With Star Wars: Episode VII well underway, fans won’t have to wait long to return to a Galaxy Far Far Away. But Disney, looking to follow the precedence Marvel has set, is looking to expand the Star Wars universe beyond its latest trilogy with three solo adventures for its characters as well.
Although nothing is set in stone as yet, directors such as James Gunn and Gareth Edwards have already been tapped to helm these new standalone adventures. As far as the characters go though, Disney could be spoilt for choice considering the vast Star Wars universe it can tap into. But we think these characters should be given due consideration…
DARTH MAUL
Why: We thought he’d be the franchise’s next big villain but George Lucas saw it fit to let Obi-Wan cut him in half at the end of Star Wars: Episode 1. So little is known about the Sith Warrior that a standalone film could be easily weaved together in order to give the character his due.
The Story: Disney would have to go with an origins tale with this one, which could explain the Sith legacy and Maul’s relationship with Darth Sidious.
OBI-WAN KENOBI
Why: One of the most likeable characters in the Star Wars universe, Obi-Wan has featured in all six Star Wars films (in some shape or form) and is a character that has a wealth of history in the franchise.
The Story: A Chronicles of Obi-Wan type film could do the trick, showcasing the Jedi master’s many adventures as well as his origins, told by Obi-Wan himself during his self-imposed exile on Tatooine.
BOBA FETT
Why: A cult character himself, a Boba Fett movie is something Star Wars fans have been waiting for a while now. A perfect anti-hero, the intergalactic Bounty Hunter has the trappings of having the best set-up for a standalone film amongst all the characters in the Star Wars universe.
The Story: The story would have to begin with Boba’s escape from the Sarlacc pit on Tatooine and his eventual return to the top of the Bounty Hunter chain after being left for dead.
STORMTROOPERS
Why: The unsung heroes of the Empire, we think it’s high time those men in white finally get their fair share of the spotlight. Besides, it would be kind of cool seeing the perspective of Star Wars from the side of the bad guys for once.
The Story: Think Full Metal Jacket in space. Throw in a sadistic drill officer, training sequences and an eventual all-out finale battle, this is Disney’s best shot to humanise the Stormtroopers for the franchise.
RED SQUADRON
Why: The ace pilots of the Rebel Alliance. A backstory to the squadron and their pilots as well as space craft could make for an enticing storyline.
The Story: A Top Gun flight school set-up should be ideal for this and perhaps it could even end with the assault on the Death Star seen at the end of Return of the Jedi.
YODA
Why: Despite being a green little muppet, the Jedi Master is one of the most recognised characters in the Star Wars universe. And he’s had his battles and adventures too as seen in the Yoda Chronicles in the Lego Animated series.
The Story: No one knows what happened to Yoda between episodes III and V, so perhaps this standalone adventure could reveal what the Jedi Master was up to all those years in the Dagobah system.
