What was once a sparsely explored era of its universe outside of novels and comics has now become a common playground for newer shows and games likeStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The period of time between Order 66 and the beginning of the original movie has become critically important and engaging, with fan-favorite projects likeThe Mandalorianand the aforementionedStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. While many of the recentStar Warsmedia has focused on other parties than the Jedi, there were still many who had survived the purge and were players both major and minor in the fight against the Empire.
Cal Kestis stands apart from most of the others in a few major ways. ExpandedStar Warsmedia has been tackling the “dark time” after Order 66 a lot lately.Clone Warspaved the way toRebelsand the more recentBad Batch, and games as far back asForce Unleashedhave used the era as a nearly blank slate to tell new stories. The Jedi always have a critical part in the greater narrative, but during this period, they’re either operating as stealthily as possible or serving as guardians of the next generation. Agood example is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and whether the upcoming show will have him taking a more prominent role or largely stay on Tattooine to protect the young Luke.
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Cal Kestis' Role in Star Wars as a Whole
Cal’s story inFallen Orderbegins on a familiar note, as he hides on the junkyard planet of Braca. The young Jedi had yet to complete his training before his master’s death at the hands of the Empire. Despite his attempts to hide away that part of his life, fate intervenes and Cal is quickly embroiled in conflict with the Empire. Since it’s likely he will return asthe main protagonist ofFallen Order 2, it’s likely that his exploits will only grow in importance. The first game’s events had Cal in direct conflict with the Empire, but in the grand scheme of things his mission went largely under the radar.
An important comparison can be made between Cal andAhsoka Tano ofClone Warsfame. Ahsoka lived through Order 66 and lived for a time in hiding much like Cal Kestis. Again, fate drew Ahsoka back into the fray and she would play a large role in the early Rebellion as seen in theRebelsanimated series. This mirrors Cal’s journey to an extent, but fans have yet to see him step into the kind of leadership roles that Ahsoka has filled. The ending ofFallen Orderhas left the doors wide open for any kind of adventure for its sequel, but it’s unlikely that Cal’s journey would narrow in scope.
Ahsoka also appears later in the overall canon withThe Mandalorian, and it’s likely that Cal could do much the same. It’s worth noting thatCal’s journey may end much likeRogue Oneconsidering the young Jedi isn’t around during any B.B.Y. canon. That being said, there’s plenty of room in the slate of otherStar Warsprojects on the way and the game has already been referenced when the titular clone squadron visits Braca inThe Bad Batch. This puts Cal in a unique position compared to other Jedi of his time that were largely separated from the rest of the galaxy like Yoda and Obi-Wan.
While many projects are embracing the other characters, Jedi will likely always have a prominent role to play inStar Wars. Exploring an era where the Jedi are in relative decline has been refreshing for many fans, and that was part of what madeFallen Orderso successful. While there are definite comparisons between him and the other Jedi of his era, Cal’s journey is somewhat unique.
He is simultaneously keeping a low profile while impacting the overall narrative in a big way. Destroying the Holocron at the end ofFallen Orderhas specifically long-reaching implications. Hopefully his role will be further defined in a wayall fans can enjoy inFallen Order 2, and it will be interesting to see how the comparisons to other Jedi change once Ahsoka and Obi-Wan each have their solo shows debut.
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order 2isn’t confirmed to be in development.
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