We pretty much expected this anyway, but writer and producer Simon Kinberg – who is busy scripting one of Disney’s Star Wars spin-off movies – has seemingly confirmed that the Mouse House will be ditching the Expanded Universe when it comes to J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII and subsequent big screen adventures in a galaxy far, far away.
“You know, [the EU] is not off-limits, and it’s certainly inspiring,” Kinberg tells IGN. “I’m working on an animated show for Lucasfilm as well, Star Wars: Rebels, that will take inspiration from everywhere. But I know for the movies, the canon is the canon, and the canon is the six films that exist.”
So, by the sounds of it, we can forget about seeing the likes of Ben Skywalker and Jacen, Anakin and Jaina Solo when Episode VII rolls around.
And in other Star Wars news, Disney chief Alan Horn has teased a potential return the traditional May release slot for the studio’s Star Wars films, although it’s unclear whether this means a possible delay to Episode VII, or future films. Horn also confirmed that second unit filming is underway in Abu Dhabi (meaning those set photos are likely genuine), as well as stating that casting is almost complete.
Originally published April 23, 2014. Updated March 19, 2020.
