Throughout its history, Star Wars has maintained a significant canon, yet many of the franchise’s most compelling narratives exist outside this realm. Prior to Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, George Lucas’ creations were deemed the definitive canon, allowing other Expanded Universe works to be considered official only when they did not contradict existing films or series. In 2014, the Star Wars timeline was restructured, leading to older Expanded Universe stories being designated as “Legends”while giving new additions equal weight within the canon.
Despite their non-canonical status now, these Legends were crafted to seamlessly integrate within the Star Wars universe. A number of projects, however, ventured outside traditional storytelling, allowing for explorations that diverged from the canonical narrative. This list highlights ten remarkable Star Wars tales that were never intended to be canonical, showcasing the breadth of creativity within the franchise.
1.
Star Wars Detours
A Unique Animated Comedy Series
Star Wars Detours stands out as it remains the only project here that has never been released to the public. Co-created by George Lucas alongside Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, this animated comedy was set between the prequel and original trilogies. Though 39 episodes were completed, with an additional 62 scripted, its fate remains uncertain following Disney’s acquisition. The series was deemed inconsistent with the tone required for new films, particularly with Episode VII’s serious themes.
While the official trailer and select clips can still be found on platforms like YouTube, a six-minute segment titled “Dog Day Afternoon“leaked online in 2020. Seth Green has expressed skepticism about the series ever being released, yet many fans, including myself, are eager to witness the whimsical and eccentric side of Star Wars that Detours promised.
2.
“Into the Great Unknown”(2004)
A Crossover with Indiana Jones
First appearing in Star Wars Tales #19, “Into the Great Unknown”by W. Haden Blackman and Sean Murphy is the sole memorable crossover of Star Wars and Indiana Jones (apart from references). The plot unfolds when Han Solo and Chewbacca inadvertently leap into lightspeed, landing on Earth. Fast forward 126 years, and Indiana Jones discovers the Millennium Falcon while on a quest for the Sasquatch, who is surprisingly revealed to be Chewbacca.
READ STAR WARS TALES #19
3.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed I & II – Bonus Levels
Alternate Endings that Shift the Original Trilogy
Within the DLC expansions of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed games, players can explore some of the darkest timelines initiated by dark-side choices. When Starkiller eliminates Darth Vader in the first game, he takes on the mantle of Palpatine’s apprentice, pursuing legacy characters in pivotal locations like Tatooine and Hoth. Similarly, attempting to overcome Vader in the sequel leads to the Dark Apprentice wreaking chaos at the Battle of Endor.
This non-canonical twist not only serves engaging gameplay but also showcases how a single character’s decisions cascade throughout the saga. In these dark outcomes, many iconic characters face unexpected fates, an exploration rarely witnessed in official stories. While the long-awaited Star Wars: The Force Unleashed III may never materialize, fans can still enjoy these gripping alternate narratives.
4.
“An Apology”(2012)
A Comedic Twist on Luke Skywalker
Timothy Zahn’s “An Apology”is a beloved piece within the Legends Expanded Universe. Initially published as part of an April Fools’ Day joke, this story introduces readers to Luuke Skywalker, a clone standing in for the authentic Luke Skywalker after his untimely demise at the hands of Mara Jade. Zahn’s darkly humorous narrative is filled with in-jokes and references tailored for devoted fans.
Read “An Apology”by Timothy Zahn here.
5.
Star Wars: Visions (2021 – Present)
A Diverse Animation Showcase
Star Wars: Visions emerges as a wonderfully experimental addition to the franchise, providing a unique platform as each episode stands independent of canon. It allows various animation studios to reinterpret the Star Wars universe freely. The first season presented anime-inspired tales, while the second season expanded the diversity of styles from global creators.
This series breaks conventional storytelling boundaries, offering an array of narratives that may not resonate with every viewer, but the risk-taking generally yields a high level of creativity that deserves appreciation. I’m excited to see what further innovations Season 3 will bring!
6.
