Summary
AStar Warsfan explains why some people dislikeThe Clone Warsseries, citing concerns about alterations to the previously establishedStar Warscanon.
Set betweenStar Wars: Attack of the ClonesandRevenge of the Sith, the animated show provided new stories expanding on the Clone Wars conflict.The Clone Warswas praised for its visuals, storytelling, and character development. It won four Emmy awards and introduced popular characters like Jedi padawan Ahsoka Tano and the return of Darth Maul. While many fans enjoyed the series, it contradicted the previously establishedStar WarsExpanded Universe canon.
On Reddit, userPrestigious_Hunt_392recently explained why some hardcore fans dislikeThe Clone Warsseries. According to the user, during the show’s 2008-2014 run, theStar WarsExpanded Universe of books, comics, and games was still considered official canon. However,The Clone Warsretconned many plot points and character deaths from this existing EU material. For example, Jedi Council members Adi Gallia and Even Piell, who had been killed off in the EU, were brought back to life in the show. The show also changed many character backstories,including the villain Asajj Ventressand Quinlan Vos. It additionally altered details about planets like Dathomir and Mandalore. Prestigious_Hunt_392 argues these contradictory changes disrespected the work of Expanded Universe authors that fans had come to cherish.
However, some defend the changes made by the series. Reddit user RunDNA argues thatStar Warsbooks and comicshave always occupied precarious canon status, where core films and shows override them. The user contends spinoff media exists primarily for financial reasons rather than storytelling, and companies will readily discard spinoff media details that conflict with films or shows, which they view as higher-tier canon. As such, fans should avoid strong attachments to plot lines and character deaths from comics or books, as they are prone to being overridden. The user also believes those complaining aboutThe Clone Warscontradicting books fail to realize these EU materials lacked canonical stability from the outset.
This debate speaks to the challenges of adapting an expansive fictional universe across mediums. PerhapsThe Clone Warscould have been framed as a stylized animated re-imagining, separating it from canon debates. Regardless,Star Warsmust balance pleasing general audiences seeking excitement against keeping diehard fans invested in franchise details. WhileThe Clone Warsscored commercial success and critical acclaim on its terms, blowback seems inevitable from fans with contradictory hopes for such a beloved creative work. The debate around modifying accepted canon will only intensify asStar Warscontinues to craft interconnected storiesacross films, streaming shows, books, comics, and video games in the years ahead.
Star Wars: The Clone Warsis available to stream on Disney Plus.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space, including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other mediums like comics, video games, TV shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.
