Does Earth Exist In Star Wars?

Set in a galaxy far, far away, one common debate among fans is whether Earth is in Star Wars. While Earth does not exist in Star Wars canon today, this was not always the case. In fact, Star Wars has included Earth in a number of stories. From its earliest reference in a 1978 public service announcement to the latest Simpsons crossover in 2023, we answer the popular question: does Earth exist in Star Wars?

Does Earth Exist In Star Wars?

To date, Earth has never appeared in a canon Star Wars movie or television show. While it may continue to appear in non-canon materials, it seems unlikely that this will appear in canon stories.

However, it has appeared in a number of other Star Wars stories, most commonly books, comics, and games. These Expanded Universe stories are now part of the Legends continuity.

Within the current canon, Earth does not exist in Star Wars. However, it does appear in two non-canon crossover shorts from The Simpsons.

Within the Legends continuity, Earth did exist in the Star Wars universe for a time. It appeared in both continuity-canon (C-canon) and non-canon stories.

Is Earth In Star Wars?

While Earth is not canon in Star Wars, it has appeared several times. Within the Legends continuity, Earth appeared in both canon and non-canon materials. Since the canon reset in 2014, Earth has appeared in two non-canon Star Wars crossover shorts.

Here are all of the Star Wars stories where Earth appears or is referenced:

Star Wars Immunization PSA (1978)

Lucasfilm released a public service announcement (PSA) for immunizations in 1978. The PSA featured Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and Kenny Baker as R2-D2, reprising their roles from the original Star Wars.

Often called the “Parents of Earth” PSA, it was created in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

In the PSA, R2-D2 suspects he is coming down with whooping cough. C-3PO says that Artoo is being silly but remarks that so many children are not immunized.

Threepoo then recommends that the parents of Earth call their doctor to check their children are immunized against whoooping cough, measles, and polio.

Although this PSA could be used to claim that Earth is in Star Wars, it was considered non-canon when first released. It is now considered part of the Legends continuity.

However, the Legends continuity does not always distinguish between canon and non-canon. Still, it seems likely the ad remains non-canon, even if not explicitly stated as such.

The Star Wars Intergalactic Passport (1983)

Released by Ballantine Books on June 12, 1983, The Star Wars Intergalactic Passport was a mock passport and activity book. The passport allowed you to “travel” to popular locations from the original trilogy.

The book included a section where you could add your name, birthday, home planet, galaxy, photo, and more. You could also check whether you are an X-Wing fighter pilot.

Then there were several visa entry pages, similar to real passports. There were also sticker pages with visa “stamps” from popular Star Wars locations, ships, and authorities. Visa stamps included:

• Bespin Port of Cloud City
• Permit Issued by Authority of His Majesty The Emperor
• Endor Port of Entry
• Hoth Port of Entry
• Hutt Palace Port of Entry
• Dagobah Port of Entry
• Permit to Board the Millennium Falcon
• Alderaan Port of Entry
• Death Star Port of Entry
• Mos Eisley Port of Entry
• Permit to Board the Star Destroyer Executor
• Tatooine Port of Entry
• Dantooine Port of Entry

The first page of the passport noted that it was not valid for international travel on Earth. This was most likely a legal requirement to prevent people from using this as an official government document. 

Released during a time when Star Wars canon was not as closely tracked as today, the passport was originally considered canon. Although only mentioned, this effectively canonized Earth in Star Wars at the time.

Since 2014, the Intergalactic Passport has been considered Star Wars Legends.

Etsy seller Star Wars Group has several photos of the inside of the book, including the notice about Earth, the personal information page, and the visa stickers.

The Adventures of Teebo: A Tale of Magic and Suspense (1984)

The children’s book The Adventures of Teebo: A Tale of Magic and Suspense is often inaccurately included in lists of Star Wars stories that include Earth.

The erroneous inclusion is likely because the book contains the words “earth” and “earthen” twice each. Earth always refers to dirt or soil, while earthen refers to things made from earth. All four words are written in lowercase. None are references to our planet Earth.

The story involves Duloks raiding the Ewok village. A brave little Ewok named Teebo goes on an adventure to save his younger sister, Milani, and other little Ewoks.

First published by Random House on April 12, 1984, it was written and illustrated by Joe Johnston. Johnston worked at Lucasfilm as a concept artist and effects technician during the Original Trilogy. He is notably one of the co-creators of Boba Fett.

It was the first original book published after Return of the Jedi. The Adventures of Teebo introduces many creatures and characters that later appeared in the Ewoks cartoon and live-action movies. These include the Duloks, the mantigrue, and the Yuzzums.

The book is available for purchase from some booksellers or to borrow from some libraries. The Internet Archive has the book available to borrow for free. References to earth are on pages 27 and 36, while references to earthen appear on 28 and 32.

Aliens Kidnapped by Humans Short Story (1993)

We have all heard about alien abduction stories. But who would have thought the aliens doing the abductions would be us? 

However, that is exactly what happens in one short story from the 1993 non-canon reference book Monsters and Aliens from George Lucas by Bob Carrau. 

