A hit Star Wars show’s canon status has been addressed by the series’ executive producer and showrunner. As one of the leading franchises in Hollywood, Star Wars has undergone many changes since Disney accrued the rights, and one of the biggest has been the influx of Star Wars TV shows that have been produced, alongside the movies.
The epic scope of the Star Wars franchise allows for longer-form storytelling, and a greater exploration of characters and worlds. Star Wars has seen its fair share of both live-action and animated shows, many of which have received a mixed reception, but some, like Ashoka, are returning.
The Star Wars movie franchise is in a period of stagnation, but there are still TV shows being produced that look to enhance the universe. But some shows stand as their own entity inside the Star Wars universe, telling stories in a fresh, unique, and exciting way, and one such show has had a ruling on whether it counts as canon.
Star Wars: Visions Has Been Doing Its Own Thing For Years
Premiering on Disney+ in 2021, Star Wars: Visions is an animated anthology show, exploring a new perspective on the Star Wars universe, and flexing creative freedom. Per Anitrendz.net, executive producer James Waugh has addressed the show’s standing within the Star Wars canon, stating that the show isn’t canon, but seeks to tell stories about unknown characters. Check out his comments below:
James Waugh: It is definitely not canon. But there haven’t been any restrictions, aside from the fact that when we’re approaching stories and looking for creators, we want them to actually have something to say and then pitch us their vision. We’re not really looking for stories about known Star Wars characters. Not to say that’s impossible. Obviously, we’ve had Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett in Visions shorts, but it’s not about them. Usually, we’re looking for original, fresh perspectives so that Visions doesn’t become a sort of “What If” of Star Wars, but a unique expression and celebration of Star Wars elements people love.
As Waugh details, the show is not official canon, but instead seeks to maintain the themes and emotional identity of the Star Wars franchise, while exploring farther-flung areas of the galaxy. Being freed from the restrictions and constraints of canon allows for an interesting and fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe.
What This Means For Star Wars: Visions’ Future
The anthology format has worked well for Visions thus far, and the fact that the show isn’t shackled by formula or mythology means that there is a little more creative scope. Star Wars: Visions season 3 could bring a host of more unique and interesting stories to explore, and Waugh’s comments suggest the show will continue in the same vein.
This is a unique approach to a franchise many believe has become stale, and Visions could serve a blueprint for how to do this. The success of shows like Andor, as well as the movie Rogue One, proves that there is interest in Star Wars beyond recognized characters, and this could be a future avenue for the franchise to explore.
