As the Star Wars franchise approaching its 50th anniversary continues to evolve, some of its most criticized and overlooked aspects are finally gaining renewed attention in contemporary narratives. The immense Star Wars saga, characterized by a vast array of stories told over multiple decades and across different media, has its share of discontent among fans. Notably, the sequel trilogy has faced significant backlash, highlighting the diverse opinions on the franchise’s direction. Additionally, with two primary continuities and a plethora of stories, many segments of the Star Wars universe remain obscure to all but the most dedicated fans.
Recently, newer Star Wars properties have begun to draw inspiration from these lesser-known segments of the franchise. The Star Wars Legends continuity, previously established as the official canon, has become an influential resource for the modern canon. Although many iconic elements from the Expanded Universe have been integrated into movies and shows like the sequel trilogy and various spinoffs, it’s the more niche content from Legends that is now reemerging, especially in fresh Disney+ series, including references to previously derided projects.
Nobody Expected To See The Holiday Special In 2024
Originally aired in 1978, the Star Wars Holiday Special was an unusual live-action venture aimed at fans eager for more tales from the heroes of A New Hope. Despite the franchise releasing new comic book and novel stories shortly after the film’s release, the Holiday Special stood out for its eccentric content. While some viewers argue that worse Star Wars projects have surfaced in recent years, this special is frequently labeled as a nadir of the franchise.
Nevertheless, references to the Holiday Special continue to appear within the franchise. For instance, Marvel’s classic comic adaptations feature characters like Malla and Lumpawaroo, and the iconic Wookiee holiday, Life Day, is mentioned in The Mandalorian. Additionally, a recent one-shot comic further emphasizes Life Day. Most notably, the latest Star Wars: Skeleton Crew includes a holographic circus performance reminiscent of Lumpawaroo’s experience in the Holiday Special, effectively reintroducing this quirky aspect to a modern audience.
While the animated segment from The Star Wars Holiday Special—where Boba Fett makes his debut—is available on Disney+, the full original special remains unaccessible.
Skeleton Crew Has Given The Ewok Movies A Legacy
The Ewoks movies, which debuted after Return of the Jedi, specifically Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, created a unique niche in the realm of Star Wars storytelling. Released in 1984 and 1985, these Legends properties explored the Fantasy-driven aspects of the Star Wars universe, particularly on the Forest Moon of Endor, which reveals a darker side compared to its portrayal in the original trilogy.
While the Ewok films are not subjected to the same derision as the Holiday Special, they have frequently slipped under the radar. However, select elements from these films have resurfaced in modern titles like Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars Forces of Destiny. Most recently, Skeleton Crew has acknowledged the legacy of the Ewoks movies by featuring a speedy member of the Teek species as a ferryman at Port Borgo, bringing a sense of continuity to these classic narratives.
Now We Have Rotta The Hutt, From The Clone Wars Movie
Despite debuting prior to the franchise’s canon reboot in 2008, the film Star Wars: The Clone Wars is considered part of the modern canon. While the corresponding TV series is widely celebrated, the film itself has faced considerable criticism. However, anticipation builds as Rotta the Hutt, Jabba’s son and a central figure in the Clone Wars film, is set to make a return in an upcoming project—The Mandalorian and Grogu movie—marking his first appearance in over a decade.
This renewed interest in previously disparaged or forgotten stories may suggest an evolving perspective toward these narratives. The Holiday Special, with its peculiar charm, and the Ewok films, rich in lore, contribute significantly to the overall tapestry of Star Wars storytelling. Meanwhile, despite mixed reception, The Clone Wars remains a beloved segment of the Star Wars series, as evidenced by its loyal fanbase spanning several seasons.
| Upcoming Star Wars Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Mandalorian & Grogu | May 22, 2026 |