“Old Wounds”(2005)
The Genesis of Darth Maul’s Return
Before the official return of Darth Maul in the canon timeline, fans witnessed his comeback in “Old Wounds”by Aaron McBride. Released as part of Star Wars: Visionaries, this gripping comic portrays Maul’s attack on the Lars Homestead, in a bid to provoke Obi-Wan Kenobi, culminating in an intense duel between the two characters.
READ STAR WARS: VISIONARIES
McBride’s artwork captures the duel’s fervor in just thirteen pages. His interpretation of Maul notably influences how the character would be represented in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and the climactic battle inspired the showdown featured in Star Wars Rebels Episode 20, “Twin Suns.”This concise story highlights the lasting impact of creative storytelling in the Star Wars universe.
7.
Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars (2014)
A Playful Spin on a Classic Tale
As a long-time fan of Phineas and Ferb, I was pleasantly surprised to see how the show integrated a robust Star Wars storyline. Instead of merely parodying A New Hope, Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars artfully weaves its characters into the original narrative, showcasing their escapades during the events of the film. This combination of humor and adventure generates a viewing experience that captures the spirit of both franchises.
Watch Here
The clever writing cleverly addresses minor moments from A New Hope while incorporating humor aimed specifically at Star Wars enthusiasts. The witty disclaimer at the opening crawl stating, “none of this is canon, so just relax,”showcases the creators’ awareness of their audience. With Phineas and Ferb set for a fifth season, a sequel focused on The Empire Strikes Back would be a fantastic addition.
8.
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024)
A Whimsical Version of the Star Wars Universe
Among the slew of comedic specials LEGO has produced in the Star Wars universe, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy stands out as one of the best. Following the “Cornerstone”incident at an ancient Jedi Temple, the sequences of the Star Wars universe are humorously reshuffled. Sig Greebling teams up with “Jedi Bob”to navigate this alternate celebration of the iconic saga.
Watch Here
This entry brilliantly harnesses the fun and whimsy inherent in LEGO, adopting a stop-motion aesthetic common to the LEGO Movie franchise. The episode is rife with easter eggs, enhancing the narrative fluidity while providing emotional depth. While more episodes have yet to be confirmed, I genuinely hope to see the continued adventures of these beloved characters.
9.
The Star Wars (2013–14)
An Interpretation of George Lucas’ Original Script
The Star Wars serves not only as a captivating non-canonical story but also as an intriguing glimpse into the franchise’s alternate potential. This eight-issue comic, adapted by J.W. Rinzler and Mike Mayhew, is based on George Lucas’ 1974 draft titled The Star Wars. While retaining some key characters and elements from the final film, it diverges to offer a unique take on the story.
THE STAR WARS & STAR WARS INFINITIES COLLECTION
Although Lucas made revisions to enhance the cinematic storytelling, the comic form of The Star Wars shines with beautiful artwork that blends classic designs with fresh aesthetics. It could be exciting for Lucasfilm to pursue similar adaptations of other unused scripts from Star Wars history, including concepts from Lucas’ sequel trilogy plans.
10.
Star Wars Infinities (2001–04)
Exploring Alternate Timelines in the Original Trilogy
Distinct from many non-canonical narratives, Star Wars Infinities explores various “what if”scenarios, altering pivotal moments within the original trilogy. Each four-issue series introduces a singular change, examining its repercussions on the overarching timeline:
| Star Wars Movie | Change Implemented |
|---|---|
| A New Hope | What if… Luke failed to destroy the Death Star? |
| The Empire Strikes Back | What if… Luke suggested Han become a Jedi? |
| Return of the Jedi | What if… Jabba hit C-3PO too hard? |
With each series, Infinities provides an exhilarating exploration of how slight variations can lead to drastically different character arcs and events. The potential for further expansions into this concept is enormous, particularly now that Marvel has rights to a similar “What If…”narrative in their comics. It’s clear that Star Wars can deliver enthralling new takes on established stories with this creative freedom.