‘Star Wars’ to Finally Welcome Luke Skywalker’s Wife Into Canon: Report
As Star Wars continues expanding its universe beyond the Skywalker saga, fans are revisiting a character who’s long been a staple of the franchise’s literary history—but never once appeared on screen: Mara Jade.
Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s acclaimed Heir to the Empire trilogy, Jade began as the Emperor’s Hand, a formidable assassin, before transforming into a Jedi Master. Her arc saw her eventually marrying Luke Skywalker, solidifying her place as one of the Expanded Universe’s most complex and celebrated characters.
Following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the Expanded Universe was rebranded as “Legends,” placing Mara and many others outside official continuity.
Jade’s journey spanned several novels and comics. Zahn’s trilogy—”Heir to the Empire” (1991), “Dark Force Rising” (1992), and “The Last Command” (1993)—chronicled her shift from a dark enforcer to a critical ally of the Rebellion. Her bond with Luke developed across various stories, leading to their marriage in the “Hand of Thrawn” duology and the graphic novel “Union” (1999). The two had a son, Ben Skywalker. Jade’s fate took a tragic turn in “Sacrifice” (2007), where she was killed by her nephew, Jacen Solo.
One of Zahn’s most iconic characters, Grand Admiral Thrawn, returned to the Star Wars fold thanks to Dave Filoni’s work on Star Wars Rebels. That presence grew stronger with Lars Mikkelsen’s live-action portrayal in Ahsoka on Disney+. With Thrawn now firmly part of the canon timeline, speculation is growing louder that Mara Jade could soon join him.
Fan debates over Mara’s casting have persisted for years. Brie Larson remains a frequently mentioned choice. Reports over the years have linked the Captain Marvel star to discussions with Lucasfilm about the character. Larson even disclosed that she auditioned for every entry in the sequel trilogy but never landed a part in either J.J. Abrams’ or Rian Johnson’s films.
Other fan-favorites include Elizabeth Olsen (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), though Larson’s Disney ties and long-standing love for Star Wars continue to keep her high on speculative lists.
Recent chatter has added more intrigue. According to My Time to Shine Hello (via Comic Book Movie), Lucasfilm may be actively developing a Mara Jade-centric series for Disney+. Though Disney has not confirmed anything, another report suggests that Zendaya (Euphoria, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune) recently met with the studio. That news has prompted fresh speculation about her possible involvement.
While there’s no direct evidence linking Zendaya to the role of Mara Jade, her appearance in the rumor mill has drawn plenty of attention. With recent projects including Dune: Part Two (2024), Challengers (2024), and the upcoming third season of Euphoria, Zendaya remains one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars. She’ll also appear in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, starring opposite her real-life partner Tom Holland.
Momentum for Mara Jade’s reintroduction is once again gaining traction. Daniel Richtman reports that Disney and Lucasfilm are still actively exploring how to bring Luke’s legendary wife into canon.
“…many beloved characters like Darth Malak, Jacen Solo, and Kyle Katarn still remain locked behind the Legends branding, meaning they (and the stories they are associated with) are not considered part of the Star Wars canon,” The Direct noted earlier this month. “That could be changing for one name soon, though, as a new report suggested Luke Skywalker’s wife, Mara Jade, may be primed for canonization.”
The outlet also stated: “Known insider Daniel Richtman shared the info for readers on his Patreon, writing that Lucasfilm reportedly wants to do something with Mara Jade in the canon Star Wars universe.”
During Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed plans to deepen the Disney+ series timeline connections. Among the biggest reveals was Dave Filoni’s upcoming feature film, which seemingly aims to bring together The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and Skeleton Crew in a major showdown with Thrawn.
Given the film’s reported roots in Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” story arc, Mara Jade’s inclusion would feel like a natural evolution. Her ties to Thrawn, Palpatine, and Luke offer meaningful pathways to bring her into this growing narrative universe.
Filoni’s crossover event is still in development, but Lucasfilm is currently focused on The Mandalorian and Grogu, which hits theaters in 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film will feature Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin alongside Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward. Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) is set to portray Rotta the Hutt.
As for Mara Jade, Ahsoka Season 2 could finally mark her arrival. With the show currently in production and expected in 2026, anticipation for the character’s live-action debut is heating up.
Would you like to see Mara Jade join the live-action Star Wars galaxy? Let us know in the comments!