The Epic Tale of the Death Star Plans: From Legends to Canon

The Legends Timeline: A Rich History

The Star Wars Expanded Universe, formerly known as the franchise's original timeline, underwent a transformation in 2014 when it was renamed Legends and became an alternate continuity. This significant change was introduced by Disney, leading to a shift in the Star Wars canon. Despite receiving fewer new materials, the Legends timeline continues to inspire various elements of the current Star Wars canon, including the action-packed finale of Rogue One, which mirrors the Battle of Toprawa from the Legends timeline.

The Star Destroyer chasing the Tantive IV in A New Hope's opening

The original iteration of the theft of the Death Star plans, known as the Battle of Toprawa, played a pivotal role in the Legends timeline. It featured a daring Rebel force defeating the Imperial Navy in orbit and infiltrating an Imperial Research Station on Toprawa's surface to secure the plans. This event, along with other missions in the Legends timeline, formed a larger offensive called Operation Skyhook, which was a crucial part of the Rebellion's early clashes with the Galactic Empire.

Rebels attacking Imperial fleet over Scarif in Rogue One A Star Wars Story

A New Hope: A Legacy of Rebel Victories

A New Hope, also known as Star Wars, intentionally begins in medias res, capturing the aftermath of the Rebel Alliance's successful theft of the Death Star plans from the Galactic Empire. This iconic moment, inspired by classic science-fiction serials, sets the stage for the franchise's enduring legacy. The victory depicted in A New Hope aligns with various canon and Legends materials, including the 1981 Star Wars radio drama and Rogue One, which seamlessly leads into the opening of A New Hope.

Leia giving R2D2 the Death Star Plans in Star Wars

The 1981 Star Wars radio drama, a notable addition to the Star Wars narrative, expanded the story of A New Hope by introducing new scenes that delved into the lives of key characters, such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa, before the events of the film. It also shed light on Leia's involvement in the Battle of Toprawa, further enriching the Rebellion's early struggles against the Empire.

Luke Skywalker C-3PO Star Wars Radio Drama

Rogue One: Bridging the Timelines

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a pivotal addition to the Star Wars saga, honors and intertwines elements from both the Legends timeline and the current canon. The Battle of Scarif, a defining moment in Rogue One, draws inspiration from the Legends-era Battle of Toprawa, showcasing the Rebel Alliance's first significant victory against the Galactic Empire. The parallels between these battles, including the daring theft of the Death Star plans and the intense conflict on land and in space, emphasize the enduring themes of courage and sacrifice in the Rebel cause.

The AT-ACTs on the beach of Scarif in Rogue One's teaser trailer

While Rogue One's Battle of Scarif bears similarities to the Legends version, it introduces notable changes for dramatic effect, such as the simultaneous ground and space battles and the sudden appearance of the Death Star. These alterations, coupled with the visual spectacle of Scarif's oceanic landscape, contribute to the film's unique storytelling and its seamless connection to the opening scene of A New Hope.

The Death Star in Rogue One A Star Wars story