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[[Wookieepedia]] strives to be the Internet's foremost comprehensive resource for ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[canon]] information. To this end, Wookieepedia adheres to the canon doctrines set forth by [[Lucasfilm Ltd.]] and its subsidiaries. On [[April 25]], [[2014]], Lucasfilm [http://starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page.html announced] that all [[Star Wars Legends|Expanded Universe]] material is now reorganized under the non-canon "Legends" banner to make way for the "new canon" to take place. The new canon [http://starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line.html began] on screen with the ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' animated television series and in print with the novel ''[[A New Dawn]]''. Under the direction of the [[Lucasfilm Story Group]], all elements of ''Star Wars'' canon now operate in a unified and collaborative storytelling setting.
The goal of [[Wookieepedia]] is to be a reliable, concise guide to all readers. To this end, it is necessary for us to restrict to some extent the type of information we accept. Wookieepedia follows the [[Canon|canonical]] hierarchy established by [[Lucas Licensing]] in [[2000]]. While some non-canon material may be covered on Wookieepedia, it should be clearly marked as such.
 
   
==Canon resources==
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==New canon==
  +
The "new [[canon]]," which was [http://starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page.html set forth] on [[April 25]], [[2014]] and which is overseen by the [[Lucasfilm Story Group]], exists in a connected, "one universe" continuity. This means that, [http://starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line.html beginning] with the ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' animated television series and the [[2014]] novel ''[[A New Dawn]]'', all officially-licensed ''[[Star Wars]]'' storytelling from this point forward stands on equal canon footing. This differs significantly from the previous system of ''Star Wars'' canon, in which [[George Lucas]]'s personal projects—namely, the six films of the [[original trilogy]] and [[prequel trilogy]], and the [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV series)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' television series]]—took absolute precedence over any [[Star Wars Legends|Expanded Universe]] material.
The following outlines resources that canon, those that are non-canon and those of unclear canon status. A discussion of how canon resources "rank" follows.
 
   
===What is considered a valid resource?===
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===What is considered official canon?===
  +
[[Lucasfilm Ltd.]] identifies the six films of the original trilogy and prequel trilogy, and the ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' television series as the "immovable objects of ''Star Wars'' history, the characters and events to which all other tales must align." The following list identifies what is now considered official canon. This section may require updating as Lucasfilm releases new updates.
<!--If a publisher is missing from its related line, please add it-->
 
*All ''[[Star Wars films]]''
 
*All [[Databank]] entries and other articles on [[StarWars.com]]
 
*All episodes of ''[[Star Wars: Droids]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Ewoks]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars]]'', and [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV series)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'']] television series
 
*All live-action ''Star Wars'' specials/TV series
 
*All [[Marvel]] and most [[Dark Horse]] (see below) comics
 
*All [[West End Games]] and [[Wizards of the Coast]] roleplaying books
 
*All novels, reference books, and collections of short stories published by [[Bantam Spectra]], [[Del Rey]], [[DK Publishing]] or any other officially licensed publishers
 
*All ''young reader'' storybooks
 
*All [[Topps]], [[Decipher, Inc.]] and [[Wizards of the Coast]] cards and web sites
 
*All other official Star Wars websites, such as [http://www.swtor.com swtor.com] and [[HoloNet News (website)|HoloNet News]]
 
*All [[LucasArts]] video and computer games, and related manuals, official strategy guides and web sites
 
*All issues of ''[[Star Wars Gamer]]'', ''[[Star Wars Insider]]'', ''The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine'', ''[[Bantha Tracks]]'', ''[[Star Wars Official Poster Monthly]]'', and ''[[The Official Star Wars Fact File]]''
 
*All comments from [[Leland Chee]] or other VIPs regarding the content of the [[Holocron continuity database]] or official Lucasfilm decrees.
 
