“Star Wars: Rebels,” the popular animated series from Lucasfilm, holds an important place in the Star Wars saga. One frequently asked question among fans is whether the events of “Rebels” are considered canonical. The answer is a definitive yes — “Star Wars: Rebels” is part of the official Star Wars canon.
Defining Canon in the Star Wars Universe
Canon in the Star Wars universe refers to all the events, characters, settings, and narratives that are officially recognized as part of the overall Star Wars storyline. This includes not just the feature films, but also books, TV series, comics, and other media produced under the Star Wars brand.
The idea of canon is crucial to maintaining continuity and coherence within the expansive Star Wars narrative. In 2014, Disney, which acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, announced that moving forward, the Star Wars canon would consist of the six original movies, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and all future projects. This reset aimed to create a streamlined and cohesive narrative across all future Star Wars projects.
The Role of “Star Wars: Rebels” in Canon
“Star Wars: Rebels” premiered later in 2014, after the announcement regarding the restructured canon. Therefore, it is part of the official Star Wars canon.
The series takes place in the timeline between “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” and “Episode IV: A New Hope.” It fills significant gaps in the Star Wars storyline, detailing the rise of the Rebellion against the Empire. It introduces new characters like Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and Sabine Wren, who have become integral parts of the Star Wars canon.
The Influence of “Star Wars: Rebels”
“Star Wars: Rebels” has had a significant impact on the broader Star Wars narrative. The series has introduced many characters and plotlines that have been referenced or continued in subsequent Star Wars films, TV series, and other media. For example, the Mandalorian character Bo-Katan Kryze, who made appearances in “The Mandalorian,” was initially introduced in “Star Wars: Rebels.
Featured image: Disney
