Star Wars’last two live-action TV shows have highlighted the importance of an era introduced three years ago. SinceStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s release and the reported end of the Skywalker saga,Star Wars’storytelling has become more interconnected than ever. With the advent of Disney+ and the success ofThe Mandalorianin 2019,Star Warswas able to build the “Mandoverse” sub-franchise, fleshing out theNew Republic eraand building on what came before in productions likeStar Wars: The Clone WarsandStar Wars Rebels.Star Wars’latest offering,Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,is also part of this era.
As important as the New Republic era has become,another historicalStar Warsera has become a focal point for the franchise in recent yearsas well, changing our understanding of the Jedi Order and the galaxy’s history entirely. Though it originally seemed like this era would mostly stand apart from the rest of the franchise, confined to the pages of novels and comic books,Star Wars’most recent Disney+ output has proven that this pivotal time for the Jedi Order is becoming more important to the galaxy’s overarching narrative.
Light Of The Jedi Introduced Viewers To The High Republic Era
In 2021,Star WarspublishedStar Wars: Light of the Jediby Charles Soule, the first novel in what would become known asStar Wars: The High Republic.The High Republicera is set a few centuries before the events of theStar Warsprequels, chronicling the hardships the Jedi Order and the Republic faced at the hands of dangerous pirates called the Nihil, Force-eating creatures known as the Nameless, and a dark, carnivorous plant species known as the Drengir.
The Jedi’s actions in the High Republic offer valuable insight into how they became susceptible to the Sith’s manipulations during the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
What started withLight of the Jedisoon evolved into a three-phase transmedia franchise, withThe High Republic’s historyunfolding across multiple adult, YA, and middle-grade novels, comic books, audio plays, and short stories. Perhaps most importantly, the Jedi’s actions in the High Republic offer valuable insight into how they became susceptible to the Sith’s manipulations during theStar Warsprequel trilogy.
The High Republic Was The Foundation For The Acolyte… & There’s A Skeleton Crew Connection Too
Though the bulk ofThe High Republic’s storytelling is found withinStar Wars’publishing initiative, it has since expanded to include live-action TV.Star Wars:The Acolyteis set at the tail end of the High Republica era, roughly 100 years beforeStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Not only did it give audiences a glimpse at how the Jedi were faring after their fight with the Nihil, but it also introduced the threat of the Sith and offered a brief yet enticing glimpse of Darth Sidious’ Master, Darth Plagueis.
More recently (and more surprisingly),Star Wars: Skeleton Crewalso references the High Republic era, despite telling a unique story set firmly during the New Republic. InSkeleton Crew’s first episode, a government official named Fara addresses a class of children, emphasizing the importance ofAt Attin’s “Great Work.” InThe High Republic, Republic Chancellor Lina Soh devised and executed several projects she deemed “Great Works,” meant to help the Republic and the Jedi build and maintain lasting peace across the galaxy. As such, there’s no denying thatStar Warsis more interested in digging into the galaxy’s history than ever before.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Cast
Skeleton Crew follows four ordinary children who become lost in the expansive Star Wars galaxy. As they navigate unfamiliar worlds and the challenges they present, the group endeavors to find their way back to their home planet, undertaking a journey across the iconic Star Wars universe.
