Lucasfilm has revealed the new Jedi Knights and Masters from Star Wars: The High Republic. Fans have been looking forward to new details surrounding the force-wielders since the announcement of the publishing event earlier this year. StarWars.com shows that Ava Kriss, Loden Greatstorm, Keeve Trennis, Stellan Gios, and Vernestra "Vern" Rwoh are all going to be major players in the new chapter. There's a noted focus on different perspectives among them. (Check out their extended profiles below!) All of this is just one way in which the creative teams are trying to signify how these characters are a break from what's been rendered on screen before.
Star Wars is turning back the clock to 200 years before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. This fall, fans of all stripes will get to meet these brave new heroes in numerous types of media. There are going to be comics, young adult novels, adult fiction, and children's books. Lucasfilm Publishing's creative director Michael Siglain told StarWars.com about how The High Republic differs from the settings that people have seen in the past.
"Readers will see a very wide variety of Jedi in this era," Siglain explained. "This is a hopeful, optimistic time, when the Jedi are good and noble, and we want to reflect that in their characters while still giving them enough depth and dimension so that their individual personalities and idiosyncrasies shine through. The Jedi Knights of the High Republic are both aspirational and inspirational. In short, they're the good guys."
But, the differences go even beyond that. Fans have seen the Jedi in a host of different situations, battles and planets over the course of the franchise. It can be easy to see them as de-facto protagonists and little else. The High Republic is dedicated to making these legendary figures as well-rounded as possible. Cavan Scott is slated to play a huge role in the upcoming stories as a writer. Jedi won't be following the code out of blind loyalty or duty, but instead are motivated by their individual callings toward serving people.
"We've put a lot of time and effort into making our Jedi feel like real, rounded individuals," Scott elaborated. "They are all different, approaching the Force in individual and unique ways and yet are united with a common goal. They serve not out of unwavering dogma, but a deep passion to protect light and life. And they're all at different stages in their individual journeys.
"Some have experience on their side, some have the exuberance of youth. Some are still finding their place in the Order while others step naturally into leadership roles," he continued. "Some may not have chosen to work with the Jedi they've been posted alongside, but all are dedicated to be a guiding light for the galaxy. Individually they are strong, together they are invincible, but like the best heroes they each have lessons to learn and challenges to overcome. Exciting times lie ahead."
Are you hyped for The High Republic? Let us know in the comments! Check out the profiles of all the Jedi below:
Avar is the brightest, most noble example of Jedi-hood. She always tries to see the good in people and situations, and never puts herself first. She is invigorated about life on the frontier and the challenges it brings, and is an inspiration for those who work with her. She is compassionate, not dogmatic, and always ready to sacrifice herself over others. Avar Kriss is the best of the best.
Loden is a Twi'lek Jedi Master, and is considered to be one of the best teachers in the Jedi Order. Strong and wise, with a good sense of humor, Loden looks at every moment as a learning experience, always trying to better himself and those around him, especially his Padawans.
Keeve is a young firebrand Jedi, believed to have a great future ahead of her, if only she would believe it herself. Quick-witted and more impulsive than she should be, Keeve has only been a Jedi Knight for a few weeks and is a little starstruck around Avar, knowing many of the great things Kriss has done in the past. She is determined to prove herself to Avar and the other legendary Jedi stationed on Starlight Beacon, but first she must learn to trust in herself as much as she trusts the Force.
Stellan is an optimistic and well-respected Jedi Master. Stellan came up through the Order with Avar Kriss, and although they are often on different assignments for the Jedi or the Republic, when the two work together they are a powerhouse team of two noble heroes in action. Strong in the Force and a natural teacher, Stellan is currently stationed at one of the Jedi Temple outposts on the distant planet of Caragon-Viner.
Vern is a newly-minted Jedi Knight. Vernestra, Mirialan, was Padawan to Stellan Gios. She works hard and is devoted to the Jedi Order, more so than most others her age. At sixteen she is one of the youngest Knights in a generation. She struggles to fit in with the adults while also setting a good example for the younger Jedi.