*Officially licensed toys and any descriptions on their packaging
 
   
  +
*The ''Star Wars'' [[original trilogy]] films&mdash;[[Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope|''Star Wars'': Episode IV ''A New Hope'']], [[Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back|''Star Wars'': Episode V ''The Empire Strikes Back'']], [[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']]
===What is not considered a valid resource?===
 
  +
*The ''Star Wars'' [[prequel trilogy]] films&mdash;[[Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace|''Star Wars'': Episode I ''The Phantom Menace'']], [[Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|''Star Wars'': Episode II ''Attack of the Clones'']], [[Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith|''Star Wars'': Episode III ''Revenge of the Sith'']]
*Fan-made blueprints and specifications
 
  +
*The [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV series)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' television series]] and [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|film]]
*Fan fiction of any kind
 
  +
*The ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' television series and its supplementary source material
*Conjecture based our own universe (with the exception, of course, of any such conjecture officially published by Lucas Licensing)
 
  +
*''[[Star Wars Insider]]'' fiction, beginning with "[[Blade Squadron (short story)|Blade Squadron]]" in [[Star Wars Insider 149|''Star Wars Insider'' 149]]
*Websites, unless information is clearly stated as sourced from a valid reference.
 
  +
*Information found in the [[StarWars.com]] [[Databank (original)|Databank]]
*Game elements that appear only when triggering a non-canonical branch of the game; that means persons who appear when the [[Jedi Exile]] is male, or events happening when [[Kyle Katarn]] chooses the [[Dark side of the Force|dark side]] ending of the game.
 
  +
*Information previously found in the now-defunct StarWars.com [[Encyclopedia (StarWars.com)|Encyclopedia]]
  +
*All officially-licensed source material released following the [[September 2]], [[2014]] novel ''[[A New Dawn]]''. Please see below for specific exceptions.
   
  +
===Are any elements of the Expanded Universe still canon?===
===What is unclear?===
 
  +
Although the Expanded Universe has been relegated to non-canon "Legends" status, Lucasfilm considers all Expanded Universe material to be a "resource" of information that any author may freely draw upon for "new canon" stories. In the event an Expanded Universe subject appears or is mentioned in a new canon story, that subject becomes official canon once again. However, that does not necessarily mean that the subject's entire previous Expanded Universe history regains canon status. Wookieepedia contributors must take care to treat as canon only elements of a subject presented within the confines of new canon source material.
*Dark Horse Comics Tales #1 - #20
 
*[[List of unlicensed sources|Unlicensed game magazines]]
 
*Comments by Lucasfilm VIPs other than those listed above. Statements of authorial-intent, information released by authors to clarify details of their works, may or may not be canon
 
*Outcomes of alternative solutions to side-quests in games, such as the fate of the droid [[C8-42]] in ''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic|KOTOR]]''
 
*Roleplaying supplements, where there are alternative outcomes
 
*Information from cut sources is generally non-canon, but in some cases may be confirmed as canon
 
   
  +
===What about...?===
==Conflicting canon==
 
  +
Certain sources previously released as Expanded Universe material remain unclear as to whether they are now considered to be canon. Based on statements made by Lucasfilm senior editor [[Jennifer Heddle]] and [[Del Rey]] publishing, Wookieepedia considers the following. This section may require updating as Lucasfilm releases new updates.
When two canon sources conflict, one must consider the two sources and compare their origin.
 
   
  +
*The canon status of [[Fantasy Flight Games]]' ongoing [[Roleplaying game|roleplaying]] systems&mdash;[[Star Wars: Edge of the Empire|''Edge of the Empire'']], [[Star Wars: Age of Rebellion|''Age of Rebellion'']], and [[Star Wars: Force and Destiny|''Force and Destiny'']]&mdash;are publicly undetermined. Heddle has stated, "We'll figure it out." However, as these roleplaying games are based nearly exclusively in ''Star Wars'' Legends material, Wookieepedia treats them as Legends.
#The films and the word of George Lucas are final. They are incontrovertible. When comparing different versions of the films, the most recent are considered the highest canon, and their edits considered Lucas's original intent and final vision. Production notes are considered to be part of the films.
 
