20 Years Later, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Officially Returns With New Release

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As a huge Star Wars fan, I was really excited to see Sideshow Collectibles celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire! They just unveiled a new Luke Skywalker figure based on how he looked in the Shadows of the Empire novel, and it looks fantastic.

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire was a special project in Star Wars history. It was created in 1996 because the release of Star Wars: Episode I was delayed. To keep fans engaged, the creators acted as if a new movie had come out, and produced a novel, comic book, and video game. The story takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

This story takes place during a previously unknown year in Luke Skywalker’s journey, a time when he’s grappling with the shocking truth about Darth Vader being his father. He’s also still working to become a Jedi and construct a new lightsaber. Meanwhile, his friend Han Solo has been captured, and Luke, along with Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca, must rescue him.

This Hot Toys figure portrays Luke Skywalker during a lesser-known time in his journey. Check out some preview images below.

Hot Toys Brings Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Luke Skywalker To Life

This Luke Skywalker figure from Sideshow is highly detailed, featuring a sculpted head with eyes that can move to create different looks. It also includes a realistic hairstyle and skin texture. Collectors can customize the figure’s pose with a variety of interchangeable hands, designed for using the Force, wielding a lightsaber, or holding a blaster.

Luke Skywalker’s outfit from Shadows of the Empire is incredibly detailed and well-made. It includes his classic cream-colored, cushioned vest worn over a black, collared shirt, along with black pants and boots that look and feel like leather. To complete the look, he has two utility belts: one black with cream pouches and a lightsaber holder, and another brown with similar features. This allows collectors to change up his style with different belt options.

The Luke Skywalker figure from Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire includes several extras. These accessories are a DL-18 blaster pistol, two lightsaber hilts (one of which lights up with an LED), and two different hands – a standard pair and a set posed for action. It also comes with a figure stand featuring the Star Wars logo and the character’s name.

Shadows of the Empire Holds a Special Place in Star Wars History

Released in 1996, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire was a major multimedia event, featuring a novel, comic book series, and accompanying soundtrack. However, the story is no longer considered official Star Wars canon, and its significant plot points have been removed from the timeline.

Del Rey recently re-released Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, resulting in a new paperback cover and the first-ever complete audiobook version.

You can now find Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire as a paperback book, ebook, or audiobook. Also, pre-orders are open for the Luke Skywalker collectible figure from Shadows of the Empire by Hot Toys, with shipping planned for June 2027.

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2026-05-19 01:15