Interviews
It is estimated that there are more than 125 million Star Wars® books in print. Why do you think there is such a strong connection between the movie storyline and fans wanting to explore it through book format?
Ryder Windham: Star Wars® movies present countless things and background characters that are never identified by name or explained in any detail. Fans are naturally curious about all those things, so they look to the books for information.
Adam Bray: One of the beauties of Star Wars® is that George Lucas created a “used universe.” Every character, location, or piece of technology we see lends itself to a rich backstory, without actually telling us what that history may be. Books give fans of Star Wars® a place and time to explore these wonderful tales that aren't fleshed out in the movies or TV shows.
Tricia Barr: When you're watching the movies, it is apparent that the Star Wars® galaxy encompasses an incredible amount of world-building, from the details on the costumes to dialogue that references planets, places, people, and events. Books allow fans to stop and linger on those interesting morsels, and then go back and enjoy the movie even more the next time around.
Daniel Wallace: The Star Wars® universe is one of the most interesting, evocative fictional universes ever created. It goes all the way back to the original movie in 1977, when Luke enters the Cantina. Who are all these aliens and what planets do they come from? The movie doesn't say, but creates just enough interest for fans to want to learn more. That's where books come in, filling in the gaps in the galaxy far, far away and giving fans the opportunity to discover at their own pace.
How do you think fans will react to the book's foreword written by See-Threepiohimself, actor Anthony Daniels?
RW: It was my idea to have Anthony write the foreword because I knew the fans would enjoy his contribution. We met over 20 years ago, when I asked him to write the introduction for a collected edition of Droids stories published by Dark Horse Comics, and we subsequently collaborated on a script for a Droids comic. He's a talented writer as well as an actor, also a good friend.
AB:See-Threepio and Artoo-Detoo are the only two characters to appear in all six films (and also both The Clone Wars? and Star WarsRebels?), apart from the duplicitous Anakin/Vader. It could be argued that they represent Star Wars® more than any other personalities. Anthony Daniels has become an ambassador for Star Wars® off-screen through the generosity of his time. His foreword bestows a landmark quality to this book that all fans will immediately appreciate.
TB: I had a chance to interview Anthony Daniels in Seattle recently and we talked about his long history with Star Wars® and its fans. Even in discussion his eloquence and intelligence shine through. Mr. Daniels has the utmost respect for fans and their passion for the franchise; undoubtedly that will shine through in his foreword.
DW: It's an honor to have Anthony Daniels provide the foreword. Not only has he played See-Threepio in all six movies to date as well as the upcoming The Force Awakens, but he has been hugely involved with conventions and fandom gatherings for years. Anthony is in many ways the heart and soul of Star Wars® .