  +
*Del Rey states that film novelizations, film junior novelizations, and the [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (novelization)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' film novelization]] "are canon where they align with what is seen on screen in the 6 films and the Clone Wars animated movie." Wookieepedia Canon articles treat these novelizations as non-canon Legends material.
#Content published on Starwars.com, including the Databank and blogs by [[Leland Chee]] or other VIPs, brings any information to a near-film status of acceptability.
 
  +
*Heddle notes that the ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' tie-in comic ''[[Star Wars: Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir]]'' is canon because it was adapted directly from a script for the show.
#[[Expanded Universe]] information and characters not included in the films, including reference books. This also includes the stories presented in games, but not the actual on-screen gameplay or stats.
 
  +
*Heddle supposes the films ''[[Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure]]'' and ''[[Ewoks: The Battle for Endor]]'', and the television series ''[[Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO|Star Wars: Droids]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Ewoks]]'', and ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars]]'' are non-canon.
  +
*Heddle assumes that the [[Old Republic era]] is non-canon, but she notes "that's something we've wondered ourselves" and that "I guess we'll see." She also assumes the MMORPG ''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]'' is non-canon, but she is uncertain, since the game is still ongoing.
   
 
===What is not a reliable resource?===
In some cases, a source may be contradicted into complete non-canon. In others, only part will be contradicted by a higher source, while the rest remains canon. As long as a piece of information comes from a canon source and is not contradicted by a higher source, it is accepted as canon. For example, an EU novel may introduce a starship, but not detail its weaponry. Later, a WOTC RPG supplement may provide game statistics for the starship previously introduced, including its weaponry. So long as the weaponry detailed in the WOTC source are not contradicted by an existing source, they are considered canon. You must be vigilant, however, as Star Wars authors are prone to reintroducing obscure references from the EU, and the WOTC statistics may eventually be overridden.
 
  +
Social media posts from Lucasfilm Story Group members or Star Wars authors are not valid independent sources of in-universe information. The only social media posts allowed as independent sources of in-universe information are from official Star Wars brand accounts, such as the official Star Wars [https://twitter.com/starwars Twitter] and [https://www.facebook.com/StarWars/ Facebook page]. Posts from Story Group members and authors may be used in out-of-universe pages and page sections as needed, such as to document authorial intent or background development.
   
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:<small>→See [[Forum:CT Archive/Social media posts as canon sources]]</small>
==Official non-canon sources==
 
There are a number official Star Wars sources that are considered to be non-canonical, in particular, those published under the [[Infinities]] label. Information from such sources can feature in Wookieepedia articles, but it must be made clear that the information is not canon.
 
   
  +
==Expanded Universe==
==Deleting invalid articles==
 
  +
The [[Star Wars Legends|Expanded Universe]], which technically began in [[October]] [[1977]] with the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] comic ''[[Star Wars 7: New Planets, New Perils!]]'', existed until April 25, 2014, when Lucasfilm declared its content to be non-canon, organized under the "Legends" banner, in preparation for the ''Star Wars'' [[sequel trilogy]]. Although George Lucas permitted the Expanded Universe to run parallel to his personal ''Star Wars'' creations, he never considered its stories to be part of his official canon. As explained by [[Pablo Hidalgo]] in the [[2012]] ''[[The Essential Reader's Companion]]'', "Though these [Expanded Universe] stories may get his stamp of approval, they don't enter his canon unless they are depicted cinematically in one of his projects. That said, unless something occurs in a canon project to directly contradict a published source, it can reliably be said to have occurred."
If you believe an article contains nothing but invalid canon information, it should be listed in [[Wookieepedia:Trash compactor]]. A discussion forum will then be held by the community regarding the article's validity and whether the article should be deleted or not. In general, the forum will last two weeks before consensus is determined by an administrator.
 
