Are the Star Wars Prequels Considered Canon?

The status of the Star Wars prequels, particularly Episodes I-III: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith, as canonical within the Star Wars universe is an intriguing topic for fans and enthusiasts. This discussion aims to explore the evolving nature of the Star Wars canon and the impact of Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, and how this has affected the prequels' standing.

Canon within the Star Wars Universe

After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the company redefined the canon to include all films, television series, books, comics, and other media that were released up to that point. This means that the prequels were officially integrated into the Star Wars narrative, along with other elements such as animated series, books, and comics.

According to the rules established by Disney and Lucasfilm, any new content — whether it is a movie, comic, or novel — will be written with the assumption that the prequels are part of the official storyline, while not relying on non-canon elements such as certain video games (KOTOR, for example).

The Indisputable Canon

It is important to note that the prequels are indisputably canon. This means that any official content produced post-2012 will reference the prequels as significant parts of the Star Wars narrative. However, it is crucial to understand that the prequels are not necessarily "true" in a literary sense. They are, after all, just fiction.

The term "canon" in this context does not obligate fans to watch the prequels if they do not wish to. Disney has no means to force any fan to engage with any particular piece of media. However, fans who are interested in the expanded universe might find it beneficial to watch the prequels because they provide valuable context and background for the storylines and characters in the main movies and other official materials.

Consumer Rights and Enjoyment

Disney and Lucasfilm have established a clear distinction between canon and non-canon content. While certain characters like HK-47 are deemed non-canon, they can still be reintroduced in new content if there's a compelling narrative reason to do so. For instance, The Mandalorian acknowledged a previously non-canon event, Life Day, and brought it into canon as a means to expand the universe's lore.

Some die-hard fans attach great importance to the canon and argue over every detail, pointing out that "Well, according to canon, this happened this way." While these debates can be fascinating for passionate fans, it's generally better to avoid engaging in such arguments unless one is engaged in scholarly discourse. Instead, it's often more enjoyable to consume the franchise without adhering strictly to the canon.

Could Star Wars Be Better if Its Canon Were Different?

The question of whether the Star Wars prequels being canonical could be better or worse is a subjective one. Controlling the narrative of a multi-billion dollar franchise is beyond the reach of individual fans. Instead of trying to change the canon, it might be more productive to focus on enjoying the material as it stands.

For example, if you find it difficult to sit through The Phantom Menace, you might find it easier to watch it with a commentary like RiffTrax. This approach can make the experience more enjoyable by providing a different perspective and breaking the monotony.

In conclusion, the prequels are part of the official Star Wars canon, and while this might not be to everyone's liking, it is an established fact. The enjoyment of the franchise lies in personal choice and interpretation, and it is important to remember that the canon is simply a tool for expanding and enriching the universe, not a rigid rule that must be followed without question.