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
Journey to Star Wars 2017. Three novels and a comic book miniseries related to the second sequel film, "The Last Jedi", were announced at the "Star Wars" Celebration in April 2017. Multiple other publications were announced under Journey to "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2017. "Aftermath" is set shortly after the 1983 film "Return of the Jedi" and deals with the consequences of the deaths of Palpatine and Darth Vader, as well as the power vacuum formed in the Empire's rule over the galaxy and the actions of the Rebellion during the following months. The trilogy begins