   
  +
According to Lucasfilm senior editor Jennifer Heddle, the Expanded Universe now exists as a non-canon resource for ''Star Wars'' authors, who may use any Expanded Universe subject in a new canon work, subject to approval by the Lucasfilm Story Group. In the event an Expanded Universe subject is referenced in a new canon work, that subject becomes official canon once again. However, the subject's previous Expanded Universe history does not necessarily become canon. Heddle confirms that the Expanded Universe now basically stands as a non-canon alternate universe and that no new stories will be added to the Expanded Universe line of continuity.
If an article is concerning a canon subject but contains information from a non-valid resource, the issue should be debated on the article's individual [[Help:Talk pages|talk page]], and the article should be edited as appropriate.
 
   
  +
===Holocron continuity database===
Except in cases of vandalism, obscenity, and other nonsense, you should ''not'' edit the article and simply delete the text.
 
  +
In [[2000]], [[Lucas Licensing]], through the [[Holocron continuity database]], as overseen by [[Leland Chee]], began categorizing all Expanded Universe content into a tiered hierarchy of canon. This system applied a limited degree of canonicity to Expanded Universe stories, though they remained absolutely subordinate to Lucas's personal canon. Chee created the following classification system, which no longer applies:
  +
  +
*'''G-canon''', or '''George Lucas canon''': The six ''Star Wars'' films in their most recent incarnations, including unpublished production notes from Lucas or his production department. Elements originating with Lucas in the film novelizations, reference books, and other adaptations. Direct declarations made by Lucas. Deleted scenes from the films that do not conflict with the film itself.
  +
*'''T-canon''', or '''Television canon''': The ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' animated series, its feature film, and the ''Star Wars Rebels'' animated series.
  +
*'''C-canon''', or '''Continuity canon''': The majority of Expanded Universe stories, including novels, comics, video games, and other content originating from other authors. C-canon material could be elevated to G-canon if a subject appeared in a Lucas project.
  +
*'''S-canon''', or '''Secondary canon''': Material that could be used or ignored as desired by authors, including older works that predated a concentrated effort to maintain a consistent continuity, such as the [[Star Wars (Marvel)|''Marvel Star Wars'']] comics. Anything that is not completely outrageous or intentionally comic.
  +
*'''N-canon''', or '''Non-canon''': "What-if" stories, including those published under the [[Infinities]] label. Any content directly and irreconcilably contradicted by higher canon. Cut content and canceled projects. This was the only level that Lucasfilm did not consider to have some degree of canonicity.
  +
*'''D-canon''', or '''Detours canon''': The ''[[Star Wars Detours]]'' animated series, which was not released before the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014. This canon level was never fully defined as a result.
  +
  +
With Lucasfilm's creation of a single, unified continuity that excludes the Expanded Universe, this canon hierarchy system is now defunct. All content that was previously considered to be below T-canon is now officially non-canon, unless it is referenced in a new canon work.
  +
  +
===How does Wookieepedia treat Expanded Universe "canon" now?===
  +
Although the Holocron continuity database's canon hierarchy system no longer officially applies to ''Star Wars'' canon, Wookieepedia contributors must still apply this system as needed when writing a Legends article in order to determine conflicting "canonicity" in regards to a given Expanded Universe subject. Because the Expanded Universe is so closely intertwined with the six ''Star Wars'' films and the ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' television series and feature film, Wookieepedia contributors must fully incorporate these works into Legends articles, even though these works are now officially considered to be part of the new canon and therefore unconnected to the Expanded Universe.
  +
  +
For Wookieepedia's purposes in regards to Legends articles, '''G-canon''' and '''T-canon''' are now effectively synonymous, and '''C-canon''' and '''S-canon''' are now similarly synonymous, with G-canon and T-canon taking precedence over C-canon and S-canon in the event of a conflicting story. Therefore, Wookieepedia may now effectively use the following, more simplified system:
  +
  +
*'''Cinematic canon''': This level combines '''G-canon''' and '''T-canon''', as defined in the previous section (with the exception of ''Star Wars Rebels'', which was not released before April 25, 2014 and therefore did not apply to the Expanded Universe). Cinematic canon trumps Expanded canon in the event of a conflicting story.
  +
*'''Expanded canon''': This level combines '''C-canon''' and '''S-canon''', as defined in the previous section, as well as all other Expanded Universe material previously considered to be of "ambiguous" canonicity, such as [[List of unlicensed sources|unlicensed sources]]. In the event two Expanded canon sources conflict, precedence should typically be granted to the more recently published source, except in the instance of a clear continuity error.
  +
*'''Non-canon''': This level includes all Expanded Universe stories that Lucasfilm previously declared '''N-canon''', as defined in the previous section, prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, such as [[Infinities]]. Even though all Expanded Universe content is now officially non-canon, Wookieepedia distinguishes Expanded Universe content that Lucasfilm never considered to be canon by covering this content within a Legends article's "Behind the scenes" section where appropriate.
  +
  +
===Reliable resources===
  +
As Wookieepedians write Legends articles, they will still draw upon the wealth of Expanded Universe source material, as they always have, to properly and comprehensively document a Legends subject. To this end, the same standards apply in regards to using reliable and valid Expanded Universe resources. The following identifies reliable, officially-licensed sources of information for Expanded Universe material. This section may be revised as necessary and is not necessarily comprehensive.
  +
  +
*The six ''Star Wars'' films of the [[original trilogy]] and [[prequel trilogy]] (with the [[2011]] [[Star Wars: The Complete Saga|Blu-ray]] release being the films' most recent and therefore canon incarnations in regards to the Expanded Universe), the [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' film]], and all spinoff films created prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014
 
