Star Wars storyline and plot discussion on new and old trilogy conflicts

[JOFO]

I have a question:

when were the original episodes 1-6 written and when were they published? in other words, in episode 5, when darth vader reveals he is luke's father, was that already common knowledge for those who read the book? and are there those who already knew the story behinf episode 3, etc.?

also, wasn't there supposed to be episodes 7, 8, and 9?
I know lucas decided not to do them as movies, but are there books of them or what?

[A_Wanderer]

I like the Zahn books.

[LMP]

Shadows of the Empire

perfect post-Empire, pre-ROTJ companion

[Bonofire]

Originally posted by JOFO
I have a question:

when were the original episodes 1-6 written and when were they published? in other words, in episode 5, when darth vader reveals he is luke's father, was that already common knowledge for those who read the book? and are there those who already knew the story behinf episode 3, etc.?

The revealation that Vader was Luke's dad was so closely guarded that NO ONE but George Lucas, Mark Hamill and James Earl Jones knew it, and the two actors did not find out until the moment the line was shot. Lucas was so afraid of the secret getting out he even wrote in the actual script "Obi Wan killed your father" The books mentioning it came later.

In the ROTJ book I've had since 1983, it mentions the lava pit incident, so that idea was always there, even if the entire story and the character development of Anakin wasn't.

also, wasn't there supposed to be episodes 7, 8, and 9?
I know lucas decided not to do them as movies, but are there books of them or what?

There were originally but have been canned. I am GLAD as I LOVE the way Jedi ended and don't want anything to spoil that. Several people have written books that take place after ROTJ, mostly using Han and Leia's twins Jacen and Jaida. But none of this is by Lucas.

[phanan]

Originally posted by Bonofire


Several people have written books that take place after ROTJ, mostly using Han and Leia's twins Jacen and Jaida. But none of this is by Lucas.

They aren't by Lucas, but they are approved by him. And quite honestly, a lot of the books have been better than the prequels. The New Jedi Order series was excellent, for example, as was the X-Wing series.

[nbcrusader]

Originally posted by JOFO
when were the original episodes 1-6 written and when were they published? in other words, in episode 5, when darth vader reveals he is luke's father, was that already common knowledge for those who read the book? and are there those who already knew the story behinf episode 3, etc.?

The books are release with the movies. Bonofire is correct, the "I am your father" line was not revealed until the scene was filmed with Mark Hamill. Such secrecy probably would hold as well today.

Originally posted by JOFO
also, wasn't there supposed to be episodes 7, 8, and 9?
I know lucas decided not to do them as movies, but are there books of them or what?

I've heard stories that the original concept was actually three or four sets of trilogies. Early on, Lucas denied this and has stuck by the "it is only six movies" story for a long time.

[U2Kitten]

I just bumped this because of my new sig and avatar. I've been way more into Star Wars than U2 lately. But I'll be around.