'Fear of the Jedi': Cavan Scott Reveals What Terrifies the Jedi in The High Republic Phase III Finale

‘Star Wars: The High Republic – Fear of the Jedi’ is a new comic book series set to be released in 2025. Written by Cavan Scott and illustrated by Marika Cresta, it is part of the ‘Star Wars: The High Republic’ Phase III project.

ComicBook recently interviewed Cavan Scott about the issue and the conclusion of Phase III. Scott discussed key moments from Phase III, the meaning of the “Fear of the Jedi” title, the appearance of Kelnacca, the Wookiee Jedi Master from ‘The Acolyte,’ and the ending of Keeve Trennis’ story. They also revealed an exclusive first look at the interior pages of ‘Fear of the Jedi’ #1, illustrated by Marika Cresta.

Scott shared that he has enjoyed bringing everything together in Phase III, especially incorporating characters like Tey Sirrek from Phase II. He is happy seeing his fellow creators successfully conclude their stories, which were planned seven years ago.

Being part of ‘The High Republic’ since its beginning at Skywalker Ranch has been a huge and incredible experience for him, and now, they’re finally reaching the end of the story. As we’ve mentioned in the intro, Scott was also asked about the meaning of ‘Fear of the Jedi.’

The title goes back to a question posed in 2018 during the planning of ‘The High Republic’ project: “What scares the Jedi?” The series focuses on one particular Jedi, Keeve Trennis, exploring her personal fears and doubts, especially as she begins questioning both herself and the Jedi Order.

This series will reveal why Keeve ultimately becomes one of the “Lost” Jedi, who leave the Order, as foreshadowed in previous stories.

At the end of our first week of planning what would become The High Republic back in 2018, I asked a question: ‘What scares the Jedi?’ It became a question for the initiative as a whole, and, in this series, I attempt to answer it, focusing on the fears on one particular Jedi: Keeve Trennis, who has been largely our hero throughout Marvel’s High Republic run. Keeve has been through a lot, and has never been afraid to question herself. Now, after recent events, she has started to question the Jedi Order in total. As we know from the 2019 audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Lost, Keeve goes on to become one of the Lost, Jedi Masters who leave the Order. This last series will reveal why.

One familiar character that readers will encounter is Kelnacca, who debuted in ‘The Acolyte’ but eventually got his own comic story. Kelnacca meets his end during the first few episodes of the show, but Scott explains that it won’t affect his story here:

His fate didn’t factor in so much, but I jumped straight to scripting Fear of the Jedi from writing last year’s Kelnacca one-shot to tie into The Acolyte, so was happy to also be able to bring back his Padawan Yarzion Vell. I love how all these stories come together in Star Wars, and stoic — often brusque — Kelnacca is such fun to write.

Scott also commented on Keeve Trennis’ character arc, noting that everything he’s written for her has been leading to her final scene, which he drafted five years ago. He shares that it was an emotional moment when he finally included it in the script for the last issue, though some details had to be adjusted as the story evolved.

Keeve means a lot to me, as does her Jedi master, Sskeer. It’s a weird feeling. I feel as if I’ve watched her grow up on the page, and now she’s exactly where I knew she would be. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with the initiative as a whole, and the Marvel run in particular. Over 40 issues of storytelling? That’s no small achievement, and it’s all thanks to the readers who have supported us every step of the way.

Overall he is excited for fans to experience Keeve’s fate, the trauma awaiting Tey, and the conflict for Lourna Dee. He highlighted that the series will feature adventure, space battles, giant monsters, and emotional character moments that will both break hearts and warm them. What more can we ask for?

You can check out the preview below: