Credit: LucasfilmStar Wars needs a big dose of new energy, fast. There’s only one way to do it: abandon the idea of “canon” that has turned the entire franchise into a narrative dead end.
The fandom’s obsession with a single central narrative of a galaxy far, far away has calcified Star Wars to the point where practically every new release is treated with disdain if not outright hostility.
That’s unfortunate: the franchise should be a playground of imagination, brimming with iconic characters and endless adventures, not corraled by unreasonable fans. As the saga continues to grow under the watchful eye of the Mouse, it’s the perfect time to dive into “what if” scenarios that shake up the established canon a bit.
Just think about it—what if Anakin (Hayden Christensen) had turned against Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid)? Or what if Rey (Daisy Ridley) stumbled upon a lost Jedi Order? These alternate tales could give us fresh twists on familiar stories and explore what might have been, all while keeping the spirit of Star Wars alive.
By stepping outside the lines of canon, the franchise can tap into new possibilities that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Plus, who doesn’t love a good twist?
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What if Kylo Ren Hadn’t Destroyed the Jedi Temple?
Meanwhile, the Resistance and the First Order still clash, but with Ben Solo on the light side, the dynamics shift dramatically. His unique abilities and deep understanding of the dark side allow him to wage a more forceful, aggressive battle against Snoke and, by extension, Palpatine. But if the young Solo doesn’t become Kylo Ren that night, who’s to say it won’t happen later?
What if Poe Dameron Had Died?
The galaxy is a different place without Poe Dameron to rally the Resistance. After Poe dies in his attempt to acquire a map to Luke’s location (as J.J. Abrams originally intended for Star Wars before chickening out), the Resistance feels the impact deeply, lacking a charismatic leader who inspires hope.
Rey and Finn’s paths cross under different circumstances. Finn, disillusioned and desperate after escaping the First Order, finds himself lost without Poe’s guidance. Meanwhile, Rey, scavenging on Jakku, remains unaware of the broader conflict brewing in the galaxy.
Their meeting is a serendipitous twist of fate; Rey saves Finn from a band of scavengers, and the two form an unlikely bond. Without Poe’s presence, they rely heavily on each other, driving their own adventures and learning the ropes of rebellion on the fly.
As they navigate challenges, they discover hidden Resistance caches and learn of Poe’s legacy through the stories of others, inspiring them to carry on his spirit. The duo faces the First Order with grit and determination, proving that even if a legend dies young, the fight for freedom can spark in unexpected ways.
What if Luke Had Killed Ben Solo?
Back to the fateful night at the Jedi Temple! Overcome with fear and desperation, Luke Skywalker chooses to strike down his nephew, Ben Solo, in a moment of perceived betrayal.
With Ben dead, the path of darkness is altered dramatically. Snoke, sensing a power vacuum, seizes the opportunity to manipulate the remnants of the dark side, but without Ben’s potential, he struggles to find a worthy apprentice.
The First Order still rises, but its leadership is fractured, leading to infighting and instability. Luke, burdened with guilt and loss, retreats from the galaxy. The Jedi Order is left in disarray, and Rey, growing up on Jakku, never hears of Luke’s heroics, instead only knowing him as a tragic figure shunned by his own legacy.
Meanwhile, Finn’s escape from the First Order takes on a new urgency as he feels the weight of the missing balance in the Force. When he eventually meets Rey, their quest becomes not just about resisting the First Order but also about seeking a new hope in the absence of the Skywalker legacy.
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What if Rey’s Parents Hadn’t Escaped?
What if Palpatine’s resurrection was not a secret for years? instead, he boldly announces his return, aiming to instill fear and confusion across the galaxy. The sudden revelation sends shockwaves through both the Resistance and the First Order, forcing leaders on both sides to reevaluate their strategies.
With Palpatine’s presence known, the Resistance rallies faster, united by the urgency of confronting the Sith Lord. Rey, Finn, and Poe quickly form a coalition of various factions, including former Stormtroopers and disillusioned First Order officers, all eager to stand against the encroaching darkness.
Palpatine, knowing his strength lies in manipulation, tries to exploit the fear he creates. He crafts elaborate propaganda campaigns, portraying himself as the galaxy’s protector against chaos, which complicates the Resistance’s efforts. As he attempts to sway neutral systems to his side, the stakes are higher than ever.