The book mixes biographical information about the aliens and creatures in the Star Wars Universe with supposed in-universe short stories.

Presented as a galactic tabloid, similar to our supermarket tabloids. The headline reads: “Aliens Kidnapped by Humans.” The subheading is “Honeymoon takes interplanetary turn.”

Attributed to Trebor Uarrac of Galactic Gossip, the story recounts the tale of two newlywed Duros named Etro and Droza Edthatt. The couple was supposedly abducted by human beings while returning from their honeymoon.

The Edthatts were then taken to a planet called Urthha, where they were subjected to something called a “party” and later played “a professional level game of Twister.” Etro and Droza had a few more experiences before being put in a “blender” and transported back home. 

While obviously a satyrical parody, it does reference Earth in the Star Wars universe. Although never canon, the book shows the more playful side of Star Wars that existed in the 1980s and early 90s.

Also included are mock personal ads, training routines, sheet music, recipes, and much more.

The book is available to borrow from some libraries or buy from some booksellers. You can also borrow the book from The Internet Archive. The story begins on page 18 of that edition.

Star Wars: Yoda Stories (1997)

Star Wars: Yoda Stories is a 1997 video game released for Windows PCs. A Nintendo Game Boy Color version came out in 1999.

It is the second and final game in the LucasArts’ Desktop Adventures series.

While Earth is not in Star Wars: Yoda Stories gameplay, “earthbound players” are referenced in the game booklet. 

NOTE: Star Wars takes place in “a galaxy far, far away: filled with items, tools, and valuables unfamiliar to earthbound players. Gradually you will learn which items are tools, which are keys, and which are valuable to some and junk to others. Part of the fun of playing is learning the details of the Star Wars universe.

The game is notable for not featuring a singular storyline. Instead, Yoda sends you on missions in a randomly selected order.

Playing as Luke Skywalker, you help Chewbacca and Han Solo, fight against the Empire and Darth Vader, and encounter Ewoks, Jabba the Hutt, and more.

In order to complete each mission you have to find keys, items, and tools to aid in your goal. You also have to find Obi-Wan Kenobi to obtain Force powers. 

The Windows and Game Boy versions were identical. However, the Windows game allowed you to repeat missions to level up your Force powers. 

You could only play the missions once in the Nintendo version. It was also noticeably more difficult to move your character around than in the Windows game.

Despite 15 separate missions, the gameplay was criticized for being repetitive.

Even when first released, the game was considered non-canon. Lucasfilm’s Leland Chee said the game was “made purely for fun: and not meant to fit within Star Wars canon. 

In 2014, Yoda Stories moved to the Legends timeline. While not expressly stated, it is likely still considered non-canon in that timeline.

Star Wars: Jar Jar’s Journey Adventure Book (1999)

Star Wars: Jar Jar’s Journey Adventure Book is a Lucas Learning game released in 1999. Meant for children ages four and up, it loosely retells the story of The Phantom Menace.

It uses games, puzzles, and songs to help teach kids basic reading and computer skills. You play as Jar Jar Binks, Queen Amidala, R2-D2, Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, and more.

Included in most lists of Star Wars stories that reference Earth, it is an indirect reference at best. The story does not mention Earth in any way.

However, it does include several common Earth foods. These include chicken, apples, corn, watermelon, and donuts.

Although these could appear in Star Wars, they are likely a reference to Earth foods most kids would know. And since the game is meant for young children, this makes sense. 

As with the Yoda Stories, it is possible that the game booklet or instruction manual references Earth or Earthlings. Despite an exhaustive search, we could not locate the manual for the game.

As a partial retelling of the movie, it seems unlikely that the game was canon when it first came out. Best case, it was S-canon, or secondary canon. However, it could have been non-canon as well.

Since 2014, Jar Jar’s Journey Adventure Book has been part of the Legends universe.

Indiana Jones Crossover in Star Wars Tales 19 (2004)

Although mentioned before, the first appearance of Earth in Star Wars is in the comic short story “Into the Great Unknown.” The story appears in the Dark Horse Comics Star Wars Tales 19.

Set sometime between 9 and 19 ABY, Han Solo and Chewbacca crashland on Earth in the Pacific Northwest area of North America. After the crash, Han Solo is killed in a conflict with the indigenous peoples of the area. 

More than a century later, Indiana Jones and Short Round find Solo’s skeleton while investigating the mythical Bigfoot. Also known as Sasquatch, Bigfoot is actually Chewbacca. 

The story seemingly proves that Earth does exist in Star Wars. And some fans continue to use this story to claim that Earth is in the Star Wars universe.

Except there is one small catch. The story was never canon, even when first released. Released on May 14, 2004, it was more of a fun “what if” story.

Since Harrison Ford played both Han Solo and Indiana Jones, the story pulls elements from both franchises.

In 2005, Star Wars Tales 19 was collected in the trade paperback Star Wars Tales Volume 5. In 2014, the story became part of the Star Wars Legends universe.

The comic story is available to purchase or read with a subscription on most comic book apps. It is also available to borrow for free from The Internet Archive. The story begins on page 155 in that edition.

