The Path to Canonization: Revan in The Mandalorian and the Quest for Sith Legacies

The recent integration of the HK-50 assassin droids of Legends into the The Mandalorian series has sparked considerable debate and speculation about the potential canonization of the infamous Sith Lord, Revan. This article explores the evidence for and against the official canon status of Revan and discusses the complexities of bringing a beloved character from the expanded universe into a canon setting.

The Presence of Legacy Droids: HK-50 in The Mandalorian

One of the key points of contention is the appearance of HK-50 droids in The Mandalorian. Specifically, some The Mandalorian spoilers have suggested that the HK-87 droids, which resemble the iconic HK-50 assassin droids from Legends, may be present. This has led to numerous discussions and theories about the possible canonization of HK-50 droids and, by extension, the character Revan.

However, the mere presence of HK-50 droids does not necessarily mean they will lead to the official canonization of Revan. While the HK droids may soon be acknowledged as canon, it is important to distinguish between the droid models and the characters they represent. Even if HK-50 droids are officially recognized as canon, this does not automatically mean that the character of Revan will follow suit.

A Sith Legion’s Name in The Rise of Skywalker

Despite the strength of the argument based on HK-50 droids, there is another significant piece of evidence that points to the potential canonization of Revan. In The Rise of Skywalker, the Sith Eternal have legions named after famous Sith lords. One of these legions is named after Revan. This is a much stronger indicator of canonization, as it implies that a character named Revan exists within the official Star Wars universe. Furthermore, a concept art of Revan is mentioned as being seen carved into a wall in the visual dictionary, although it is important to note that concept art is not always considered canon.

While these elements strongly suggest the existence of a canon equivalent of Darth Revan, they do not automatically translate to the official recognition of the character Revan from Knights of the Old Republic. According to most sources, the evidence does not confirm Revan's official canonization yet, as the Sith by the name of "Darth Revan" is only a similar figure, and his past stories are still not considered canon.

Disney's Approach to Canonization and Expanded Universe

Disney's approach to the canonization of characters and elements from the expanded universe is complex and often deterministic. Many elements from the expanded universe (Legends) have been brought into the official canon, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Dark Trooper Project. However, the decision to include or exclude certain elements is often unclear and can be influenced by various factors, including business decisions and the need for new content.

In the case of Revan, there are reasons to believe that Disney may eventually decide to bring him into the official canon. The potential for a movie or significant role in a story could drive this decision. However, it is equally possible that Revan's character may undergo significant changes in the official canon, as happened with the Dark Trooper Project in the new timeline.

For now, the status of Revan remains unofficial within the official Star Wars canon. The integration of HK-50 droids in The Mandalorian and the naming of a Sith Legion after Revan are strong indicators of his potential future inclusion, but definitive canonization has yet to be officially confirmed. The Star Wars community eagerly awaits further developments, hoping that Revan's magical return to the core universe will come about in a manner that does not disrupt the established narrative and preserves the legacy of his character.

Conclusion and Future Expectations

The debate over Revan's canonization is a testament to the passionate fan base and the complex nature of expanding the Star Wars universe. Whether or not Revan becomes an official part of the canon in the future, the discussion and speculation surrounding his potential return serve as a reminder of the significance of well-loved characters and the enduring influence they have on the Star Wars legacy.