Star Wars: The High Republic is an epic science fantasy space opera franchise set two centuries before Episode I, The Phantom Menace. The initiative launched with novels published by Del Rey starting in January 2021 and includes comics, audio dramas, and animated series.
Lucasfilm announced the new series on the 24th of February 2020 during a press event. The original launch date was set for August 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic until the 5th of January 2021.
Claudia Gray and Justina Ireland were invited to Skywalker Ranch in September 2018 to develop the project initially called Project Luminous. Charles Soule, Daniel José Older, and Cavan Scott joined them to write the initial books and short stories.
The Great Disaster marked the beginning of the Nihil threat when a ship destroyed itself while traveling through hyperspace sending debris toward an entire system. This event led to attacks on Starlight Beacon and the Republic Fair involving Jedi Stellan Gios and monster hunter Ty Yorrick.
The twin planets Eiram and Eronoh were locked in war while chancellors attempted to broker peace through marriage between Princess Xiri A’lbaran of Eronoh and Prince Phan-tu Zenn of Eiram. The conflict included the Battle of Jedha where the Path conspired to attack a treaty signing in Jedha's holy city.