Even though the news of the Star Wars making Revan canon through the Shadow of the Sith novel opens up a world of potential for the character to return.
Darth Revan was introduced in 2003’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game from BioWare. They have since become one of the most iconic Star Wars characters, with the original KOTOR being considered one of the finest Star Wars games of all time. Fans have been looking forward to seeing the character return to canon after the Disney buy-out in 2012, which reset Star Wars continuity and made much of the original Expanded Universe - including Revan - no longer a part of the canon Star Wars timeline. After a minor reference in the visual dictionary for Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Shadow of the Sith has acknowledged Revan as an ancient Sith Lord in the new canon, but many fans would’ve undoubtedly preferred to see the character return in a game.
While the disappointment players have of not being able to create their own Revan is sorely felt, the potential for the character to appear in other mediums is higher now, which can be just as exciting. Shadow of the Sith proves Disney is willing to have the character appear in novel form, so this opens the door to graphic novels and comics. It’s also possible the character may remain in the realm of games; the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor could acknowledge Darth Revan as Cal Kestis explores ancient temples, for instance.
Darth Revan Is Canon, But KOTOR Might Not Be
One of the big question marks surrounding the Knights of the Old Republic remake is whether or not it will be canon. Current indication is that no, it won't be, but Revan's inclusion in Shadow of the Sith may provide evidence to the contrary. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to the character appearing exactly as he did in KOTOR, however, is The High Republic - a new publishing initiative that has focused on the Jedi's golden years a few hundred years before the events of the Skywalker Saga. KOTOR took place thousands of years before the events of the films, by comparison, and featured more advanced technology. It's possible that the new canon could yet explain why Old Republic technology disappeared before the High Republic era, but that could get convoluted pretty quickly. Players will also get to explore the High Republic in Star Wars Eclipse.
It is still possible for the Knights of the Old Republic remake to see the light of day, as although it's been delayed indefinitely, the fact it wasn't outright canceled means that Aspyr still has time to right the ship. Unfortunately, though, that day is likely far, far away. In the meantime, fans can check out Shadow of the Sith and look forward to the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which may feature an ancient evil of its own.
