How Introducing a Legendary Character Could Have Transformed Disney's Star Wars Universe

The Star Wars franchise missed a great opportunity to introduce a character from the Legends era into the original trilogy, which could have had a big impact on the current canon. Before the franchise underwent a reboot in 2014 to set the stage for the sequel trilogy, the official Star Wars timeline was known as Legends, which included the Expanded Universe. While the original and prequel trilogy movies became part of the modern canon, adding a Legends character in Return of the Jedi could have greatly enhanced the newer continuity.

One of the most beloved characters from the Legends era is Mara Jade, who was first introduced in Timothy Zahn’s novel Heir to the Empire. Mara Jade quickly won over fans with her complex personality and story. Although she is famous for her relationship with Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade's character goes far beyond just that. She started out as a deadly assassin trained in the dark side as the Emperor’s Hand, then transitioned into a smuggler before eventually becoming a skilled Jedi Master. Interestingly, Mara Jade was even present in Jabba the Hutt’s Palace during the events of Return of the Jedi, although she was not shown in the movie.

How Mara Jade Tied To Return of the Jedi

Star Wars Mara Jade Return of the jedi - How Mara Jade Tied To Return of the Jedi

Mara Jade, known for her mission for Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi, was disguised as one of Jabba the Hutt's entertainers in Jabba's Palace. She went by the name Arica and even had a brief encounter with C-3PO in the Return of the Jedi radio drama. However, despite the new footage added in the 1997 Special Edition rerelease, Mara Jade was not included in the film.

Interestingly, Shannon McRandle, who portrayed Mara in still images, would have been the perfect fit to bring Mara Jade to life on screen. In the Legends-era materials, Mara's mission at Jabba's Palace is further explored in the short story Sleight of Hand: The Tale of Mara Jade by Timothy Zahn and the comic series Mara Jade – By the Emperor's Hand by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole.

Mara Jade Would Have Added Another Layer Of Tragedy To Luke's Exile

The reason for Return of the Jedi's special edition not including Mara Jade in its extended first act remains unknown. A New Hope's rerelease did introduce other Expanded Universe content, like the Outrider from Shadows of the Empire. Despite her significant role in the original Star Wars continuity, George Lucas apparently did not like Mara Jade. This dislike may have played a part in her absence from Return of the Jedi. If Mara Jade had been part of the film, it would have had minimal impact on the Legends timeline but could have led to significant changes in the modern canon.

Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi and Mara Jade from Star Wars Legends. - Mara Jade Would Have Added Another Layer Of Tragedy To Luke's Exile...

Since Return of the Jedi is a part of the Legends era that transitioned into the current Star Wars canon, it opens up the possibility of Mara Jade being introduced into the new timeline. While the Lucasfilm Story Group could have dismissed McRandle's character as just one of Jabba's entertainers, they had the opportunity to reimagine her after clearing their slate for the sequel trilogy. If Mara Jade had been part of Return of the Jedi and acknowledged by Lucasfilm, they would have needed to find a way to incorporate her into the sequel trilogy era.

In the modern Star Wars canon, the lore is different from that of Star Wars Legends. If Mara Jade were to marry Luke Skywalker in the newer continuity like her original counterpart, Luke Skywalker’s exile in the sequel trilogy would be even more tragic. This is because Mara Jade would likely be among the casualties of Kylo Ren (formerly Ben Solo). This unfortunate event would be an example of the trope known as “fridging,” adding to Luke’s motivation for his self-imposed exile. Additionally, this would have further consequences for Luke’s new generation of Jedi.

But Mara Would Have Meant Luke's Jedi Order Was Very Different

Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade's wedding in Star Wars Union. - But Mara Would Have Meant Luke's Jedi Order Was Very Different

One of the biggest mistakes in the modern Star Wars canon is how it portrayed Luke Skywalker's new generation of Jedi. In the original trilogy, Luke defied the old Jedi Order's traditions by embracing healthy attachment and ultimately defeating Emperor Palpatine. This set him up perfectly to rebuild the Jedi Order with positive changes, but the sequels revealed that he did not do so.

In contrast, in the Legends timeline, Luke established the New Jedi Order instead of rebuilding the old one. This new order was a reformed successor that avoided the problematic traditions of the past. If the modern Star Wars canon had included Mara Jade from the beginning and shown her marrying Luke as in the original stories, it would have suggested that Luke's new Jedi generation also made significant reforms like the New Jedi Order in Legends. This would have required a more accurate portrayal of Luke in the sequel trilogy.

A Canon Mara Jade Would've Added Another Hook To The Mandalorian Era

Luke Skywalker from The Book of Boba Fett and artwork of Mara Jade from Star Wars Legends - A Canon Mara Jade Would've Added Another Hook To The Mandalorian Era

In this scenario, Mara Jade would have already passed away before the events of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. However, there is a lot of potential to delve into her story within the modern canon. Her history as Palpatine's assassin would need to be reworked to fit into the original trilogy era, along with her adventures after the events of Return of the Jedi. As TV series like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka are exploring the early New Republic era, it is likely that Mara Jade would eventually make an appearance and cross paths with Luke Skywalker.

The Thrawn trilogy has had a significant impact on the modern Star Wars canon, especially during the New Republic era. Therefore, it would have made sense for Mara to be included in the Disney+ shows. Dave Filoni's upcoming Star Wars movie set in the New Republic era is expected to bring closure to the storylines from the era's TV shows. It is also speculated to be a loose adaptation of the Thrawn trilogy, tailored to fit into the modern canon. However, whether Mara Jade's story can actually be told within the modern canon remains uncertain.

It's Too Late To Tell Mara's Star Wars Story Now

Emperor Palpatine and Mara Jade. - It's Too Late To Tell Mara's Star Wars Story Now

With Mara Jade being a fan favorite and the modern Star Wars canon often drawing inspiration from the Legends continuity, it seems likely that she will be introduced into the current timeline. However, some may argue that Mara Jade should stay exclusive to the Legends timeline due to conflicts with the current canon's lore. Despite this, Mara Jade can still influence the modern canon by inspiring characters like the Emperor's Hands, such as one who reforms and breaks away from the Empire.

Editor's P/S:

The article compellingly argues that the inclusion of Mara Jade in the original Star Wars trilogy, particularly in Return of the Jedi, would have significantly enhanced the modern canon. Mara Jade's complex character and intriguing backstory would have added depth to the narrative and provided a unique perspective on the events unfolding. The fact that she was present in Jabba's Palace during Return of the Jedi, despite not being shown in the film, further highlights the missed opportunity.

The article also explores the potential consequences of Mara Jade's inclusion in the modern canon. Her tragedy and the impact of her loss on Luke Skywalker in the sequel trilogy would have been a powerful storytelling element. Additionally, her presence could have influenced the portrayal of Luke's new Jedi Order, potentially leading to a more accurate and nuanced representation of his teachings.