There has been a longstanding debate among Star Wars fans about which came first – the movies or the books. Let’s dive into the history of Star Wars and find out.
The Origins of Star Wars
Star Wars was created by George Lucas in the 1970s. The first movie, Episode IV: A New Hope, was released in 1977 and became an instant hit. It was followed by two sequels, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in 1983.
The Books
The books based on the Star Wars universe were first published in 1976, a year before the release of the first movie. The book titled “Star Wars” was written by Alan Dean Foster and was based on the screenplay by George Lucas. It went on to become a bestseller and paved the way for a series of books that expanded upon the Star Wars universe.
The Expanded Universe
The series of books that followed were known as the Expanded Universe (EU). They delved into various aspects of the Star Wars universe such as its history, characters, planets, and technology. Some of these books even introduced new characters that became fan favorites such as Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Canon Controversy
However, with Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, they declared that all EU material published before April 25th, 2014 would be considered non-canon or “Legends”. This caused controversy among fans who had invested years into reading these books and considering them part of the official Star Wars canon.
- The Verdict
So which came first – Star Wars movies or books? The answer is technically both.
While the movies came out first, they were based on an original screenplay by George Lucas, which was later adapted into a book by Alan Dean Foster. However, the books themselves did not directly influence the movies.
The Future of Star Wars
With the recent release of new Star Wars movies such as Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, fans have been eagerly anticipating more additions to the franchise. Disney has also announced plans for a new trilogy of movies set in the Star Wars universe, as well as various TV shows and books.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there may be a debate about which came first – Star Wars movies or books – it is clear that both have played a significant role in shaping the franchise. With its rich lore and compelling characters, it’s no wonder that Star Wars has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
