Legendary pilot Wedge Antilles returns in an excerpt from the upcoming Star Wars novel Resistance Reborn.
Many Star Wars fans were disappointed when Denis Lawson did not reprise his role as Wedge Antilles for The Force Awakens. While the Aftermath books told more of Wedge’s story after the Battle of Endor, his post-Return of the Jedi life has mostly remained a mystery.
That’s set to change now with the character set to play a major role in Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse, a novel that takes place in the time between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. An older Wedge appears on the cover of the novel and is the focus of the newest excerpt.
More from Star Wars Books
- Daniel José Older named a High Republic Adventures character after someone special
- New Star Wars comics this week: The High Republic Adventures and more
- Star Wars books and comics coming in December 2023
- Every time Boba Fett has escaped the Sarlacc Pit
- Vanessa Marshall wants to play Mara Jade in live action
Here are the 4 best moments from the excerpt.
1. Remembering Luke
The morning weather on the planet Akiva reminds Wedge of stories Luke Skywalker told him about Dagobah. It’s fascinating to think about Luke telling others about his experiences with Yoda. Canon hasn’t shown Luke talking much about what happened there, not even with Leia or Han. It really says something that Luke shared anything about those experiences with Wedge, even with Wedge admitting himself that what Luke shared was pretty vague.
Equally compelling is Wedge thinking that he and Luke were basically kids back then. In the universe of Star Wars and in the real world, the deeds of Luke, Wedge, and the other heroes have practically become mythic. In reality, though, they were just young people doing what they thought was right. In that sense, they’re not so different from the new generation of Rey, Finn, Rose, and Poe. Speaking of Poe . . .
2. Poe Was One Of Wedge’s Best Students
Wedge also reflects on when he used to train pilots. Later in the excerpt when Snap Wexley and his wife Karé Kun arrive on Akiva, Snap mentions Poe, and Wedge remarks that Poe was one of his best students. Wedge was clearly a significant mentor to Poe and his growth as a pilot. Resistance Reborn and even The Rise of Skywalker could see Wedge acting as a mentor for Poe again as he takes on more of a leadership role within the Resistance.
3. First Order influence grows
When Snap and Karé talk to Wedge and Norra Wexley, Snap asks if they heard about Hosnian Prime, and asks how Akiva’s local government has responded. Wedge reveals that an emergency election was called and a wealthy merchant friendly with the First Order was voted in. Karé also shares how the First Order tried to get the planet Ikkrukk to surrender. When the people refused, the First Order opened fire on them.
In the films, fans have mainly seen the First Order contained within their fight against the Resistance. The excerpt is already showing how the First Order’s influence is growing. The people of Akiva are scrambling to find ways to avoid the First Order’s wrath. The First Order is no longer lurking in the shadows, now unafraid to directly open fire on anyone who doesn’t submit to their rule. The New Republic is shattered and the Resistance is struggling to hold on.
People like Wedge are needed more than ever to resist the First Order.
4. Tragic News
Snap and Karé also bring Wedge and Norra tragic news regarding the demises of Luke Skywalker and Admiral Ackbar. The devastation Wedge feels is palpable. Luke and Ackbar survived so much to the point that it’s unfathomable to think they’re now dead. It’s even more devastating as earlier in the excerpt Wedge was reflecting on his fondness and respect for Luke.
This news is clearly Wedge’s call to action, motivating him to take on an active role in the Resistance. The magnitude of that role remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Lando Calrissian isn’t the only Rebellion hero joining the Resistance after the events of The Last Jedi.
We can’t wait until Resistance Reborn releases on November 5. Exploring the rebirth of the Resistance between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker was already a tantalizing prospect. It’s even more intriguing with this excerpt and what it teases for Wedge Antilles.
Are you excited that Wedge is returning to Star Wars? Will you be reading Resistance Reborn? Let us know in the comments!