Disney has revealed a new Star Wars novel, titled The Princess and the Scoundrel, will tell the complete story of the wedding and honeymoon of Princess Leia and Han Solo. And even more surprisingly, it's confirmed that their honeymoon takes place on Halycron, the titular Galactic Starcruiser at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Walt Disney World Florida.
Galactic Starcruiser, an immersive luxury hotel at Disney World, is intended to allow guests to live out their own Star Wars adventure. It's an ambitious undertaking, filled with devoted actors and effects technicians. And now that an official Star Wars plot line is tied to it, the most devoted fans may be even more eager to visit the hotel.
Beth Revis, the writer of The Princess and the Scoundrel, stated that she watched The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on repeat to fully tap into this iconic relationship. It is one of the most fascinating arcs in Star Wars, as Han and Leia start out as reluctant colleagues, only to realize they're soul mates. If Revis succeeds, she could provide a fulfilling epilogue to the finest romance in Star Wars.
On the other hand, it's easy to wonder if this reveal will excite anybody. The Galactic Starcruiser experience at Disney World has received hideous reviews, with guests alleging it's far too expensive and amounts to nothing more than some Star Wars-themed dinner theater. It's going to take more than a new Star Wars plot point to fix these issues, especially when the resort is already filled with much more appealing rides and attractions.
As for the book itself, the Expanded Universe has been in a rough spot for some time. Many fans loved the countless EU novels released from the '80s up to the early 2010s, with some devotees holding it as their favorite Star Wars media. But Disney has since declared all of them not canon, deciding starting over from scratch. While that was a necessary evil for the new movies to exist, the EU fans are still upset about this, and none of the new books are nearly as acclaimed as classics like Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire.
With both Galaxy's Edge and the Expanded Universe in an identity crisis, perhaps The Princess and the Scoundrel could do them both some favors. Could this turn out a sweet and satisfying chapter in Star Wars lore, or possibly connect the fans even closer to this universe? Only time will tell.
Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel will arrive at bookstores on August 16th, 2022.
Source: StarWars.com