A new article was published today on starwars.com that brings four new authors of The High Republic together for a roundtable discussion. The authors share their excitement about creating new characters and stories for the Star Wars canon and explore some key players in Phase II.
In discussing the three novels that have been already released for this Phase, the four writers–Zoraida Cordova, Tessa Gratton, Lydia Kang, and George Mann–give some opinions on the canon and how they wanted to influence it in their own way. “I wish there was more kissing in Star Wars, and this was my opportunity to make that happen,” Tessa Gratton says about the love story in Path of Deceit.
Some of the more exciting news comes when the authors discuss stories that have not yet been released. When asked about any teasers for Cataclysm, the second adult novel for Phase II slotted to release on April 4, 2023, author Lydia Kang name dropped an exciting character.
"It’s already been teased before, but Master Yaddle does show up in Cataclysm, and I’m so excited for everybody to see what happens with her."
Master Yoda played a large role in Phase I of The High Republic, so it’s exciting to learn that his species counterpart will be a part of Phase II.
The greatest news to pull from this article, however, is the confirmed timeline for Phase III. Up until now, we have not been sure exactly when the third Phase would start, but have been eagerly awaiting the news.
Michael Siglain, Director of Creative Franchise at Disney-Lucasfilm, is asked about The High Republic YA Anthology that has been planned for next year, and after a little prodding, shares:
"What I can say without giving too much away is that all the stories in this anthology connect to inform, enhance, or tease one of the three phases of High Republic storytelling."
He goes on to describe that Zoraida Cordova’s story “takes place before the events of Convergence,” and that Claudia Gray’s story “takes place one day after the fall of Starlight Beacon.”
Siglain follows those details with the announcement that they are moving the release of the YA Anthology to September of 2023 because “it gives us a little more breathing room after the end of Phase II, and moves it a little bit closer to Phase III as we kick it off in November 2023.”
With this announcement that Phase III will start in November 2023, we have less than a year until the third and final Phase of this incredible project begins. We are truly living in a Golden Era of Star Wars media, and we will surely have plenty of reading material for the next few years! If you haven’t started reading The High Republic, now is the time!