Mara Jade, a beloved figure from the now-renamed "Legends" continuity of Star Wars, is finally receiving a significant nod within the Disney-era canon, despite not officially crossing over into the current storyline. The formidable character, known for her complex past as the Emperor’s Hand and her eventual embrace of the Jedi path, is being honored with a limited-edition Legacy Lightsaber hilt, available at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge theme parks and online. This marks a notable shift, as Disney has predominantly focused on characters and elements from the films, TV shows, and other officially recognized canon material for its collectible lightsaber line. The inclusion of Mara Jade, a character deeply rooted in the Expanded Universe, signals a potential willingness to incorporate more of the vast "Legends" content into the Disney Star Wars universe.
The Legacy Lightsaber hilt, a premium collectible aimed at dedicated Star Wars fans, comes with a distinctive design that reflects Mara Jade’s multifaceted history. The case itself is a clever representation of her journey, featuring a split design that showcases both the emblem of the Galactic Empire and the crest of the New Jedi Order. This visual duality emphasizes her transition from a loyal servant of the Emperor to a respected Jedi Knight. The collectible set also includes a variant cover of the first issue of the 1998 comic miniseries "Mara Jade – By the Emperor’s Hand," a further acknowledgment of her "Legends" origins. This comic series, penned by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole with art by Carlos Ezquerra, Michael Taylor, and James Sinclair, is a crucial piece of Mara Jade’s backstory, detailing her service to Emperor Palpatine.
The release of the Mara Jade Legacy Lightsaber hilt is a highly anticipated event for fans who have long advocated for the integration of "Legends" characters and storylines into the current Star Wars canon. While it doesn’t confirm a full-fledged return of Mara Jade to the main timeline, it does suggest that Disney is listening to its fanbase and recognizing the enduring popularity and appeal of characters like her. The choice of Mara Jade as the first "Legends" character to be featured in the Legacy Lightsaber line is particularly significant, given her prominent role in the Expanded Universe. She was not merely a side character but a central figure whose actions had significant consequences for the galaxy far, far away.
Galaxy’s Edge, since its opening in 2019, has gradually evolved in its approach to the broader Star Wars continuity. Initially, the park was designed to exist within the timeframe between "The Last Jedi" and "The Rise of Skywalker," but it has since expanded its scope to incorporate characters and elements from other eras of the saga. This evolution reflects a desire to cater to a wider range of Star Wars fans and to create a more immersive and engaging experience. The inclusion of Mara Jade’s lightsaber hilt is another step in this direction, indicating a willingness to draw upon the rich tapestry of the Expanded Universe, even if only in a limited capacity.
The limited-edition nature of the Mara Jade Legacy Lightsaber hilt, with only 3,500 units available, will undoubtedly create a sense of urgency and exclusivity among collectors. The lightsaber will be available for purchase at both Disneyland and Disney World versions of Galaxy’s Edge, as well as online at ShopDisney, starting March 8th at 11 am ET. Given the high demand for Star Wars collectibles, particularly those associated with popular characters like Mara Jade, it is expected that the hilts will sell out quickly. The price point of $325 reflects the high-end nature of the Legacy Lightsaber line, which is targeted at serious collectors who are willing to invest in premium Star Wars memorabilia.
The potential implications of the Mara Jade Legacy Lightsaber hilt extend beyond the realm of mere merchandising. It could pave the way for the introduction of other "Legends" characters and storylines into Galaxy’s Edge and other Disney Star Wars properties. While it is unlikely that Mara Jade herself will suddenly appear walking around Batuu, the inclusion of her lightsaber hilt opens up the possibility of incorporating other elements from her story, such as mentions of her past as the Emperor’s Hand or her relationship with Luke Skywalker. This could create a more nuanced and layered experience for visitors to Galaxy’s Edge, allowing them to engage with the broader Star Wars universe in a more meaningful way.
Ultimately, the release of the Mara Jade Legacy Lightsaber hilt is a significant moment for Star Wars fans, particularly those who have long cherished the Expanded Universe. It represents a step towards bridging the gap between the "Legends" continuity and the current Disney-era canon, acknowledging the enduring appeal and importance of characters like Mara Jade. While the future of "Legends" content within the official Star Wars universe remains uncertain, the inclusion of Mara Jade’s lightsaber hilt is a promising sign that Disney is willing to embrace the rich history of the Expanded Universe and to incorporate its most beloved elements into the ongoing Star Wars saga. For many fans, this is a welcome development that offers hope for the eventual return of other "Legends" characters and storylines in the years to come.