*The [[Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO|''Star Wars: Droids'']], ''[[Star Wars: Ewoks]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars]]'', and [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV series)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'']] television series and related material
  +
*All [[StarWars.com]] online content, defunct and otherwise, published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, including but not limited to, the [[Databank (original)|Databank]], [[Encyclopedia (StarWars.com)|Encyclopedia]], [[StarWars.com Message Boards|Message Boards]], [[Hyperspace: The Official Star Wars Fan Club|Hyperspace]], and [[Star Wars Blog|''Star Wars'' Blog]]
 
*All other official ''Star Wars'' online content, defunct and otherwise, such as [[HoloNet News (original website)|HoloNet News]] and [http://www.swtor.com/ swtor.com]
  +
*All novels, junior novels, reference books, sourcebooks, and other books published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014
  +
*All [[Marvel Comics]] and [[Dark Horse Comics]] published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, with specific exceptions as noted by Lucasfilm, such as the ''[[Star Wars: Rebel Heist]]'' and [[Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2|''Star Wars: Legacy'' Volume 2]] series, which continued past April 25 but were nonetheless classified as Legends
  +
*All video games, video game manuals, official strategy guides, and official related websites released or published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, with any specific exceptions as noted by Lucasfilm
  +
*All [[West End Games]], [[Wizards of the Coast]], and [[Fantasy Flight Games]] roleplaying material, both online and print, published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, with any specific exceptions as noted by Lucasfilm
 
*All ''Star Wars'' magazines, such as ''[[Star Wars Insider]]'', ''[[Star Wars Gamer]]'', ''[[Star Wars Official Poster Monthly]]'', and ''[[The Official Star Wars Fact File]]'', published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, with any specific exceptions as noted by Lucasfilm
  +
*All trading card game material and websites, defunct and otherwise, published prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, such as the ''[[Star Wars Customizable Card Game]]'', ''[[Star Wars Trading Card Game]]'', and ''[[Star Wars: The Card Game]]'', with any specific exceptions as noted by Lucasfilm
  +
*[[Kenner Products|Kenner]] and [[Hasbro Inc.|Hasbro]] action figures and toys, including packaging descriptions, released prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014
  +
*Official Lucasfilm decrees made by such authoritative individuals as George Lucas, Leland Chee, and Dave Filoni regarding the content of the now-defunct Holocron continuity database prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014
  +
*All other Lucasfilm promotional material and decrees issued through social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014
  +
  +
===What is not a reliable resource?===
  +
*Fan-fiction, otherwise known as fanon, in any form
  +
*Conjecture and assumptions based on real-world standards
  +
*Fan websites and message boards
  +
*Video game elements that appear only when triggering a non-canon storyline. For example, characters who appear when the [[Meetra Surik|Jedi Exile]] is [[Sexes/Legends|male]] or when [[Kyle Katarn]] chooses the [[Dark side of the Force/Legends|dark-side]] ending. However, these details nonetheless originate in officially-licensed sources and must therefore be documented within an article's "Behind the scenes" section where appropriate. The same holds true for non-canon Infinities stories.
  +
 
