The Canonical Status of Star Wars Novelizations: A Controversial Debate

The question of whether the novelizations of the Star Wars films, particularly those of the original and prequel trilogies, remain canon has been a topic of heated debate within the Star Wars fan community. While some argue these novels are integral to the expanded universe (EU), others question their accuracy and consistency with the films.

Contradictions and Inconsistencies

One of the most glaring contradictions comes from the original trilogy, where the novelization of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope presents an alternate version of events. In the movie, Obi-Wan Kenobi is introduced as a mentor to young Luke Skywalker, who learns of his father's identity after his father's death. However, in the novel, Obi-Wan is depicted as Luke's literal uncle and Darth Vader is not revealed to be his father. These discrepancies raise questions about the reliability of the novel as a source of canon information.

Specific Examples of Discrepancies

One specific example is the description of Chewbacca's eyes. In the film, Chewbacca has blue eyes, while in the novelization, he is described as having bright yellow eyes. Another example is the portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who in the novelization is depicted as an ancient and nearly deathly character with 'a flood of wrinkles and scars.' According to Episode III, Obi-Wan is only 57 years old, and the actor playing him was just 63 during filming. This contrast in descriptions raises doubts about the accuracy of the novelization.

Other Flaws in the IV-VI Novelizations

The novelization of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope also includes several unusual and contradictory statements. For example, Obi-Wan talks about ducks and their swimming abilities: 'I understand you’re quite a good pilot yourself. Piloting and navigation aren’t hereditary but a number of the things that can combine to make a good small-ship pilot are. Those you may have inherited. Still even a duck has to be taught to swim.' When Luke asks what a duck is, Obi-Wan responds: 'Nevermind.' These anecdotes, while humorous, do not align with the canonical film version of events.

New Foundations in the EU

While the novelizations of the original trilogy have been criticized, the novelizations of the prequel trilogy have contributed significantly to the expanded universe (EU). The 2015 statement from Lucasfilm'sureau that the prequel trilogy novelizations are considered canon is one of the most recent and definitive such assertions. This can be seen in the portrayal of Darth Vader as Obi-Wan's brother, as stated in the novelization of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. These novelizations have indeed helped establish a rich and interconnected world, though with significant contradictory elements.

One of the most significant contributions of the prequel trilogy novelizations was the foundation they laid for the EU. The subsequent establishment of the Clone Wars as a canon series further solidified the connection between the EU and the films, even if some elements remain inconsistent.

Conclusion

While the prequel trilogy novelizations are now considered canon by Lucasfilm, the original trilogy novelizations pose more questions than answers, given their numerous discrepancies with the films. Whether one considers the novelizations as part of the official canon or as a supplementary source of information depends on one's interpretation and the specific elements they consider important.