Star Wars is set to release a brand-new book series that will finally give Padmé Amidala the respect and recognition she deserves. Padmé is undoubtedly one of Star Wars’ best characters, yet her story has been somewhat diminished in Star Wars movies and TV shows. Although Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace revealed her strength and bravery as Queen of Naboo at 14, in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and especially Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the story of her power took a backseat to her relationship with Anakin Skywalker.

However, Padmé’s legacy is so much more than being Anakin’s wife and Luke and Leia’s mother, even if Star Wars movies following the prequels failed to mention her. Now, it seems more of her political story will be told, as the franchise is releasing a series of books, Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, written by Alexander Freed. The first book in the series will focus on Padmé’s legacy and her often overlooked role in the Rebellion.

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George Lucas Cut Padmé’s Most Important Story

Initially, Padmé’s massive impact on the galaxy was going to be included in Revenge of the Sith. Specifically, the movie would have seen Padmé speaking with other senators about their rising concerns regarding Palpatine’s ever-growing power. This would have been linked to the Delegation of 2000, a group of senators and other politicians who petitioned to have Palpatine relinquish his emergency powers. Obviously, this petition didn’t work, as Palpatine not only maintained emergency powers but also turned the Republic into his Galactic Empire.

Nevertheless, this group would be the seeds of the Rebel Alliance, and Padmé having such a prominent role in the group directly links her to the beginning of the Rebellion. However, this scene was sadly cut from Revenge of the Sith, denying Padméthe recognition she deserved as one of the people who began the Rebellion. This is particularly disappointing in light of Luke and Leia’s lack of awareness about their mother and their incredible history; that her children went on to play such vital roles in a rebellion she helped to create is a beautiful but underexplored connection.

Star Wars Is Finally Showing The Rebellion’s Beginning

Even outside Padmé’s story, although that will clearly be a major focus in Reign of the Empire’s first installment, the series will also explore the beginnings of the Rebellion more broadly, particularly Mon Mothma and Bail Organa’s roles. This is especially exciting because each of these characters has so much more story to tell. In Bail Organa’s case, his relationship with the Jedi was apparent, as was his continued support of the Rebellion—after all, as Leia’s adoptive father, he clearly never lost sight of destroying the Empire.

However, Bail’s connection to the Skywalker Saga is undeniably exciting; in fact, this new series will very likely feature additional content about Leia, which will be particularly welcome following new stories about Padmé. In Mon Mothma’s case, her character and her role in the galaxy have only grown increasingly important over the years. Most recently, she appeared in Ahsoka, continuing her leadership role in the New Republic era. It will be thrilling to see what the inner workings of the Rebellion looked like through their eyes.

Padmé Will Finally Have The Legacy She Deserves

This book truly will be an amazing and well-deserved update for Padmé’s character. While many love Padmé (for good reason), the true nature of her character can at times be overlooked. Yes, she was beautiful, and her connection with Anakin was arguably one of Star Wars’ best relationships. However, Padmé really was first and foremost a politician who believed in justice, freedom, and equality. It was for this reason that she bravely questioned whether the Republic had changed and why she refused to join Anakin.

In truth, Padmé is one of Star Wars’ most honorable characters, and she has earned a story that represents that. Presumably, Anakin will still be a part of this story, as he was obviously a key part of her life then and the story of his turn to the dark side coincides with her role in establishing the Rebellion. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Star Wars’ upcoming book series, Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, will finally acknowledge Padmé Amidala’s massive impact on the galaxy.