The original Star Wars trilogy remains the most compelling story in the entire franchise, but several convincing theories radically change the context of the first three films. Fan theories have been part of the Star Wars experience ever since The Empire Strikes Back was first announced, allowing audiences to build anticipation for the next release and speculate on what could happen next. Theorizing is still a crucial aspect of the Star Wars franchise, giving viewers new ideas to consider that change how the movies are perceived on rewatch. Even if a theory doesn't come true, it can still spark intellectual debate and shape the franchise in one way or another.
Some Star Wars fan theories eventually came true in the movies and TV shows, even the ones that seemed completely outlandish. From characters surviving their apparent deaths, the best heroes being related to the worst villains, or rebellion victories actually being an inside job, many popular Star Wars fan theories have made their way into the official canon – often as a new generation of writers has emerged from parts of the fandom who loved the theories. Whether these revelations are good or bad is for audiences to decide, but there's no question that theories have the power to change how audiences see the Star Wars franchise. With that in mind, here are eight of the most compelling Star Wars theories that completely change the original trilogy.
