Star Wars: Episode VII Had A Different Title

It’s learned that there was a different title for Star Wars: The Force Awakens at one time.

Pablo Hidalgo, an executive for LucasFilm whose job it is to keep track of the Star Wars canon, let it be known on Twitter that for a while Star Wars: Episode VII had the title “Shadow of the Empire.”

@justinlasalata for longest time, the TFA title was the same as an old novel. Thankfully it changed. 🙂 With so many books, it’s inevitable

— Pablo Hidalgo (@pablohidalgo) December 25, 2015

@VegaArts_ @justinlasalata it was Shadow (singular) of the Empire for a while.

— Pablo Hidalgo (@pablohidalgo) December 25, 2015

Hidalgo is referring to the 1996 novel, comic and video game series, “Shadows of the Empire.” Here’s the description from Amazon (note: none of the books, etc. are canon):

Between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the galaxy was plunged into the shadows . . .
STAR WARS(c) : SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE v
The minds behind the Star Wars galaxy have created a phenomenon of epic proportions, designed to unfold in nearly every medium at their disposal. This intensely researched volume guides you through this Star Wars event–as its creators reveal the secrets behind the multimedia release of the year. The tendrils of this dark drama will reach throughout the Star Wars galaxy:
–The evil crimelord Xizor challenges the power of Darth Vader in an exciting new novel of Imperial intrigue.
–Leia, Lando, and Dash Rendar launch an all-out attempt to rescue Han Solo in a state-of-the-art Nintendo video game.
–Xizor’s agents search the galaxy for Luke Skywalker in the taut comic book mini-series. Their mission: kill the son of Vader.
–The secrets of the Imperial homeworld are revealed in brilliantly painted trading cards.
–A fully orchestrated soundtrack and exciting new Star Wars action figures embellish the adventure.
STAR WARS: THE SECRETS OF SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE provides the official guide to the heroes, the villains, and all the major combatants.
When this war is over, only one will control the Empire’s violent
underworld. . . .

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