As Lucasfilm continues charting its post-Skywalker future, one name keeps echoing across fan communities: Mara Jade. A pivotal character from the now-retired Expanded Universe, Jade never made it to screen—but that could be about to change.
Mara Jade was first introduced in Timothy Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” novels, where she appeared as a ruthless assassin called the Emperor’s Hand. Over time, she became a Jedi Master, developed a complex relationship with Luke Skywalker, and eventually became his wife, anchoring one of Star Wars’ most celebrated literary arcs.
When Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, the studio officially shifted the Expanded Universe into the “Legends” category, which left Mara and many others outside of current canon.
Jade’s story evolved across multiple entries, starting with Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” (1991), “Dark Force Rising” (1992), and “The Last Command” (1993). These charted her path from elite agent to trusted ally of the Rebellion. Her romance with Luke was explored further in the “Hand of Thrawn” novels and the 1999 graphic novel “Union.” Together, they had a son, Ben Skywalker. Tragically, Mara’s life ended in “Sacrifice” (2007) at the hands of her nephew, Jacen Solo.
With Thrawn now firmly integrated into Disney’s canon, the stage could be set for Mara Jade to follow suit.
Grand Admiral Thrawn—another Zahn creation—was reintroduced via Star Wars Rebels and made his live-action debut in Ahsoka, played by Lars Mikkelsen. Dave Filoni’s successful handling of Thrawn has renewed interest in other Legends-era characters, with Jade sitting high on that wish list.
Casting discussions around Mara Jade have been going on for years. Brie Larson’s name consistently comes up in fan circles. According to multiple reports, the Captain Marvel star was in conversations with Lucasfilm at one point. She’s also said that she auditioned for each installment of Disney’s sequel trilogy, but didn’t secure roles in the J.J. Abrams or Rian Johnson films.
Other frequently suggested options include Elizabeth Olsen (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), but Larson’s established ties to Disney and well-documented fandom give her an edge.
Fresh rumors have added another name to the mix. Per My Time to Shine Hello (via Comic Book Movie), Lucasfilm may be developing a Disney+ series centered on Mara Jade. While Disney hasn’t confirmed the project, a separate report suggests Zendaya (Euphoria, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune) has met with Lucasfilm, sparking theories that she might be under consideration.
There’s no direct link between the Zendaya news and Mara Jade, but her involvement in such discussions has certainly stirred fan excitement. Following recent roles in 2024's Dune: Part Two and Challengers, and with upcoming appearances in Euphoria Season 3 and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Zendaya remains a top-tier talent with significant star power.
And the speculation keeps coming. Industry insider Daniel Richtman has reported that Lucasfilm is still looking to integrate Mara Jade into the official 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 explained. “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 publication continued: “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.”
At Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that the Disney+ timeline will become even more interwoven. Dave Filoni’s upcoming theatrical film is expected to bring together characters from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and Skeleton Crew in a showdown against Thrawn.
Given that this film appears to be influenced by “Heir to the Empire,” Mara Jade’s potential involvement feels more and more plausible. Her connections to Thrawn, Luke, and Palpatine make her a strong candidate to appear in this pivotal storyline.
While the crossover film is still in progress, the next major project on the schedule is The Mandalorian and Grogu, arriving in theaters in 2026. Jon Favreau directs, with Pedro Pascal returning as Din Djarin. The cast also includes Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt.
If Mara Jade is indeed making the leap to live-action, it could happen in Ahsoka Season 2, which is currently filming and is slated for a 2026 debut following The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Is it finally time for Mara Jade to join the live-action galaxy far, far away? Let us know what you think in the comments.
