Galactic Empire (Star Wars) Galactic Empire (Star Wars) The Galactic Empire is a fictional autocracy featured in the "Star Wars" franchise. It was first introduced in the 1977 film "Star Wars" and also appears in its two sequels: "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return of the Jedi" (1983) and is the main antagonist faction of the original trilogy. By the time of the sequel trilogy, which starts three decades following the events of the original trilogy, the government has since collapsed and has been succeeded by the First Order. The Empire's origins are depicted in the prequel "" (2005), where it replaces the
Star Wars sequel trilogy discovery for the audience". Much of the old expanded universe content would continue to be available under the "Star Wars: Legends" brand, which was created to brand the non-canonical works of the franchise. Only "Episodes I-VI" would remain canon to the franchise, along "The Clone Wars" animated film and series. Everything produced after the announcement, would also be considered remain canon. The first film in the sequel trilogy was titled "Episode VII: The Force Awakens" and written by Lucas co-writer on two sequels in the original trilogy Lawrence Kasdan, along J.J. Abrams, who also directed it. As noted by Lucas