10 Expanded Universe Creations That Star Wars 7 Could Incorporate

6. The Imperial Remnant

Let's get one thing straight here: yes, the Rebel Alliance scored a fatal blow against the Empire in Return of the Jedi, killing the Emperor and Darth Vader and destroying the second Death Star. However, the Empire is called the Galactic Empire for a reason; it spans the galaxy. The death of the Emperor would definitely have crippled it, but it would still be an entity. Presumably, Episode VII will open with a galaxy controlled by a "New Republic" led by the former Rebel Alliance. However, it would be a mistake to completely discount the Empire. It could be the enemy of the film, led by a new warlord such as Grand Admiral Thrawn. It could be an ally of the New Republic in a war against a new threat like the Yuuzhan Vong, or it could even just be referenced as being a remnant of its former self. In the comic series Star Wars: Legacy, the reemergence of the Sith leads to an alliance being forged with the Imperial Remnant. A coup is then carried out in which the Galactic Alliance (successor of the New Republic) is toppled and the Empire retakes the seat of power in the galaxy. While I doubt the filmmakers will go the route of opening with the former Rebels being Rebels once more, the much weaker but still dangerous Empire lurking in the background of galactic affairs would certainly make for some good drama.