its reality is built and shaped. However, while this production appears as an unconventional take - the event of The Cornerstone might not impact Star Wars Reality - serving as a fun interpretation of an intriguing concept that explores what if? This, in a sense, helps to bridge the divide for those who follow Star Wars Canon and Star Wars Legends, and for others who might want to see an entirely new, and innovative reimagining - serving as a way to see a universe in a new light.