BenduDestiny9

I’m planning on doing my own Star Wars sequel trilogy rewrite that is set in the original Expanded Universe (lEgENdS) continuity. It is going to take place a few years after the novel Crucible, with Ben Skywalker, Jagged Fel and Jaina Solo acting as the new trio to succeed Luke, Han and Leia in the Original Trilogy, and Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padmé in the Prequels. Luke, Leia and the force ghosts of Anakin and Mara Jade are also expected to appear. I am unsure as to whether the new heroes’ primary rival should be an existing character like Darth Krayt, or an original one of my own creation. But I do know that I am planning on resurrecting Palpatine one last time; he is the main antagonist of the saga after all, and the implication of his desire to become immortal in ROTS makes it all the more fitting.

One of my primary goals is to tie the Yuuzhan Vong War aftermath era and the Legacy era together, so that Jagged Fel eventually reshapes the Imperial Remnant into the Fel Empire by the end of the trilogy. I also want to use certain elements that were introduced in the Prequels, such as the Chosen One prophecy and the implications of the Sith being able to create life and cheat death for the intended purpose of creating a more cohesive narrative. I am even thinking of adapting some of George Lucas’ original ideas for his sequel trilogy, such as the “microbiotic world of the Whills.”

However, my only problem is that I have not read any of the novels. Most of my knowledge of the Expanded Universe comes from playing some of the video games (e.g. KOTOR) or learning about it on Wookieepedia, but not always in full detail. In order to write my trilogy, I feel like I need to have a firm understanding of the state of the galaxy by the time Crucible happens, as well as the characterisations of Ben, Jaina and Jag, and how the main cast of the Original Trilogy have changed since the end of Episode VI so that I can be able to write them all properly. I should also need to be able to understand the mythology of the Force – both from the perspectives of George Lucas and other writers such as Timothy Zahn so that I don’t accidentally contradict anything like the circumstances surrounding Anakin’s birth and the creation of the Chosen One Prophecy. And since I want to introduce the “microbiotic world of the Whills”, it might be a good idea to know as much about them as possible, both in Legends and in “Canon”, even if we only know so little.

All of which leads to the question: what books should I read? This applies to both novels and comics. I am aware that the post-ROTJ material takes priority, but there are bound to be some books in there that are not worth the read – whether because they are more focused on action and adventure rather than story or character development, or because they are just plain terrible. And I know that some people aren’t particularly fond of the Denningverse and wish that it could have been different in some ways, but my trilogy is meant to be a continuation of the Expanded Universe, not a rewrite of certain stories. To summarise: I am not looking to read all of the books in the original EU, especially all of the really bad ones. I just want all of the bare essentials (or even the ones that are not essential, but still worthwhile) so that I can start working on my trilogy.

I’d love to have a link for this - both theatrical and extended, if possible, in addition to the whole trilogy if it is finished.

Jar Jar Bricks said:

Those were accomplished using dialogue splicing, no AI.

Good to know.

Did you also use AI to replicate Obi-Wan’s “I wanted you to have this when you were old enough” and “A Jedi Master who instructed me”? For those things, the description doesn’t say if AI was used or not.

These games take me back. I haven’t played Dark Forces I or II but Jedi Outcast and Academy had some of the best lightsaber gameplay ever.

The Prequels. Without a doubt. They feel so much more alive and original than the “Sequels”. Sure, the slapstick is over the top in places and dialogue is a bit rusty, but then again Star Wars has a reputation for rusty dialogue. It’s part of the charm.

Anakin’s entire monologue in the fireplace scene.

I love AOTC (and the Prequels in general), but this is probably the most excruciating part for me.

Everything from the movie saga.

Knights of the Old Republic:

1. Main Theme
2. Bastila’s Theme
3. Sith/Endar Spire Theme
4. Darth Malak’s Theme

Knight of the Old Republic II:

1. Rebuilt Jedi Enclave

The Force Unleashed:

1. Main Theme
2. Kota’s Theme

Honourable Mention:

1. Seagulls! (Stop It Now)

1. Binary Sunset - Just a beautifully filmed scene, though it is the music that cements it.

2. Obi-Wan’s Hut - The reason why people should always start with A New Hope before the Prequels. It provides a proper introduction to the mythology of the Jedi and the Force.

3. Luke destroying the Death Star - Ties the two main narratives of the movie (the Rebels’ mission to destroy the Death Star and the beginning of Luke’s journey to becoming a Jedi) together.

My favourite aspects of the Special Editions:

1. The CGI shots of Yavin in ANH
2. Ian McDiarmid’s Emperor in ESB
3. The updated Bespin visuals in ESB
4. The victory celebration at the end of ROTJ

Not ranking any of them because the soundtracks from all six movies are equally fantastic. Though the music from the Prequels are some of the richest sounds John Williams has ever produced.

1. The Last Crusade
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Temple of Doom
4. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

I’ve not seen Dial of Destiny, so I can’t put it on here.

I normally watch them all in chronological order, but when I want to introduce Star Wars to a newcomer, I’d recommend to watch them by year of release (Originals first, then Prequels).

Ever since I’ve come across them, David Kaylor’s Final Cuts have been my go-to way to watch the Original Trilogy from now on, because they do almost everything right - not to mention they’re in 4K UHD as well. As for the Prequels, I just watch them in their original form.

“tHey fLY nOW!”

Dude, they’ve always been flying now. Like, since the Mandalorians.

I grew up calling it A New Hope. And for me it is probably the best way to address the film, because after all it is part of a 6-movie (to hell with the Sequels) saga with movies that have different, individual titles.