New reports suggest that Marvel's planned Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker comic has been pulled from their upcoming slate and may be canceled. The tie-in comic was set to fill-in gaps from the third film of the new trilogy while adding more depth to the story and its characters.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker received a lukewarm reception upon release. Critics noted that while the film had some exciting and incredible setpieces and moments, the overall story was rushed and that there was a bevy of inconsistencies and plot points unexplained. A number of the plot holes were explained in the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker novelization and more of them were going to be brought to the forefront in a comic of the same name. However, it seems Marvel has pulled the comic from its release schedule.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker's comic tie-in by Jody Houser and Will Sliney was originally intended for a June release (which was understandably delayed following the COVID-19 outbreak). The five-issue series was teased as showcasing new "scenes and material that weren't seen in the movie." While it would be exciting to see new material to fill in some of the gaps of TROS, Bleeding Cool reports that Marvel has seemingly pulled the comic from its upcoming release schedule. Bleeding Cool's Rich Johnston reports he's heard that the series will no longer move forward at Marvel.
However, word has reached my ears from informed sources that Marvel Comics will no longer be publishing the series. Intended to begin in June, this is how the first issue was solicited. Whatever that unrevealed story or extended and deleted scenes recreated comic book form will have to wait for another day.
There hasn't been official word from Marvel Comics whether the series is canceled, but the fact that it's seemingly gone from the publisher's upcoming plans isn't the best sign. Perhaps, Marvel and Disney saw the reception of the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and it's unexplained plot holes and decided the comic medium wasn't the best way to give fans answers. Because canceling a title this big before it even hits shelves is something you don't see every day.
We'll update this story if any official announcement comes regarding the future of the miniseries. But for now, it seems those clamoring for more answers and an expanded look at Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are out of luck, at least when it comes to the comic adaptation.
Source: Bleeding Cool