Driven by her knowledge of Palpatine’s true nature, Rey undergoes intense training, honing her skills not just to defeat him but to inspire others. She becomes a beacon of hope, rallying diverse groups to join the fight and emphasizing that they are stronger together.
This universe showcases the strength found in community and resilience, turning Palpatine’s arrogance into a catalyst for a more united front, ultimately reshaping the fate of the galaxy in a way that no Sith Lord could have anticipated.
What if Han Solo Hadn’t Been in the Mos Eisley Cantina?
In only slightly different circumstances, Han Solo never steps into the Mos Eisley Cantina, leaving Luke and Obi-Wan to face the harsh realities of Tatooine alone. Without Han’s quick wit and connections, they find themselves stranded in a hostile environment where danger lurks at every corner.
Desperate to escape the planet, they encounter a group of smugglers—less resourceful and more reckless than Han. Their journey quickly turns perilous as they are betrayed by their new allies, leading to a harrowing escape from the Death Star that leaves them haunted and distrustful.
The tension mounts as they narrowly avoid Imperial patrols, with the weight of their decisions weighing heavily on their shoulders.
The absence of Han creates a vacuum in the fight against the Empire, leaving the Rebel Alliance vulnerable. Without his infamous charm and skill, the journey becomes riddled with despair as alliances crumble and hope wanes.
As Luke grapples with his destiny, the burden of leadership presses down on him. Each challenge becomes a test of resilience, pushing him closer to the edge of despair. Obi-Wan tries to guide him, but the absence of Han’s spirit leaves a gaping hole in their morale.
What if R2-D2 Had Been Destroyed?
Imagine, if you will, that R2-D2 is destroyed before he ever meets Luke Skywalker, altering the fate of the entire galaxy. Without R2’s critical mission data and navigational skills, Leia’s (Carrie Fisher) desperate plan to deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance fails. The Empire’s grip tightens, and the plans remain hidden, giving Palpatine an even stronger hold over the galaxy.
On Tatooine, Luke’s life unfolds without the droid that would have sparked his journey to become a Jedi. He grows up more isolated and aimless, his dreams of adventure stifled without R2’s encouragement. Without the chance encounter that brings him together with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke remains tethered to his mundane life, unaware of the larger conflict brewing around him.
The Rebellion, struggling without the plans, faces dire consequences. The Death Star looms ominously over the galaxy, and hope begins to fade as more systems fall under Imperial control and the harsh Tarkin Doctrine.
Leia, fighting to keep the spark of resistance alive, finds herself in increasingly desperate battles, her leadership strained by the weight of loss and the knowledge that her schemes are collapsing around her.
What if Anakin Hadn’t Been Injured?
In another dark timeline, Anakin Skywalker emerges unscathed from his duel with Obi-Wan on Mustafar, but instead of fully submitting to the dark side, he ultimately turns against Emperor Palpatine. Fueled by his desire to protect Padmé (Natalie Portman) and reshape the galaxy, Anakin realizes that the true threat to peace lies in Palpatine’s unyielding tyranny.
With his unmatched power, Anakin confronts Palpatine directly, wielding the full might of the dark side. Their clash is epic and destructive, but Anakin, driven by a newfound clarity, outmaneuvers the Emperor, using his cunning and strength to overthrow him. The galaxy watches in shock as the newly-proclaimed Emperor falls, leaving a power vacuum that Anakin must navigate.
In the aftermath, Anakin’s first act as the new ruler is to declare an end to the oppressive regime of the Empire. He attempts to build a new order, one that combines the teachings of the Jedi with the pragmatism he learned as Darth Vader. Padmé, initially wary of his transformation, sees a glimmer of hope in Anakin’s resolve to change the galaxy for the better.
However, the path to peace is fraught with challenges. Many in the galaxy view Anakin with suspicion, still haunted by the shadow of Vader. The remnants of the Empire, loyalists, and other factions rise against him, forcing Anakin to confront not only external threats but also the inner turmoil of his past.
As he grapples with the consequences of his choices, Anakin strives to reform the Jedi Order, inviting those who survived the Purge to join him. Together, they work to restore balance, but the scars of war run deep, and the mistrust between former Jedi and those loyal to the Emperor complicates their efforts. Could it be that a galaxy with Palpatine might have been the better option?
Inside the Magic’s gentle suggestions for What If…Star Wars? stories will continue!