===What is unclear?===
  +
Certain Expanded Universe source material was of an unclear canon nature. Because the Expanded Universe is now non-canon and will no longer be receiving new additions to its line of continuity, Lucasfilm is unlikely to make any further clarifications regarding this material. Wookieepedians must carefully consider how best to present this information within the confines of a Legends article.
  +
  +
*''[[Star Wars Tales]]'', issues [[Star Wars Tales 1|1]]&ndash;[[Star Wars Tales 20|20]]. The Holocron continuity database included all of the stories from these issues with varying levels of canonicity. Leland Chee [http://www.tm-travolta.net/archives/forums.sw.com/message.jspa%3fmessageID=14952461.1.html stated], "Consider everything that's not completely outrageous or intentionally comic as S-canon. If it's referenced in another non-''Tales'' story, then elevate it to C-canon."
 
*Comments made by Lucasfilm personnel other than George Lucas and Leland Chee. Statements of authorial intent and information released by authors to clarify details of their works may or may not have been canon.
  +
*Alternative outcomes and side quests in video games and roleplaying games, such as the fate of the character [[Matrik]] in ''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic]]''. Legends articles should typically assume 100 percent game completion when side quests do not conflict with the overall storyline. Similarly, the [[Light side of the Force/Legends|light-side]] outcomes of games typically trumped [[Dark side of the Force/Legends|dark-side]] outcomes.
 
*Information from cut content was usually considered non-canon but in some cases may have been confirmed as canon.
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
*[[Forum:CT Archive/Canon policy]]
  +
*[[Forum:CT Archive/New canon policy]]
  +
*[[Forum:CT Archive/Non-canon Legends content]]
  +
*[[Wookieepedia:Mofferences/June 29, 2014]]
 
*[[Wookieepedia:Dispute resolution]]
 
*[[Wookieepedia:Dispute resolution]]
 
[[Category:Proposed policies|Canon policy]]
 

Revision as of 14:55, 16 April 2018

Information icon

This page or section is an official policy on Wookieepedia.

It has wide acceptance among editors and is considered a standard that everyone must follow. Please use the Consensus track to propose changes to this policy.

Wookieepedia strives to be the Internet's foremost comprehensive resource for Star Wars canon information. To this end, Wookieepedia adheres to the canon doctrines set forth by Lucasfilm Ltd. and its subsidiaries. On April 25, 2014, Lucasfilm announced that all Expanded Universe material is now reorganized under the non-canon "Legends" banner to make way for the "new canon" to take place. The new canon began on screen with the Star Wars Rebels animated television series and in print with the novel A New Dawn. Under the direction of the Lucasfilm Story Group, all elements of Star Wars canon now operate in a unified and collaborative storytelling setting.

New canon

The "new canon," which was set forth on April 25, 2014 and which is overseen by the Lucasfilm Story Group, exists in a connected, "one universe" continuity. This means that, beginning with the Star Wars Rebels animated television series and the 2014 novel A New Dawn, all officially-licensed Star Wars storytelling from this point forward stands on equal canon footing. This differs significantly from the previous system of Star Wars canon, in which George Lucas's personal projects—namely, the six films of the original trilogy and prequel trilogy, and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series—took absolute precedence over any Expanded Universe material.

What is considered official canon?

Lucasfilm Ltd. identifies the six films of the original trilogy and prequel trilogy, and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series as the "immovable objects of Star Wars history, the characters and events to which all other tales must align." The following list identifies what is now considered official canon. This section may require updating as Lucasfilm releases new updates.

Are any elements of the Expanded Universe still canon?

