The Origins and Naming of Starkiller Base in Star Wars

When diving into the rich narrative tapestry of the Star Wars universe, one often encounters questions surrounding the name of various locations and characters. Notably, many fans have wondered whether Starkiller Base, the fearsome superweapon from The Force Awakens, was named after Darth Vader's secret apprentice, Starkiller, from the Star Wars Legends canon. However, the answer is more nuanced than it might initially appear. Let's explore the names and origins of Starkiller Base and its namesake.

Starkiller Base and Star Wars Legends

It is indeed widely believed that Starkiller Base and the story of Starkiller, the apprentice to Darth Vader, come from separate canons. Starkiller and his entire saga are part of what is now known as Star Wars Legends. All material originating from this canon was considered official until it was later removed when the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm. Thus, Starkiller Base, which is firmly established within the current Star Wars canon, cannot be connected to Vaders secret apprentice, as he never existed in this particular timeline.

The Aetiology of the Name "Starkiller"

So where did the name "Starkiller" come from? Interestingly, the idea that Starkiller Base is named after the original Luke Skywalker, who had the surname Starkiller, might hold some truth. This theory is based on early drafts of the Star Wars saga, where Luke's last name was indeed Starkiller. The name carried a certain significance, not only for its historical context but also for the character's ability to "kill stars," a play on words reflecting the superweapon's destructive power.

However, it is important to note that the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed games, which featured the character Galen Marek (commonly known as Starkiller), are no longer considered part of the main canon following the acquisition by Disney. This raises the question: Does the name "Starkiller" still hold the same weight in the current narrative framework?

Out of Universe and In-Universe Considerations

Out of universe, the name "Starkiller" can be traced back to early drafts of the original Star Wars films. It was originally intended for the hero, meaning the name carries a deep-rooted meaning in the saga's origins. Within the in-universe narrative, the name is still a little debated. Some argue that the name was chosen to be a homage to the original concept, while others believe that within the new canon, the name might not have been at the forefront of the writers' minds.

Moreover, while it is not impossible that Starkiller Base was named for the character Galen Marek, there is a reasonable argument that the writers might not have had the character in mind when naming the superweapon. The decision was likely a nod to the rich history of the Star Wars story rather than a direct homage to a specific character.

Conclusion

The origins of the name "Starkiller" in Star Wars are multifaceted, blending historical significance, in-universe narrative, and out-of-universe storytelling. Whether the name was chosen to honor the original Luke Skywalker, or for other reasons, it remains an intriguing part of the Star Wars legacy. As fans continue to explore the depths of the saga, such questions are bound to arise, adding to the intricate and captivating nature of the Star Wars universe.