The “Star Wars” galaxy is a continually evolving landscape where new stories emerge to capture the imagination of fans old and new. Since the franchise transitioned to Disney+, viewers have been treated to an assortment of narratives that include favorites like a beloved former Jedi and even an animated pirate series aimed at younger audiences. These stories can be eclectic, ranging from a politically charged exploration of the rise of a galactic rebellion to light-hearted adventures in distant star systems.
However, a significant challenge arises amid this rich tapestry of narratives: the temporal disarray. Each storyline occurs at various points in the “Star Wars” timeline. For instance, “The Mandalorian” occupies the space in-between the original film trilogy and the sequel series, while “Andor” serves as a prequel to “Rogue One,” which itself is a precursor to “A New Hope.” Future films are set to leap across different eras, with one particularly notable entry taking place a staggering 25,000 years before the introduction of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker.
To alleviate the confusion that might ensue with this expansive timeline, CNN has meticulously put together a comprehensive guide on the “Star Wars” canon. This guide is designed to help enthusiasts navigate the temporal complexities of the franchise, ensuring that fans can keep track of interconnected narratives and their respective eras without losing themselves in the vastness of space.
The information comprising this guide derives from reputable “Star Wars” resources such as “Ultimate Star Wars” and the “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia,” along with a detailed chart examining the different epochs explored throughout the entire franchise. However, it’s important to note that some anthology series, such as “Star Wars Visions” and “Tales of the Empire,” were intentionally omitted to maintain clarity.
Devotees of “Star Wars” often mark the passage of time using a significant event known as the Battle of Yavin—this crucial conflict occurs in “A New Hope” and brings about the destruction of the first Death Star. For context, “The Phantom Menace” is set more than three decades prior to this pivotal battle. For fans less familiar with the intricate distinctions between the Republic, the Rebellion, and the Resistance, this timeline will be measured using familiar Earth time.
As we delve into the franchise’s narrative history, “The Acolyte,” a series designed to delve into the origins of the Sith, is set about 100 years before “The Phantom Menace.” The show’s casting features Amandla Stenberg alongside “Squid Game’s” Lee Jung-jae, playing a Jedi master with a haunting past, and Manny Jacinto as a formidable antagonist.
When we first meet Anakin Skywalker in “The Phantom Menace,” he is only 9 years old, livid alongside Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jin, who is desperate to understand the young boy’s unusually high midi-chlorian count. The plot thickens with the arrival of Darth Maul, an agent of the devious Sith Lord Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious, who kills Qui-Gon only to meet his own demise at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
As the timeline progresses into “Attack of the Clones,” it becomes evident that roughly ten years have elapsed since “The Phantom Menace.” Anakin, now a teenager, finds himself in situations that both demonstrate his growth and his penchant for disobedience—most notably marrying Padmé Amidala, a galactic senator. Here, the Republic begins to fracture amidst the complications instigated by separatists such as Count Dooku.
The ensuing animated series shifts between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith,” shortly and dramatically culminating in the catastrophic Order 66, where nearly all Jedi face extermination. This event marks a dark era, with Anakin embracing his transformation into Darth Vader, while Padmé dies shortly after giving birth to twin children, Luke and Leia, who are hidden to protect them from the new Emperor Palpatine.
As we transition into the timeframe between “Episodes III” and “IV,” we see the Empire tightening its grip while remaining Jedi live in the shadows. Disney’s ventures culminate with animated series that elaborate on the aftermath of Order 66, exploring the journeys of the “Bad Batch,” a group of uniquely different clones who manage to bypass their lethal programming.
“Solo” introduces a young Han Solo as he embarks on his life of mischief and adventure, creating an intriguing backstory that helps to explain his complex character within the larger narrative. This film places audiences about eight or nine years after the turmoil of “Revenge of the Sith,” highlighting the origin of his iconic rivalry with Lando Calrissian.
As we explore the broader timeline, we witness a coalition of individuals come together, leading to the formation of the Rebellion, leading right into the major films of the original trilogy, which focus on the pivotal battles between the Rebels and the Empire.