Although the Expanded Universe has been relegated to non-canon "Legends" status, Lucasfilm considers all Expanded Universe material to be a "resource" of information that any author may freely draw upon for "new canon" stories. In the event an Expanded Universe subject appears or is mentioned in a new canon story, that subject becomes official canon once again. However, that does not necessarily mean that the subject's entire previous Expanded Universe history regains canon status. Wookieepedia contributors must take care to treat as canon only elements of a subject presented within the confines of new canon source material.

What about...?

Certain sources previously released as Expanded Universe material remain unclear as to whether they are now considered to be canon. Based on statements made by Lucasfilm senior editor Jennifer Heddle and Del Rey publishing, Wookieepedia considers the following. This section may require updating as Lucasfilm releases new updates.

What is not a reliable resource?

Social media posts from Lucasfilm Story Group members or Star Wars authors are not valid independent sources of in-universe information. The only social media posts allowed as independent sources of in-universe information are from official Star Wars brand accounts, such as the official Star Wars Twitter and Facebook page. Posts from Story Group members and authors may be used in out-of-universe pages and page sections as needed, such as to document authorial intent or background development.

→See Forum:CT Archive/Social media posts as canon sources

Expanded Universe

The Expanded Universe, which technically began in October 1977 with the Marvel comic Star Wars 7: New Planets, New Perils!, existed until April 25, 2014, when Lucasfilm declared its content to be non-canon, organized under the "Legends" banner, in preparation for the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Although George Lucas permitted the Expanded Universe to run parallel to his personal Star Wars creations, he never considered its stories to be part of his official canon. As explained by Pablo Hidalgo in the 2012 The Essential Reader's Companion, "Though these [Expanded Universe] stories may get his stamp of approval, they don't enter his canon unless they are depicted cinematically in one of his projects. That said, unless something occurs in a canon project to directly contradict a published source, it can reliably be said to have occurred."

According to Lucasfilm senior editor Jennifer Heddle, the Expanded Universe now exists as a non-canon resource for Star Wars authors, who may use any Expanded Universe subject in a new canon work, subject to approval by the Lucasfilm Story Group. In the event an Expanded Universe subject is referenced in a new canon work, that subject becomes official canon once again. However, the subject's previous Expanded Universe history does not necessarily become canon. Heddle confirms that the Expanded Universe now basically stands as a non-canon alternate universe and that no new stories will be added to the Expanded Universe line of continuity.

Holocron continuity database

In 2000, Lucas Licensing, through the Holocron continuity database, as overseen by Leland Chee, began categorizing all Expanded Universe content into a tiered hierarchy of canon. This system applied a limited degree of canonicity to Expanded Universe stories, though they remained absolutely subordinate to Lucas's personal canon. Chee created the following classification system, which no longer applies:

  • G-canon, or George Lucas canon: The six Star Wars films in their most recent incarnations, including unpublished production notes from Lucas or his production department. Elements originating with Lucas in the film novelizations, reference books, and other adaptations. Direct declarations made by Lucas. Deleted scenes from the films that do not conflict with the film itself.
  • T-canon, or Television canon: The Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, its feature film, and the Star Wars Rebels animated series.
  • C-canon, or Continuity canon: The majority of Expanded Universe stories, including novels, comics, video games, and other content originating from other authors. C-canon material could be elevated to G-canon if a subject appeared in a Lucas project.
  • S-canon, or Secondary canon: Material that could be used or ignored as desired by authors, including older works that predated a concentrated effort to maintain a consistent continuity, such as the Marvel Star Wars comics. Anything that is not completely outrageous or intentionally comic.
  • N-canon, or Non-canon: "What-if" stories, including those published under the Infinities label. Any content directly and irreconcilably contradicted by higher canon. Cut content and canceled projects. This was the only level that Lucasfilm did not consider to have some degree of canonicity.
  • D-canon, or Detours canon: The Star Wars Detours animated series, which was not released before the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014. This canon level was never fully defined as a result.

