Many viewers were disappointed that theStar Warssequel trilogy didn’t incorporateMara Jade, but I know how the franchise could retcon her back in. The sequel trilogy was controversial amongStar Warsmovies and TV shows, in part because it reinforced the difference betweenStar WarsLegends and DisneyStar Warscanon. Specifically,when Disney boughtStar Wars, there was a massive shift in which characters and stories were part ofthe canonStar Warstimeline.
Sadly, one of the characters to be removed from canon following Disney’s acquisition ofStar Warswas Mara Jade, initially one of the Emperor’s Hands and eventually the wife of Luke Skywalker. The sequel trilogy had the opportunity to make this character part of canon, but, unfortunately,Star Warselected not to do so. However, that doesn’t mean Mara Jade can’t ever enter the canon. Rather,there is one key way Mara Jade could become part ofStar Warscanon after all.
5 Upcoming Star Wars Movies & Shows That Could Make Mara Jade Canon
Of all the upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows, and with Mara Jade’s return feeling inevitable, where could the rogue turned Jedi show up first?
It Looks Like Luke Is Standing Next To A Grave In The Force Awakens
Many viewers thought thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas going to confirm that Mara Jade was canon becauseLuke Skywalker appeared to be standing next to a grave on Ahch-Toat the very end of the movie. In fact, many (myself included) thought this was going to be the explanation for Luke’s absence from the galaxy and abandonment of the Resistance as they fought the First Order. In addition to thrillingly making Mara Jade canon, this would have improved a major sequel trilogy problem.
Mara Jade would have been a much more compelling explanation for Luke’s fall.
Luke’s complete character transformation betweenReturn of the JediandThe Force Awakenswas highly controversial. He had gone from a character full of hope and spirit to someone who hid from his problems and believed the galaxy was beyond saving. Eventually, the sequels revealed that this was because Luke’s nephew, Ben Solo, had fallen to the dark side and become Kylo Ren. However, Mara Jade would have been a much more compelling explanation for Luke’s fall, in my opinion.
In fact, although the sequels were heavily criticized for repeating the plot points of the original trilogy,The Force AwakensandA New Hopein particular,this would have been history repeating itself in a way that felt compelling. Specifically, like his father, Luke would have had his commitment to the light side of the Force shaken by the loss of the woman he loved. In Anakin’s case, this meant a complete fall to the dark side because he feared losing Padmé. For Luke, this could have meant conflict after his wife died.
This also still would have protected the type of person Luke was. He wouldn’t have entirely fallen, as his father had, but he would have struggled to maintain hope in light of such a terrible loss (especially depending upon how she died). While that wasn’t revealed in the sequels, though, that doesn’t have to meanStar Warsnever makes this story canon.
The New Republic Era Is Still Largely Undefined In Canon
Star Warshas only recently begun to truly explorethe New Republic era, which could be precisely how the franchise finally makes Mara Jade canon. Approximately 30 years pass betweenReturn of the JediandThe Force Awakensand, on screen, very little has been revealed about that gap. It wasn’t until shows likeThe Mandalorian,The Book of Boba Fett, andAhsokathatStar Warsbegan revealing what took place during this time.
Moreover,Luke has been pivotal in shows set during this era, withAhsokabeing the only show of the three that didn’t include a cameo from him. Presumably, this means that Luke’s story could continue to be explored in this era. This would make particular sense, as this was a crucial period for Luke. It was during this time that Luke became a true Jedi Master and established his own Jedi Temple. While a larger plot about Luke and Mara Jade might require a re-cast for Luke, it could certainly be coming down the line.
All 6 Times Star Wars Has Shown Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Temple & Their Inconsistencies
Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Temple has only appeared a handful of times in Star Wars canon - here are all the appearances to date, and how they compare.
Star Wars Could Easily Make Mara Jade Canon
There’s really very little reason at this point why Mara Jade couldn’t be made canon. Yes, it would require some retconning, as Mara Jade wasn’t mentioned in the sequels, butStar Warshas made much more significant contradictions and absences work in the past. After all, Ahsoka Tano became crucial to Anakin Skywalker’s story, but she was entirely absent from the prequels. The same tactic could be applied to Mara Jade’s character. Not only would this bring an amazing character to canon, but it would also improve Luke’s arc.
Luke’s storyline remains a major sticking point in the franchise, as many are still disappointed with how the character was handled in the sequel trilogy. By exploring his relationship with Mara Jade in the New Republic Era and the effect her death could have had on him,Star Warsmight be able to ameliorate some of the damage done by this narrative decision. In fact,Star Warscould still use the idea of Luke standing by a grave inThe Force Awakensto makeMara Jadecanon, and I sincerely hope the franchise does.
