Shortly after Disney announced in October 2012 that Star Wars: Episode VII is in development, fans have wondered whether or not the Expanded Universe, which consists of numerous novels and other ancillary material set in this world, will be used for this new trilogy, or the two untitled spin-offs.
Simon Kinberg, who is working on one of the spin-offs, recently spoke to IGN at WonderCon, where he revealed that the Expanded Universe is being avoided, and that while the TV series now in production might go that route, the new trilogy and spin-offs are limited only to the first six movies already released.
"You know, it's not off-limits, and it's certainly inspiring - 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."
Just one day after the Disney/LucasFilm announcement in October 2012, we reported that Star Wars: Episode VII would be an original story. Fans had hoped the story would center on The Thrawn Trilogy, based on the novels written by Timothy Zahn which many believe is a part of the canon.
We have known for quite some time that the spin-offs would center on Han Solo and Boba Fett, the later of which is being written by Lawrence Kasdan. When asked to confirm whether or not these characters will be showcased in either spin-off, Simon Kinberg wouldn't confirm, but he did say that they want to honor the original trilogies while telling a new story.
"I'm definitely not allowed to talk about the content of the Star Wars stuff. I can say that I'm a ridiculously huge fan, I love Boba Fett and I love, obviously, all of the characters in that world. For me - and I know it was true for J.J. Abrams, and Larry Kasdan and Kathleen Kennedy and Michael Arndt - it was all about honoring the original movies, and yet wanting to take a step forward, too, and tell a new story."
Star Wars: Episode VII comes to theaters December 18th, 2015 and stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels. The film is directed by J.J. Abrams.
Untitled Star Wars Han Solo Spin-Off comes to theaters in 2017 and stars Harrison Ford.
Untitled Star Wars Boba Fett Spin-Off comes to theaters in 2017.
SEE ALSO: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Is Already In Production With Casting Almost Complete