10 Star Wars Characters with Significantly Altered Stories in Canon vs. Legends

Exploring the Distinct Lives of Star Wars Characters: Canon vs. Legends

The expansive Star Wars universe is divided into two primary continuities: canon and Legends. This distinction has led to fascinating variations in character portrayals across different storylines. Between 1976 and 2014, narratives outside the main films were grouped under the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU). However, with Disney and Lucasfilm’s establishment of a new official canon, the EU was rebranded as Legends and rendered non-canon, allowing filmmakers greater creative liberty.

The films that were retained in the new canon include the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, and the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This shared foundation has permitted many characters to traverse both timelines, albeit with sometimes significant changes in their histories. Such differences afford an intriguing opportunity to compare the distinct storytelling approaches of various creators.

10. Wicket W. Warrick

An Ewok Depicted in Many Different Ways

Wicket W. Warrick, best known for aiding Princess Leia and the Rebel Alliance in Return of the Jedi, has vastly different backstories in the canon versus Legends. In the animated series Star Wars: Ewoks, Wicket converses in English to engage viewers and enrich the portrayal of Endor’s forest moon. Additionally, the live-action Ewok films highlighted Wicket’s interactions with humans prior to his heroic exploits in the original trilogy.

One of the most significant differences lies in the Legends narrative, where Wicket eventually marries his childhood friend Kneesaa and rules their village together. While Wicket made a brief appearance in The Rise of Skywalker alongside his son Pommet Warrick, it remains uncertain if he achieved a leadership position within the canon. Most canon depictions have adhered closely to his original characterization seen on screen.

9. Kitster Banai

Another Tatooine Slave Who Gained His Freedom

Kitster Banai debuted in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace as a young slave and friend of Anakin Skywalker. In the Legends narrative, Kitster garners enough credits to secure his freedom after Anakin’s departure to join the Jedi. He subsequently faces persecution for his advocacy on behalf of fellow slaves but eventually establishes a family, even crossing paths with Leia Organa to share insights about her father’s past.

In contrast, the canon version reveals that Kitster and his companions were liberated by Sabé, one of Padmé Amidala’s handmaidens. They relocate to Gabredor III, where they contend with an oppressive Imperial Governor. Kitster unwittingly respects Darth Vader, unaware of their previous friendship.

8. Yaddle

Much More Than a Female Yoda

Yaddle is a member of the same enigmatic species as Yoda and has notable differences in her portrayal across Legends. Following an unsuccessful mission, she endures over a century of imprisonment. Upon her return to freedom, she dedicates herself to assisting the people of Koba, leading the Jedi Council to fast-track her promotion from Padawan to Jedi Master.

While her speech pattern mirrors Yoda’s in Legends, the canon adjusts her dialogue to a more conventional structure. In Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, her demise occurs much earlier than in her original timeline, leading to a confrontation with Count Dooku, during which she ultimately sacrifices herself. Notably, the High Republic era features her without any reference to her lengthy imprisonment.

7. Beilert Valance

A Stormtrooper Turned Cyborg Bounty Hunter

Beilert Valance, once an Imperial stormtrooper, faced grave injuries which resulted in extensive cybernetic enhancements. This transformation instilled in him a deep-seated animosity towards droids, propelling him into a life as a bounty hunter. His character arc shifted after a pivotal encounter with Luke Skywalker, prompting him to ultimately make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of the Rebellion.

In canon, Valance’s backstory has been enriched through the Marvel comic series Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, revealing his past connection to Han Solo from their time at the Imperial Academy. This revised narrative lessens his aversion to droids, showcasing a more complex character that Darth Vader ultimately coerces back into the Empire.

6. Rukh

Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Noghri Bodyguard

Rukh, introduced in the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn, served as a highly skilled bodyguard to Grand Admiral Thrawn. His ability to stealthily approach anyone made him a formidable ally, primarily engaging in violence only when Thrawn required it. Upon discovering the Empire’s deception toward his people, Rukh ultimately betrayed Thrawn, resulting in both their deaths.

In canonical adaptations, Rukh’s narrative timeline has been adjusted, placing him in active confrontations with Thrawn’s adversaries, including the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels. His character remains loyal to Thrawn until his demise at the hands of a rebel during a critical battle.

5. Chewbacca

The First and Last Original Trilogy Hero to Perish

Chewbacca, unlike his original trilogy compatriots Han, Luke, and Leia, was never shielded from death in the Expanded Universe, losing his life in Star Wars: The New Jedi Order – Vector Prime while heroically saving Han’s son, Anakin Solo. This event marked Chewbacca as the first major character to die, delivering a significant emotional blow to the series.

In stark contrast, the sequel trilogy witnesses the deaths of Han, Luke, and Leia, allowing Chewbacca to continue as a warrior for the Resistance. With Rey’s upcoming narrative expected to launch a new chapter in the saga, Chewbacca stands poised to embrace an expansive new trajectory that never materialized in Legends.

4. Boba Fett

Mandalorian Leader or Tatooine Crime Boss?

Boba Fett’s limited screen presence in the original trilogy did not prevent the extended universe from amplifying his legend significantly. His survival from the sarlacc pit allowed him to pursue bounty hunting, leading to more encounters but culminating in a shift to a leadership role within the Mandalorian Protectors and his efforts in aiding the New Republic.

In canon, while he still escapes the sarlacc, Boba’s trajectory takes him toward a Tusken Raider tribe, whereby he learns the significance of community and honor. Following the tribe’s tragic demise, he ultimately reclaims his Mandalorian legacy and rises as the Daimyo of Tatooine.

3. Billaba’s Depa

From Dark Jedi to Beloved Jedi Master

Depa Billaba, a Jedi Council member with no lines in the prequel films, plays a more substantial role in Legends as the Padawan of Mace Windu. Throughout numerous critical battles, she ultimately succumbs to the dark side, leading to a tragic climax where she is left in a coma after a duel with Windu.

Conversely, the canon narrative retains her heroism, showcasing her as a mentor to Caleb Dume, who would later become Kanan Jarrus. During Order 66, she meets a tragic end while selflessly safeguarding Caleb, leaving a profound impact as he carries her legacy forward in Star Wars Rebels.

2. Read Organa

Skilled Jedi and Accomplished Politician

Leia Organa’s journey in Legends leads her to become one of the preeminent Jedi knights under Luke’s tutelage, despite her political pursuits detracting from her training. Her legacy includes raising three strong Jedi: her twins Jaina and Jacen, along with Anakin Solo, and ascending to the role of Chief of State in the New Republic.

In canon, while Leia also trains with Luke, she ultimately sacrifices her lightsaber and dedicates her life to the New Republic after the turmoil following her son’s fall to the dark side. Sensing his death through the Force and branded as Darth Vader’s daughter, she forms the Resistance and faces formidable challenges in her quest for peace.

1. Luke Skywalker

Two Radically Different Fates for Star Wars’ Original Hero

The Legends narrative surrounding Luke Skywalker illustrates him as a pivotal figure who not only restores the Jedi Order but also marries Mara Jade and becomes a father to Ben Skywalker. Luke transforms into the symbolic heir of the Jedi, nurturing a new generation.

Conversely, the sequel trilogy presents a starkly different Luke, grappling with the collapse of his Jedi academy, leading him to live in exile. His journey culminates in a moment of redemption, rejoining the fight to save the Resistance and embracing the Force in a manner that uplifts hope across the galaxy.

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