Article Overview
The Clone Wars had several unfinished story arcs adapted into books, comics, and story reels, offering fans a glimpse into what could have been.
The unused storylines would have delved into captivating political intrigue, comical interactions between clones, and epic showdowns between beloved characters. Followers are still resentful over the incomplete Crystal Crisis on Utapau arc and the emotionally-charged journey of Ahsoka Tano's homecoming to the Jedi Temple.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars was cancelled after its fifth season in 2013, as Disney turned its attention to new Star Wars projects. A sixth season, featuring completed episodes, was released on Netflix in 2014, and the series was later revived for a final season on Disney+. Despite the additional episodes, several planned storylines never made it to air.
Some of these unfinished storylines were adapted into books, comics, and story reels as part of The Clone Wars Legacy project. Others were only revealed in basic plot outlines, leaving fans to imagine what could have been. These nine arcs provide an intriguing look at the potential future of The Clone Wars, with some offering more promising ideas than others.
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9. Yuuzhan Vong
A warrior race scouts the galaxy for an invasion
The Yuuzhan Vong were originally introduced in the Star Wars Legends continuity and were almost featured in an unproduced Clone Wars arc. The proposed story would have involved a Vong scout ship arriving from another galaxy and would have had elements of an alien abduction story. Unlike in the Legends continuity, the Vong would not have been immune to the Force, a change requested by Star Wars creator George Lucas. Although the concept of the Vong staying in Legends may have been intriguing, it was ultimately for the best. The Yuuzhan Vong are the primary antagonists in the Legends book series Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, which was published by Del Rey.
8. Return To Mon Cala
Padmé attempts to vote Palpatine out of office
The planned storyline involved Padmé Amidala opposing Chancellor Palpatine's extended term and seeking King Lee-Char's support on Mon Cala to vote out the secret Sith Lord. However, the arc would have taken a dark turn with the murder of the Quarren chieftain, leaving Padmé's hope for support shattered and revealing Quarren Senator Tikkes as a Separatist. This political arc would have added depth to Padmé's Clone Wars narrative and incorporated elements of her unused subplot from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
7. Rex And R2-D2
Top Gun with clones
In The Clone Wars, Captain Rex and R2-D2 have minimal interaction despite their connections to Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. However, a four-episode arc changes this as the two characters find themselves stranded together on one of Ryloth's moons. Throughout the arc, Rex forms a bond with a reprogrammed B2 battle droid, which leads to some lighthearted moments. Dave Filoni likened this arc to "Top Gun with clones," with Rex taking on the role of a fighter pilot and R2 serving as his copilot.
6. Kashyyyk
Return of the Bad Batch
Although the axed Bad Batch arc was eventually completed for The Clone Wars season 7, another Bad Batch narrative that was in the works would have showcased the team teaming up with Yoda on Kashyyyk. The storyline was supposed to feature Tarfful, Chewbacca, and Echo collaborating with the Bad Batch following his rescue in the previous arc. The Wookiee would have also had interactions with the sacred trees and engaged in battles with their long-standing Trandoshan adversaries, while also making subtle references to the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.
5. Bounty Hunter Arc
Boba Fett vs. Cad Bane
One of the most exciting moments in The Book of Boba Fett was when the legendary character finally confronted Cad Bane, a long-awaited encounter that originated from an unfinished Clone Wars storyline. This storyline was meant to feature the two teaming up to rescue a child kidnapped by the Tusken Raiders on Tatooine, culminating in a dramatic shootout that resulted in the distinctive dent on Boba's helmet. This arc would have showcased Boba's transformation from a young boy to a formidable mercenary, while also delving into the history of Cad Bane's rivalry with Jango Fett.
4. Return To The Jedi Temple
Ahsoka Tano vs. Darth Sidious
3. Crystal Crisis On Utapau
The "Ahsoka's Walkabout" arc in The Clone Wars season 7 also had an adaptation, but what was left out was her return to the Jedi Temple. The arc would have focused on Ahsoka, who discovers a threat in the Coruscant underworld and rushes to warn the Jedi. This would have led her, along with Anakin and Obi-Wan, on a rescue mission to save Yoda from the Sith Shrine, all while trying to stop Palpatine from infiltrating the Holocron Vault. With emotional moments and interesting lore, this arc could have been one of the show's most memorable stories for fans to enjoy.
Obi-Wan and Anakin steal a giant kyber crystal
The unfinished Crystal Crisis on Utapau story reel, which was featured on the official Star Wars website and The Clone Wars season 6 Blu-ray, revolved around Anakin and Obi-Wan's investigation into the death of Jedi Master Tu-Ahn. It also involved General Grievous seeking a giant kyber crystal, similar to the ones that powered the Death Star. The arc not only provided thrilling action but also offered insight into Anakin's mindset after the loss of Ahsoka. With emotionally powerful moments and the typical humor from Obi-Wan and Anakin, this story arc left fans disappointed that it was never completed.
2. Son Of Dathomir
Darth Maul goes to war with his former master
The unreleased arc of season 6 featuring Darth Maul was transformed into the comic series "Star Wars: Darth Maul - Son Of Dathomir" by Jeremy Barlow. Positioned between the shadow conspiracy arc in season 5 and the beloved conclusion of season 7, this would have served as an excellent second installment in Maul's trilogy. The confrontation between Maul and his Mandalorians against Count Dooku, Grievous, and even Sidious would have been enthralling. With a prison escape and more action on Dathomir, "Son of Dathomir" offers gripping reading material before the Siege of Mandalore and would have been a phenomenal addition to the series.
1. Dark Disciple
Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos vs. Count Dooku
The 'Dark Disciple' arc, intended to be the longest and grandest of The Clone Wars, was originally set to span eight episodes and tell one of the show's most emotional storylines before being adapted into the novel Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden.
The potential arc would depict Asajj Ventress partnering with Quinlan Vos to eliminate Count Dooku. This story features beloved characters, romance, unexpected turns, heartbreak, and thrilling action, making it a standout arc in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, I am both intrigued and disappointed by the unaired arcs that were planned for the series. On one hand, it's exciting to imagine the potential stories and character development that could have been explored. The political intrigue of Padmé Amidala's opposition to Chancellor Palpatine, the comedic interactions between Captain Rex and R2-D2, and the epic showdown between the Bad Batch and the Trandoshans on Kashyyyk all sound like thrilling additions to the series.
On the other hand, it's frustrating to know that these arcs were never fully realized and that we may never get to see them animated. The Crystal Crisis on Utapau arc, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, and it's a shame that it was never completed. The emotional journey of Ahsoka Tano's homecoming to the Jedi Temple would have been a powerful moment, and it's a shame that we missed out on it.