The Timeline of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Introduction

The question of the timeline for The Force Awakens has sparked much debate among fans, with many trying to place these events accurately within the broader Star Wars universe. While there are various pieces of information from the movies and behind-the-scenes commentary, pinpointing the exact year is a complex task. In this article, we explore the different approaches to determining the timeline for The Force Awakens.

The Official Timeline

According to official sources, the events of The Force Awakens take place approximately 30 years after the Return of the Jedi, or 34 years after the Battle of Yavin. However, this is not set in stone, and different dates have been suggested based on the movie's narrative and the broader Star Wars canon.

Given the Timeline

If we assume the movie takes place 30 years after the Return of the Jedi, this would place the story around the year 34 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) in the classical Star Wars timeline. This timeline is consistent with the events leading up to The Force Awakens, as we see many familiar locations and technologies that have remained relatively unchanged.

Movie Release Date and Canon

Alternatively, if we consider the release dates of the Star Wars movies, we can calculate a timeline based on the time between the release of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) and The Force Awakens (2015). This would give us a timeline of about 32 years, suggesting that The Force Awakens could be set in 36 ABY.

The Star Wars Canon and Travel Times

The Star Wars universe is vast, and travel times between star systems via hyperspace are a crucial element that complicates determining the timeline. In fact, the movies themselves do not provide specific timelines, and fans often have to piece together information from other sources, such as the Expanded Universe, which is now known simply as Star Wars Legends.

Timeline Discrepancies

One significant issue is the duration of Luke’s training with Yoda and the time it took for Han Solo to travel to different planets. For example, the time taken to travel from Tatooine to Alderaan, given the speed of spacecraft, would have been a few days at most. Similarly, the time it took for Han Solo and Chewbacca to study at the Smuggler's Academy would have been relatively short.

Continuity Challenges

Another complicating factor is the continuity between the movies and the Expanded Universe. The events of The Force Awakens diverge from the Expanded Universe canon, now known as Star Wars Legends, but align with the new canon established by the movies.

Conclusion

While the timeline for The Force Awakens is a point of contention among fans, the most reliable source remains the official Star Wars timeline. The movie's timeframe is approximately 30 years after the Return of the Jedi, or 34 years after the Battle of Yavin. This timeline ensures consistency with the established Star Wars universe and the cultural heritage of the franchise.