With Lucasfilm's creation of a single, unified continuity that excludes the Expanded Universe, this canon hierarchy system is now defunct. All content that was previously considered to be below T-canon is now officially non-canon, unless it is referenced in a new canon work.

How does Wookieepedia treat Expanded Universe "canon" now?

Although the Holocron continuity database's canon hierarchy system no longer officially applies to Star Wars canon, Wookieepedia contributors must still apply this system as needed when writing a Legends article in order to determine conflicting "canonicity" in regards to a given Expanded Universe subject. Because the Expanded Universe is so closely intertwined with the six Star Wars films and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series and feature film, Wookieepedia contributors must fully incorporate these works into Legends articles, even though these works are now officially considered to be part of the new canon and therefore unconnected to the Expanded Universe.

For Wookieepedia's purposes in regards to Legends articles, G-canon and T-canon are now effectively synonymous, and C-canon and S-canon are now similarly synonymous, with G-canon and T-canon taking precedence over C-canon and S-canon in the event of a conflicting story. Therefore, Wookieepedia may now effectively use the following, more simplified system:

  • Cinematic canon: This level combines G-canon and T-canon, as defined in the previous section (with the exception of Star Wars Rebels, which was not released before April 25, 2014 and therefore did not apply to the Expanded Universe). Cinematic canon trumps Expanded canon in the event of a conflicting story.
  • Expanded canon: This level combines C-canon and S-canon, as defined in the previous section, as well as all other Expanded Universe material previously considered to be of "ambiguous" canonicity, such as unlicensed sources. In the event two Expanded canon sources conflict, precedence should typically be granted to the more recently published source, except in the instance of a clear continuity error.
  • Non-canon: This level includes all Expanded Universe stories that Lucasfilm previously declared N-canon, as defined in the previous section, prior to the Lucasfilm declaration of April 25, 2014, such as Infinities. Even though all Expanded Universe content is now officially non-canon, Wookieepedia distinguishes Expanded Universe content that Lucasfilm never considered to be canon by covering this content within a Legends article's "Behind the scenes" section where appropriate.

Reliable resources

As Wookieepedians write Legends articles, they will still draw upon the wealth of Expanded Universe source material, as they always have, to properly and comprehensively document a Legends subject. To this end, the same standards apply in regards to using reliable and valid Expanded Universe resources. The following identifies reliable, officially-licensed sources of information for Expanded Universe material. This section may be revised as necessary and is not necessarily comprehensive.

What is not a reliable resource?

  • Fan-fiction, otherwise known as fanon, in any form
  • Conjecture and assumptions based on real-world standards
  • Fan websites and message boards
  • Video game elements that appear only when triggering a non-canon storyline. For example, characters who appear when the Jedi Exile is male or when Kyle Katarn chooses the dark-side ending. However, these details nonetheless originate in officially-licensed sources and must therefore be documented within an article's "Behind the scenes" section where appropriate. The same holds true for non-canon Infinities stories.

What is unclear?

Certain Expanded Universe source material was of an unclear canon nature. Because the Expanded Universe is now non-canon and will no longer be receiving new additions to its line of continuity, Lucasfilm is unlikely to make any further clarifications regarding this material. Wookieepedians must carefully consider how best to present this information within the confines of a Legends article.

  • Star Wars Tales, issues 120. The Holocron continuity database included all of the stories from these issues with varying levels of canonicity. Leland Chee stated, "Consider everything that's not completely outrageous or intentionally comic as S-canon. If it's referenced in another non-Tales story, then elevate it to C-canon."
  • Comments made by Lucasfilm personnel other than George Lucas and Leland Chee. Statements of authorial intent and information released by authors to clarify details of their works may or may not have been canon.
  • Alternative outcomes and side quests in video games and roleplaying games, such as the fate of the character Matrik in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Legends articles should typically assume 100 percent game completion when side quests do not conflict with the overall storyline. Similarly, the light-side outcomes of games typically trumped dark-side outcomes.
  • Information from cut content was usually considered non-canon but in some cases may have been confirmed as canon.

See also