Star Tours: The Adventure Continues (2011)

Star Tours: The Adventure Continues was considered canon when it first opened on May 20, 2011. Also called Star Tours 2 or Star Tours 3-D, it is the sequel to the original 1987 attraction.

It included Earth in the Star Wars universe in three main ways.

First, Earth is included in the opening crawl in the third paragraph:

Star Tours is about to open its first intergalactic space terminal in the Earth System as rumors of a fearsome weapon of mass destruction dash all hope for peace and freedom in the galaxy…

While the crawl only appeared at the grand opening ceremony, it establishes that Earth existed in Star Wars. 

Second, the Disneyland website used a popular NASA photo called “The Blue Marble” to promote the new experience. The photo is of Earth from outer space.

Although Disney used the updated 2002 version, the Apollo 17 crew took the first version on December 7, 1972.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, guests board Star Tours from Earth. Wild, right? Since we live on Earth and Star Tours was canon, obviously, Earth has to exist in Star Wars.

But there was a problem.

Star Tours: The Adventure Continues takes place in 1 BBY but shows an Imperial invasion on Hoth. The Battle of Hoth seen in The Empire Strikes Back takes place in 2 ABY, three years later. Which is kind of confusing.

Initially, Lucasfilm used the 1993 quasi-canon video game Rebel Assualt to make the Hoth segment fit. The game features a different Hoth battle set in 0 BBY, shortly before the events of A New Hope.

But when Lucasfilm reset the canon timeline in 2014, Rebel Assualt and Star Tours: The Adventure Continues both became Legends. So, once again, Earth did not exist in Star Wars.

White House Death Star Petition (2013)

Perhaps the most unlikely reference to Earth existing in Star Wars relates to 2012 White House We the People petition. Created on November 14, 2012, “John D” of Longmont, CO petitioned to create a working Death Star by 2016. It read:

By focusing our defense resources into a space-superiority platform and weapon system such as a Death Star, the government can spur job creation in the fields of construction, engineering, space exploration, and more, and strengthen our national defense.

At that time, officials would respond to any petition that got more than 25,000 signatures within 30 days.

The Death Star petition reached 25,000 signatures on December 13, 2012, just under the 30 day limit. By January 11, 2013, it had 34,435 total signatures. 

The White House closed the petition on January 11th or 12th of 2013. Chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget, Paul Shawcross posted the official but tongue-in-cheek response.

Shawcross denied the petition, citing the $852 quadrillion cost and design flaws “that can be exploited by a one-man starship.”

Riffing on the official White House response, the Galactic Empire Public Relations department posted a reply on January 15, 2013.

In the non-canon article on StarWars.com, they used the decision to confirm the “overwhelming military superiority” of the Empire. 

Admiral Conan Motti denied the claims of any design flaws, stating, “Any attacks made upon such a station — should one ever be built — would be a useless gesture.”

Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin is also quoted as saying, “Such destructive power can only be wielded to protect and defend by so enlightened a leader as Emperor Palpatine.”

The post also jokes that Earth is an “unimaginatively named planet.” 

Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan (2014)

Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan is an illustrated junior novel by cartoonist Jeffrey Brown. The book was first published by Scholastic on July 29, 2014. It is the sequel to the 2013 book Jedi Academy, also by Brown. 

The books offer a humorous and sometimes satirical look at how to become a Jedi. While both books are part of the Legends universe, they were never considered canon.

While not exactly including Earth in Star Wars, Return of the Padawan does mention our planet. In a section about creating your own stories, Brown tells you to pick your location. He especially mentions you need to decide whether it is set “on Earth or in a galaxy far, far away.”

The Jedi Academy series is available at some libraries and from some booksellers. You can borrow Return of the Padawan from The Internet Archive for free. The reference to Earth is on page 175 in that edition.

Simpsons Crossover Shorts (2021 – 2023)

Earth appears in two Star Wars and The Simpsons crossover shorts. Both shorts are considered non-canon. Similar to the Lego Star Wars games and specials, The Simpsons shorts parody the Star Wars universe.

The very first Simpsons short, Maggie Simpson in “The Force Awakens From Its Nap” was released on Star Wars Day, May 4, 2021. The short is largely set on Earth, at least as it exists within The Simpsons universe.

Marge drops Maggie off a Jabba’s Hut Jedi Preschool, where General Grievous throws away Maggie’s pacifier. Before she can get it back, another preschooler steals it.

She then must fight against Baby Gerald, dressed as Darth Maul, to recover her pacifier. 

During the short, Maggie encounters Ahsoka Tano, R2-D2, and BB-8. It also mentions or illudes to Yoda, the Death Star, and Tatooine. 

Coming out on May 4, 2023, Maggie Simpson in “Rogue Not Quite One” has Maggie encounter the Empiral forces. As of January 19, 2024, it is the most recent Simpsons short to date.

Maggie ends up inside Grogu’s hover carriage, only to hyperspace jump around Springfield. Pursued by The Mandalorian and Baby Gerald, she ends up in the Galactic Core.

After an encounter with TIE fighters, she loses her pacifier again. With the help of BB-8, Maggie gets a new one and they go off together to explore the galaxy.