Star Wars Expanded Universe Characters:
Lucas Film’s grand plans for expanding the Star Wars Universe came to a screeching halt after Disney bought the Studio and halted work on the Expanded Universe. The universe termed “Star Wars Legends” was supposed to host a lot of new characters and storylines, many of which resonated well with the fans. The end of the Skywalker saga with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has led Disney and Lucas Film to look for new prospects and the Legends Expanded Universe seems to be a good option right now. The Studio has expressed interest in bringing the characters to the Big Screens. And these are ten of our picks for Lucas Film and Disney to consider.
1. Darth Nihilus
We begin this list with probably the most terrifying force of evil to ever grace the galaxy far, far away. Darth Nihilus was once a Sith Lord who became so seduced by the Dark Side that he conducted experiments on himself and turned himself into a living embodiment of the Dark Side of the Force. Nihilus is most known to steal the life forces of other sentient beings. In fact, Darth Nihilus’ thirst for powers was so strong that he could wipe out an entire planet by absorbing its life force and all the living being residing on it. Darth Nihilus first came into the scene with Star Wars Knights of the Old Republics II: Sith Lords. Also, did we mention that this guy is pretty much immortal since he is basically composed of The Force.
2. Lowbacca
Lowbacca belongs to the same species as Chewbacca. He is a Wookie and a relative of Chewie. Lowbacca has a strong connection to the Force and was spotted by Luke Skywalker a long while ago. He travels to Yavin 4 to train under Luke and makes acquaintances out of Jaina Solo and Jacen Solo. Lowbacca need not even need a full-fledged introduction. Chewbacca’s species were explored somewhat in detail in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The movie could take the story from there and use it as an extension to help Lowbacca make his debut in the Bog Screens.
3. Galen Marek
Galen Marek was the lead protagonist of the video game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed released in 2008. Galen Marek is better known by his moniker – Starkiller. A gifted warrior with a very strong connection to the Force, Marek was the secret apprentice and protégé of Darth Vader. Marek soon learned the error of his ways and decided to switch sides, becoming a Jedi and a proponent of the Light Side of the Force. Marek would soon become a symbol of the Rebellion, the family crest of Marek resembling that of the uprising. One of the greatest feats of Galen Marek has been bringing down a Star Destroyer from outer space and making it crash onto a planet using nothing but the Force.
4. Darth Revan
The story of Darth Revan is captivating and intriguing. Revan used to be a Jedi and a very popular and respected one at that. He was a leader that the other Jedi initiates looked up to. After the Mandalorian Wars, Revan went to the far reaches of the Galaxy where the Republic did not have any jurisdiction and came back as a Sith Lord, stronger than ever. Revan never uttered a single word but had thousands of followers who would give their lives for him at a moment’s notice. Revan would then be captured by the Jedi Order, and his memories wiped out, making him a Jedi again. His fall from grace and his eventual return to a path of redemption would make for a good storyline.
5. Grand Admiral Thrawn
Some ardent fans of Star Wars would find this guy all too familiar. Grand Admiral Thrawn is the primary protagonist of the Star Wars Rebels animated series. First appearing in Heirs to the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn has come a long way since. Despite not being blessed with Force powers. Thrawn has proved himself to be a highly formidable foe and a powerful adversary, using his cunning, resourcefulness, and his ability to strategize to his advantage. Thrawn is a believer in the principle of Mind over Matter. Given enough time, Thrawn could destroy the Rebellion if he is given enough resources to plan out an assault. Yes, he is THAT good. He was so popular amongst the fans that Disney was forced to bring him back due to the fans mounting pressure on them after he was erased from Star Wars continuity a while ago.
6. Mara Jade
Mara Jade Skywalker was once the Hand of the Emperor during the days of the Galactic Empire. She soon learned the error of her ways and turned coats to become a smuggler. For years, Mara struggled to let go of her past and the things she had done. After finding her purpose by becoming a Jedi and embracing the Light Side of the Force, Mara Jade Skywalker became a well-known figure in the Galaxy far, far away. She was eventually killed off to help the character development of Jacen Solo, her death being a significant catalyst in pushing Jacen Solo into the Dark Side. But Mara was a good character and there are numerous ways she could be re-inserted back into the official canon universe.
7. Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka Tano is a very popular Star Wars character that was cast out of the official continuity not a long while ago. She was a young Padawan learning under the mentorship of Anakin Skywalker. First introduced in the animated Clone Wars TV Show, Ahsoka Tano quickly attracted the attention of a lot of the viewers who fell in love with her good nature and simple-heartedness. The Force user from Togruta left the Jedi Order right before Order 66 was issued and became part of the Rebellion, aiding the rebel fighters in pushing back the forces of the Empire.
8. Darth Malak
Malak was another Jedi who accompanied Revan into the Unknown fringes of the Outer Rings of the Galaxy after the Mandalorian Wars. And like Reva, Malak switched sides and became a Sith, becoming a warrior of the Dark Side of the Force. But with Sith, betrayal is as common as they come. Darth Revan was soon betrayed by Darth Malak, who took over the Sith Leadership and usurped the throne of the Sith Empire during the events of Knights of the Old Republic. Malak was ruthless and brutal in his methods, becoming the symbol of death and fear throughout the Galaxy during his reign. Darth Malak is still considered as one of the greatest Sith dictators to have ever lived.
9. Jaina Solo
Jaina Solo is a remnant of the older continuity that was since been wiped out of the official canon. Jaina is the daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo in another timeline. She is Force Sensitive and is a very adept and proficient X-Wing fighter pilot. Like her father, she is cunning and witty, never shying away from the battle. During the events of the Legacy of the Force and The New Jedi Order book series, Jaina Solo led the legendary Rogue Squadron to conduct successful but daring air raids on enemy installations and was instrumental in saving the Galaxy multiple times. She even had a title bestowed on her – The Sword of the Jedi.
10. Siri Tachi
Siri Tachi is another one of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s romantic interests. She is a Jedi Padawan studying under the tutelage of Adi Gallia. Siri Tachi is pretty much a tom-boy. She is confident and quick to make decisions. Her confidence sometimes translates to arrogance and that is why Kenobi and Tachi had a long-time rivalry. They eventually fell in love but never confessed their feelings for each other. Siri Tachi ended up being killed by a Bounty Hunter and confessed her love for Obi-Wan Kenobi before she breathed her last. Kenobi did the same to her. If only they could have mustered up enough spine to do that when they had enough time!
