Could Star Wars: The High Republic replace the Expanded Universe?

The forthcoming High Republic era may be the answer for fans who mourn the loss of Star Wars’ old Expanded Universe.

Are you missing all of the hours you spent with Kyle Katarn while playing Star Wars: Jedi Knight in the late ’90s? While you may not be able to train alongside Kyle anymore, you will be able to work with Yoda in the newly announced Temple of Darkness. The High Republic era story is just one part of the upcoming Oculus Quest virtual reality game Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge.

Legends also expanded our knowledge of the Star Wars universe. We were introduced to new planets, new species, new cultures. Authors like Timothy Zahn, Alan Dean Foster, Michael A. Stackpole, and so many others continued to build onto the galaxy that George Lucas created. Fortunately, some of those additions remain within Disney’s Star Wars canon. (Yes, we’re talking about Thrawn!)

Now we get to see the universe grow again as Claudia Gray, Justina Ireland, Daniel José Older, Cavan Scott, and Charles Soule bring to life new characters and adventures during the High Republic era. The recently unveiled concept art for the Padawans and villains of The High Republic revealed a diverse cast of characters, that only further excited fans across social media.

Over the next year, Star Wars fans will be treated to brand new stories centered around The High Republic — spanning young adult books, novels, comic books, and more. This may not total up to the over 300 Star Wars Legends books we lost, but it’s a start towards forming a new “expanded universe” that a new generation of Star Wars fans can fall in love with.

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge arrives on Nov. 19. Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi and Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage will hit shelves on Jan. 5, 2021.