Star Wars: The Force Awakens – What Happened To Naboo After Return of the Jedi?

And for that matter, what happened to Naboo after Revenge of the Sith?

Naboo was one of the best realized worlds in the Star Wars Prequel trilogy, filled with interesting architecture and meaningful events to the stories of the films. However, given that the prequels were written well after the expanded universe had covered most of original trilogy and post-Return of the Jedi era, not much is known about how Naboo faired under Imperial-rule or after New Republic liberation.

Given that the new canon already has the events of the prequels at its disposal, the new Star Wars universe is free to use those elements in any way they see fit going forward. Thanks to some recent leaks from Making Star Wars, we know that about several events that happen after the death of Emperor Palpatine including the Battle of Jakku. We also know that Naboo factors into them heavily.

So, what happened to Naboo after Revenge of the Sith?

It seems like all planets under the prevue of the Republic, it fell under Imperial rule. We’re not entirely sure if it had ties to the Rebellion, but it wouldn’t be surprising if members of the planet’s government had Rebel sympathies and covertly lent the group their aid.

What happened to Naboo after Return of the Jedi?

If you recall the end of the 2004 special edition, Naboo was added to the end celebration of planets partying over the destruction of the second Death Star. In fact, if you listen closely you can hear Gungan’s screaming “Wesa free!”

Well… that wasn’t quite the case. It seems, according to rumor, that Palpatine was labeled a martyr to the point of being made a deity in order to provide some ideological stability in the Empire. As Palpatine was from Naboo, the planet was given special importance. Naboo also happened to be close to the expanding New Republic and was next in line to join their ranks.

We’re not entirely certain if the New Republic took Naboo quickly and then fended off the Empire, or spent a year fighting for the planet and then constantly fought off counter invasions. We do know, however, that in the year after the Battle of the Endor, the New Republic and the Empire apparently fought many battles for the world. Eventually, the New Republic was able to liberate the planet.

What happened after that?

As far as Naboo goes? We’re not entirely sure. Unfortunately, we don’t know much farther into the future. What we do know is that the fighting between the New Republic and the Empire intensified and eventually resulted in the climactic Battle of Jakku, which set a dubious status quo for an indeterminate amount of time.