The architecture on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s shadowy Sith world of Exegol was initially meant to be much more reminiscent of Sith temples from the old Star Wars Extended Universe, as revealed by newly released concept art. The planet’s final iteration expanded the canon mythos of the Sith in various ways, several of which were inspired by previously established lore.
The history and nature of the Sith was built up significantly in the various books, comics, and video games of the EU – now “Star Wars Legends” – and it’s interesting to see how that no-longer-canon legacy played into the design of Exegol’s own Sith structures. The Rise of Skywalker re-canonized some popular elements of that history, including noted Sith Lords Darth Revan and Darth Bane. Sidious’s resurrection on Exegol and the nature of his work there also harkens back to plotlines from the Legends timeline, though much of it is new to the Disney version.
On Friday, Lucasfilm creative art manager Phil Szostak tweeted a stunning piece of early concept art for Exegol, drawn by artist Benjamin Last. The art shows Kylo Ren with lightsaber ignited, walking down a dark path lined with massive Sith statues, with a different temple in the background. The temple closely resembles the design of Sith temples from Legends, like the temple of Exar Kun on Yavin 4 (seen above), which plays a significant role in the old storylines of the ancient Sith wars. The twin-peaked, bisected pyramid look is particularly striking and features in both.
The concept art is a fun glimpse into what might have been for fans of the old canon. The additions made in Legends to the Sith and their history were some of the Expanded Universe’s most beloved stories. Their erasure from the canon was one of the biggest frustrations for many when Disney announced their new timeline. The references to Revan and Bane in The Rise of Skywalker offer more of those Legends stories to be made canon in the future – perhaps through some new, official content set during the Old Republic.
For some other fans, however, the inclusion of Expanded Universe plot points in The Rise of Skywalker – like Palpatine’s resurrection – is seen as hindrances to the film’s success. The final film in the Skywalker Saga has drawn significant criticism for a rushed and convoluted conclusion related to Palpatine and his Sith Eternal cult. Perhaps one day, some more of the old Sith lore can be resurrected in a way that satisfies all Star Wars fans. Until then, this concept art is a fun look into another world.
Source: Phil Szostak