Lucasfilm finally unveiled their long-teased Project Luminous. Speculation’s ran wild, we’ve previously covered some of the initial theory, but now that’s been put to rest with an official announcement.
The new project has the umbrella term The High Republic and will be set in that era of the Star Wars timeline. Five different authors take on different projects across multiple mediums all relating to one another.
Taking place roughly 200 years before The Phantom Menace, “The High Republic” sees Jedi Knights at the height of their power. The inaugural announcement refers to them as “Jedi Knights of the round table”; they’re at their peak position as protectors of the galaxy.
The multi-media initiative introduces us to new characters never seen in the Star Wars world. No Star Wars story’s complete without the good-vs-evil theme, and this will be no different. The “Nihil” are the primary villains, and Lucasfilm describes them as “space vikings”.
The Nihil are very different from the Empire or the First Order. According to Charles Soule, they are able to use hyperspace in a very dangerous way. This is all we know about them currently.
The catalyst setting the events of The High Republic in motion is being referred to as “the great disaster”, which forces new heroes to rise up to the light. Lucasfilm implied in their original Project Luminous announcement that the mythology behind the force would somehow factor in.
Not much else is known about this event but is implied that the Starlight Beacon, recently mentioned in Soule’s Star Wars comic run, will play a part.
Here are all the novels and comics currently announced:
“Light of the Jedi” by Charles Soule
This is an adult novel which will kick off the entire project. It releases August 25.
“Into The Dark” by Claudia Gray
A young adult novel.
“A Test of Courage” by Justina Ireland
The book targets younger readers, around middle grade. The main character will be a sixteen year old Jedi Knight.
“The High Republic” by Cavan Scott
A comic series published by Marvel.
“The High Republic: Adventures” by Daniel José Older
A comic series published by IDW.
