Disney has been doing a lot of work expanding Star Wars. Through various movies, TV shows, books and comics, the studio has been adding to the legendary franchise's canon. Yet fans are still missing some beloved characters from the days before Disney owned the IP. One of those characters is Kyle Katarn, former Rebel and Jedi Master of the New Jedi Order. He was the centerpiece of many video games and books and became a fan favorite character. While there are many old characters fans would love to see back, Kyle Katarn could fit in perfectly with the story that The Mandalorian seems to be setting up.
When Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, it made much of the old Star Wars expanded universe "Legends" instead of being an actual part of the canon. They have begun to pick out the best pieces of the "Legends" material and have used it to influence some of their current content. Kyle Katarn is an excellent character that Disney could resurrect and tweak his story to fit their current canon. Many fans would love to see this old character brought back to life and involved in the current stories.
Kyle Katarn's History
Katarn originally started as a student training to join the Empire and fight against the rising Rebellion. When he discovered the Empire had staged an attacked that killed his father, he defected from the Empire and joined the Rebellion. Once enlisted, he accepted a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. His mission was a success, and the Battle of Yavin was partially won because of his efforts. Katarn worked with the Rebellion during the war and continued his service with the New Republic. Sometime after the Battle of Endor, Kyle discovered his Jedi heritage and sought the Valley of the Jedi, a place of powerful Force energy. After finding the lightsaber of an old Jedi, Katarn started his search for the Valley.
Dark Jedis were also after the Valley's power. Katarn eventually reached the Valley of the Jedi, defeating the Dark Jedis and freeing the Valley. After this, Luke Skywalker offered to train him, but Katarn feared falling to the Dark Side. He initially rejected the offer, before accepting a second invitation. Eventually, Kyle gave up being a Jedi and became a mercenary again. In time, he returned to the New Jedi Order and became a Master, teaching new Jedi and sitting on the Council.
How Kyle Katarn Fits In The Current Canon
While there are some aspects of Kyle Katarn's story that wouldn't work anymore, like stealing the Death Star plans, much of his incredible story can still work within the canon. The perfect place to introduce Katarn is in Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Clone Force 99 could meet Katarn while he is still part of the Imperial Academy and begin to show him the evil ways of the Empire. Depending on how long the show runs, they could even help him get connected with the early days of the Rebellion. This would re-introduce Katarn and give him new connections within the canon. His personality and adventurous spirit would make his character feel right at home in The Bad Batch.
It also seems like Disney is setting up something for Luke's new Jedi Academy after his appearances in The Book of Boba Fett. This is where Kyle Katarn could truly shine. Disney has a 30-year time gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, which they will fill with stories. An animated series about Luke's Jedi Academy seems like the perfect way to develop Luke and Ben Solo's stories, but it can also be a place for Kyle Katarn.
Having Kyle be part of Luke's Academy allows fans to connect with Luke through Kyle and see him more in those early years after the fall of the Empire. Kyle Katarn is the perfect vessel for viewers to see more Luke Skywalker, but also to connect with a character who has amazing stories and deep roots in Star Wars. The franchise has a proven record with telling incredible stories through animation, and Kyle Katarn could be the flagship character for a new series of outstanding animated stories. Seeing Kyle Katarn and Luke face down Dark Jedi, or a rising Sith power, or even Imperial Remanent would be something that all fans could appreciate.
Kyle Katarn was lost to the "Legends" canon when Disney bought Lucasfilm, but he is a character that many fans have sorely missed. His return to the canon could help fill the gap between the original and sequel trilogies. Placing him in The Bad Batch, or his own animated series, would please long-time fans and allow new fans to experience another fantastic Star Wars character.