Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Andor season 2andLegacy of VaderWhile the planet of Naboo is best known for its role in theStar Warsprequels, it also has a fascinating history during the reign of the Empire and beyond. Some of the planet’s history has been revealed over time in books and even very recent canonical comics. However, Padmé Amidala and Emperor Palpatine’s homeworld also made a new on-screen appearance inAndorseason 2.
Debuting in 1999’sThe Phantom Menace, the world of Naboo was a focal point in an ongoing galactic conflict with the Trade Federation, whose leaders were in league withDarth Sidious aka Palpatine. A lush and vibrant world full of green plains, swamps, lakes, waterfalls, underwater cities, and beautiful architecture, Naboo was home to both humans and native Gungans alike.However, the funeral of Padmé Amidala seen inRevenge of the Sithwas far from the last time Naboo has been featured in the overall canon, as proven byAndorseason 2 and more pieces ofStar Warsmedia.
After The Clone Wars, Naboo Thrived Under The Empire
As Seen in Andor Season 2, Episode 10
As the homeworld of Emperor Palpatine, Naboo thrived when the Empire came to power after the Clone Wars. Governed byThe Phantom Menace’sCaptain Panaka, who became an Imperial Moff, Naboo prospered while other worlds were far less fortunate. However, the planet was not fully spared from conflict during the Dark Times, as proven byNaboo’s appearance inAndorseason 2, with a flashback showing the insurgent Luthen Rael and young Kleya bombing a bridge full of Imperial forces.
As a side note, Luthen’s confirmed time on Naboo likely explains why his future gallery contains multiple pieces from the planet, such as royal headdresses (and even a Gungan skull withKnight of the Old Republicties). That said, novels likeStar Wars: Leia, Princess of Alderaanconfirm that Saw Gerrera and his Partisans also visited Naboo at one point, conducting a bombing of their own that led to Panaka’s death.As such, the planet’s status as Palpatine’s homeworld is likely what made it such a key symbolic target in the eyes of certain rebels.
Darth Vader Visited Naboo After The Empire Strikes Back
Visiting Padmé’s Tomb
FollowingThe Empire Strikes Backand Luke Skywalker’s refusal to join his father, Darth Vader embarks on a journey to uncover the past, as revealed in the Dark Lord’s canonical 2020 comic series.This quest eventually brings Vader back to Naboo after he reunites with Sabé, his late wife’s most trusted handmaid and decoy. Taking the Dark Lord to Padmé’s tomb,Darth Vader walked right into a trap laid by Sabé and the Amidalans, a group composed of Padmé’s handmaids and those most loyal to her, wanting justice in their belief that Vader killed both their former queen and Anakin Skywalker.
While Vader naturally defeated them all, canonical comics as recent as 2025’sLegacy of Vaderseries have confirmed that this led to mass superstitions and myths that even mentioning Padmé’s name might cause the “dark spirit of death” to return to their world. This legend also persisted well into the sequel era. As such,Darth Vader inadvertently ensured that Padmé Amidala’s legacy was almost completely forgotten in the years and decades following her demise.
Near The End Of The Galactic Civil War, Naboo Was A Victim of Operation Cinder
Palpatine’s Contingency
Following the Battle of Endor and Palpatine’s initial death, Naboo agreed to join the nascent New Republic. However, the world quickly became a key target for Operation Cinder, Emperor Palpatine’s key contingency plan to be activated in the event of his demise. A massive bombardment campaign, the Shattered Empire targeted multiple worlds simultaneously after receiving Palpatine’s posthumous orders via messenger droids.
Naboo was at the top of the Operation Cinder planets list. Not only did Imperial forces attempt to claim the planet, but massive satellites were activated that began manipulating the atmosphere and creating inclement weather.However, Leia Organa and the Rebel fleet successfully repelled this initial offensive on Naboo, as well as future attacks from Imperial sympathizers who sought to make the world a rallying point due to its significance to the former Emperor.
Kylo Ren Becomes Naboo’s New King
Before Naboo’s Rebellion Against The First Order
An incredibly recent development to theStar Warscanon,Marvel’s new and canonicalLegacy of Vaderseries confirms that Naboo had largely fallen into ruin and chaos by the time of the sequel trilogy. In the wake of the Empire’s end, factions and mistrust eventually grew to be too great. Not only was Naboo viewed negatively by the rest of the galaxy due to the prosperity it enjoyed under Palpatine’s rule, but the planet was also in quite a state of disarray following the rise of the First Order and its destruction of the New Republic, as seen inThe Force Awakens.
However, things are likely to get even worse for Naboo if the events ofLegacy of Vader #4by Charles Soule and Stefano Raffaele are any indication. In the 2025 issue, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren visits the world in the aftermath ofThe Last Jedi. He’s also joined byDarth Vader’s former servant Vaneé, who’s been sharing his knowledge of Kylo’s grandfather and the sources of his power.
Visiting the remains of the Amidala retreat in Naboo’s lake country, Kylo Ren learns about the attachments Darth Vader had formed with Padmé, as well as Naboo’s gradual decline, believing that its people were still clinging to the past and unable to move forward. As such,Kylo Ren declares himself the new King of Naboo ahead ofThe Rise of Skywalker. This is also under the threat that the people of Naboo must serve and recognize Kylo Ren’s new rule, lest he raze the planet with the full might of the First Order fleet.
It’s going to be fascinating to learn how Kylo’s arc on Naboo concludes, though is known that the planet is one of many who rebelled against the First Order during the events ofThe Rise of Skywalker, openly resisting its rule following the Battle of Exegol that resulted in Palpatine’s true defeat and the destruction of his Final Order.On that note, theStar Warstimeline does create the opportunity for Naboo to improve in the aftermath of the sequels, though only time will tell if that future will ever be shared.
All episodes ofAndorseason 2 are now streaming on Disney+.Legacy of Vader #4is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
