Who Decides What is Canon in Star Wars: From George Lucas to a New Committee
Introduction
The Star Wars universe, renowned for its rich tapestry of stories and characters, has evolved over time in terms of what is considered canon. The determination of canon has seen significant changes from its early days, under the control of its creator, George Lucas, to a more structured approach taken by a newly established committee after the acquisition by Disney. This article explores the evolution of the canon in Star Wars, the roles of George Lucas and the current Lucasfilm Story Group, and highlights the impact of these changes on the broader Star Wars franchise.
Original Canon: George Lucas
Originally, as the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas had the final say on what was considered canon. His vision was the bedrock upon which the entire franchise was built. In his words, the films themselves were the ultimate source of truth, although novels and other media were seen as interpretations of his vision. This approach was summarized in the statement: “When it comes to absolute canon the real story of Star Wars you must turn to the films themselves—and only the films.”
New Approach: Lucasfilm Story Group
Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the canon underwent a significant redefinition. In 2014, Disney and Lucasfilm established the Lucasfilm Story Group, a team led by Pablo Hidalgo. This group is responsible for overseeing and maintaining consistency across all media, including films, TV shows, books, and comics. The primary task of the group is to ensure that new stories align with the established canon while allowing for creative expansion within the Star Wars universe.
The authority of the Lucasfilm Story Group extends to the decision of whether new works are considered canon. According to their guidelines, most new content, such as novels, comics, and video games, is now officially part of the canon. This decision has been made with the aim of maintaining a cohesive narrative and uniformity across the franchise.
Contradictions and Changes
The shift to the Lucasfilm Story Group has led to several contradictions and changes in the established canon. Prior to 2012, LucasBooks and LucasArts decided what was canon, sometimes leading to inconsistencies. George Lucas, despite having the ultimate say, had a significant influence on novels and other media, ensuring they aligned with his vision of the Star Wars universe.
However, the Lucasfilm Story Group has taken a more definitive role in defining canon. For instance, the Star Wars Holiday Special, which George Lucas was not involved with, has been explicitly excluded from the canon. This decision has been justified by the group’s need to maintain a coherent and consistent narrative, free from chaotic and conflicting elements from earlier media.
Recent Decisions and Future Directions
In recent years, the Lucasfilm Story Group has made several notable decisions to align more closely with George Lucas' vision. One such decision is the reclassification of Jango Fett as a Mandalorian, which was first established in the Clone Wars cartoon series. This decision reflects the group's commitment to maintaining consistency with the early works of the franchise, particularly those directly influenced by George Lucas.
While the Lucasfilm Story Group has largely aligned with George Lucas' version of the canon, there have been instances where they have corrected what they perceived as errors. For example, they have decided that Jango Fett is a Mandalorian, aligning with the creation of his character in the Clone Wars series.
Conclusion
The evolution of canon in Star Wars has been a fascinating journey, from George Lucas' direct control to the establishment of the Lucasfilm Story Group. While the shift has brought about changes and contradictions, it has also helped to foster a more cohesive and consistent narrative. As the franchise continues to evolve, the role of the Lucasfilm Story Group will remain crucial in shaping the future of the Star Wars universe.