These beloved Star Wars Legends stories would surely make for great live-action adaptations if handled properly.
When Disney hit the reset button on Star Wars canon in 2012, the Expanded Universe—home to some of the galaxy’s most legendary stories—was shoved into hyperspace and rebranded as « Legends. » Fans weren’t happy. After all, this was where Grand Admiral Thrawn outmaneuvered the New Republic, where Darth Bane cemented the Sith’s infamous Rule of Two, and where the Jedi clashed with the terrifying Yuuzhan Vong.
Now, luckily for many Star Wars fans, Lucasfilm has been steadily pulling Legends elements back into the fold, whether through live-action shows like Ahsoka or the ever-expanding world of comics. But while fans have seen characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn make a triumphant return, it would be an understatement to say that there’s still a galaxy’s worth of untapped potential in the Legends. From the sinister origins of the Sith in the Darth Bane trilogy to the adrenaline-fueled X-Wing series, here are some of Star Wars’ best Legend stories that deserve a live-action adaptation. 1
Death Troopers
Author: Joe Schreiber
Publication Date: October 13, 2009
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Death Troopers isn’t a typical Star Wars story—it’s a full-blown sci-fi horror novel that throws zombies into the galaxy far, far away. The chilling tale follows the crew of the Imperial prison barge « Purge », which breaks down in deep space. Desperate for supplies, they board a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer…only to unleash a nightmarish virus that turns the dead into relentless, flesh-hungry monsters.
With Death Troopers, Star Wars took a bold step into the horror genre, delivering gruesome thrills and a uniquely eerie atmosphere. And with the Blackwing virus now canon thanks to Star Wars Commander, the potential for a live-action adaptation or comic series is tantalizing. A Star Wars horror film? Yes, please. The blend of isolation, survival, and pure terror could offer a fresh, spine-chilling take on the franchise—one that fans of both Star Wars and horror would devour. 2
Republic Commando
Developer: LucasArts
Release Dates: March 4, 2005
Genre: Tactical shooter, first-person shooter
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
The Star Wars: Republic Commando series is a military first-person shooter video game at its finest. Spanning five novels, the series shifts the focus away from Jedi and Sith, instead diving into the lives of Republic Commandos—elite clone troopers bred for battle. Traviss masterfully explains how these aren’t just nameless soldiers; they’re individuals grappling with identity, loyalty, and a war they had no choice in fighting.
Appreciated for its realistic portrayal of military life and deep character development, the series provides a nuanced, boots-on-the-ground perspective of the Clone Wars. This is why a live-action adaptation could finally do justice to the clones’ harrowing experiences, offering a raw, emotionally charged look at the war that reshaped the galaxy. 3
X-Wing Series
Authors: Michael A. Stackpole, Aaron Allston
First Book Publish Date: 1996 (for Rogue Squadron)
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
The Star Wars: X-Wing series delivers some of the best starfighter action in Star Wars lore, putting the spotlight on the daring pilots of Rogue Squadron and Wraith Squadron. These ten novels go beyond the Jedi and Sith, offering a boots-on-the-ground (or rather, ships-in-the-air) perspective on the Galactic Civil War. From intense dogfights to deep character development, the series perfectly blends military strategy with humor, camaraderie, and high-stakes missions.
A live-action adaptation could finally bring these exhilarating space battles to life while giving unsung heroes like Wedge Antilles the spotlight they deserve.
