Let's get a thread, as Star Wars fans, to make sure Disney use the Expanded Universe as their stepping stone for the next movie franchise. My initials ideas, à mon avis: > A two/ two and a half hour TV series/film special of the Truce at Bakura. Allows for initial casting of all the original characters, and acts as a beta. Next, another in the same light for The Courtship of Princess Leia, which cements the new saga, bringing in the young generation. Apres ça, THE THRAWN TRILOGY; how can it go wrong?! Ideas for actors: possibly Zack Efron for Luke? It could ruin his career (possibly a bonus!), and they look alike. Not sure for Han and Leia, but there are plenty of people! Denis Quaid looks like Harrison, but he's a bit too old now unfortunately! Finally, for kids and teenagers alike, a brand new TV based on the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice Series. It brings in new acting talent, new fans, and who doesn't like Qui-Gon Jinn? I'll be writing a letter and/or email to both Star Wars and Disney alike, please lets get some support early!
I'm a big fan of the EU however I do not want the EU to hinder the creative process or story development of the writers. If they have an epic idea that contradicts what is canon then if its awesome, why not? Things can be retconned, if this means the entire post ROTJ EU to produce some epic films, so be it.
Some affectionate trbute to the EU would be fine (Lucas used Coruscant after all and that was an EU creation, not to mention adding some EU-originating characters in the movies) but the ST should certainly not copy EU books entirely but be new original stories. Besides, a lot of the EU just re-hashes the OT plot and/or is crappy.