The Untold Rebel History of the Millennium Falcon

The Stellar Envoy: A Rebel in Its Own Right

Before Han Solo, the Empire, and the actual Rebellion, the Millennium Falcon had a long history with rebellion, a history that predates the events depicted in the Star Wars movies. The full timeline of the Star Wars universe, as depicted in movies and TV shows, provides a glimpse of the world building and universe development, but it's the Star Wars books that delve deeper into the history of the galaxy. One such example is the untold history of the Millennium Falcon in the Star Wars Legends, a part of which has now become part of the new canon.

Lando and Han Solo in Star Wars With Millennium Falcon

Following the landmark Legacy of the Force series, which featured Han Solo's and Leia's son Jacen Solo turning to the dark side, the renowned Star Wars author James Luceno released the book 'Millennium Falcon' in 2008. This book delves into the famous ship's backstory, original crew, usage, and pilots, shedding light on its role in the Second Galactic Civil War. A crucial element of this backstory has now entered the canon, hinting at the Falcon's destiny to be part of the Rebel Alliance.

Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars The Force Awakens in front of Millennium Falcon.

The Millennium Falcon Was Used By The Republic Group Before The Clone Wars. The Early Corellian Group Resisted Palpatine's Influence. The Envoy, as it was initially known, was built on Corellia and eventually ended up in the service of a movement called the 'Republic Group'. This group operated even before the Clone Wars, opposing Palpatine's growing power and influence in the Galactic Senate. They recognized the undermining of democracy by Palpatine's efforts and sought to covertly combat this. In fact, the Envoy was even pursued by members of the Republic government.

Millennium Falcon leaving at the end of The Empire Strikes Back

The Stellar Envoy was utilized by the group in smuggling efforts for years, continuing to be active during the Clone Wars itself. The famous freighter even found itself in the Battle of Coruscant near the end of the war, leading to its iconic cameo in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, as it approached the Republic Executive Building docking bay. This reveals that, even before the Rebellion and the Empire, the Millennium Falcon was a rebel in its own right, fighting against the earliest precursors to Palpatine's tyranny.

LEGO Millennium Falcon

The Republic Group: Foreshadowing The Rebel Alliance

Republic Era Groups Helped Form The Rebel Alliance. The Falcon's former organization, the Republic Group, highlights the amount of foreshadowing towards the birth of the Rebel Alliance. The rebels didn't emerge from nothing; there were always those willing to rebel against tyranny, and they eventually united to form a formal alliance. The Republic group specifically reflects the loyalists of the Republic Senate during the Clone Wars era, such as Padmé Amidala, Mon Mothma, and Bail Organa. The Loyalists were committed to democracy and the ideals of the Republic, hence the Republic Group's name and connections.

The Millennium Falcon escapes the Death Star 2 in Return of the Jedi.

The Rebel Alliance's origins being so diverse have also been highlighted in recent Star Wars stories. The Bad Batch has shown the small uprising of former clone troopers, fighting the Empire in its earliest stages while connected through an underground rebel network. Andor, in exploring the origins of the Rebel Alliance, has also touched on this concept, with various rebel cells eventually uniting together. Despite playing a significant role later on, it's intriguing to think that even in canon, the Millennium Falcon's first rebel efforts were long before the original Star Wars movie.

Palpatine smiling with the Rebel Alliance gathered behind him.

The Legacy of the Millennium Falcon

The Millennium Falcon has a legacy that extends far beyond its association with Han Solo and the Rebel Alliance. Its untold history as the Stellar Envoy and its involvement with the Republic Group reveal a deeper connection to rebellion that predates the events portrayed in the Star Wars movies. The Falcon's pivotal role in the formation of the Rebel Alliance and its early rebel efforts reflect a narrative of resistance and defiance that transcends time and space, making it a symbol of hope and defiance in the galaxy far, far away.

Cassian Andor between images of the Millennium Falcon and Rebel Alliance X-Wings above different Star Wars planets

The images of Lando and Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon, Daisy Ridley as Rey in front of the iconic ship, and the Falcon's daring escape from the Death Star in Return of the Jedi are etched in the minds of Star Wars fans. However, the true significance of the Millennium Falcon lies in its untold rebel history, a history that spans generations and embodies the spirit of rebellion in the Star Wars universe.

Mon Mothma Rebel alliance