What Happened to the Clones After Order 66? Know the Truth Here
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 26, 2023
Order 66 in Star Wars
Order 66, also known as Clone Protocol 66, was a secret directive issued to the clone troopers of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. It designated all Jedi as traitors to the Galactic Republic and commanded the clones to execute them without question. The order was implanted in the clone troopers' brains through biochips that controlled their behavior, leaving them with little choice but to carry out the command.
Initially, the Kaminoan scientists who created the clones intended Order 66 to be a contingency plan against rogue Jedi. However, it was secretly devised by the Sith as a means to bring about the downfall of the Jedi Order. The true purpose of the order remained hidden until a malfunctioning clone trooper named CT-5385 "Tup" prematurely activated it, causing the death of General Tiplar. This incident led to the ARC trooper CT-5555 "Fives" investigating the matter, suspecting a Separatist plot.
Fives eventually discovered the truth about the biochips and Chancellor Sheev Palpatine's involvement. He tried to reveal the conspiracy to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker but was killed by clone shock troopers before he could provide proof. As the Clone Wars progressed, the Jedi Council grew suspicious of Chancellor Palpatine's motives. In 19 BBY, a group of Jedi Masters attempted to arrest him, but their plan failed. Palpatine used this event to brand the Jedi as traitors and ordered the clones to execute their Jedi commanders in accordance with Order 66.
Across the galaxy, thousands of Jedi were killed by their clone troopers, while Darth Vader, the Sith Lord and Palpatine's apprentice, led the 501st Legion in an assault on the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Only a few Jedi, including Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, and Kanan Jarrus, managed to survive. The Great Jedi Purge was primarily carried out through the activation of Order 66, and even after the initial wave of attacks, the order remained in effect, requiring all Jedi or anyone suspected of being a Jedi to be hunted down and killed. Palpatine assumed the title of Emperor of the Galactic Empire, ruling for many years until the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Chosen One in 4 ABY, which brought about the end of the Sith's rule and restored balance to the Force.
What Happened to the Clones After Order 66?
Season 2 of The Bad Batch surprised fans by releasing two new episodes on Disney+ this week, which filled a significant gap in Star Wars mythology. These episodes revealed the transition from clone troopers to stormtroopers, shedding light on why the clones disappeared and humans took their place. In the Star Wars saga, the clones were introduced in Attack of the Clones as a fighting force bred on Kamino. They initially fought alongside the Republic and Jedi against the Separatists. However, in Revenge of the Sith, the clones turned against the Jedi and executed Order 66, which was an embedded protocol. This led to the Jedi's downfall.
When A New Hope takes place 19 years later, the clones are mysteriously absent, replaced by human stormtroopers. Various reasons for this change have been briefly mentioned in expanded universe materials. Some claim that clones were expensive to produce and raise, while others suggest that recruiting citizens to fight for the Empire increased loyalty. Additionally, the clones' rapid aging limited their service duration. However, these reasons were never explored in depth until The Bad Batch.
In the previous season, The Bad Batch hinted at the clones' regret over Order 66 and the destruction of Kamino. This week's episodes focused on the transition itself. Two clones planning to reveal the truth about Kamino were assassinated, while Vice Admiral Rampart proposed the Defense Recruitment Bill in the Galactic Senate. This bill aimed to replace the clones with a conscripted military, leading to debates among senators.
Evidence presented by Senator Riyo Chuchi exposed Rampart's role in destroying Kamino. Emperor Palpatine, voiced by Ian McDiarmid, entered the chamber and accused Rampart of treason. However, instead of saving the clones, Palpatine seized the opportunity to introduce the Defense Recruitment Bill. He argued that the blind obedience of the clones in inflicting harm without hesitation necessitated a change. Palpatine declared the imperial stormtrooper as the future of the Empire, sealing the fate of the clones.
The Bad Batch not only filled a significant gap in the Star Wars timeline but also tackled themes relevant to our own world. Senator Chuchi's plea to care for the clones who served the Republic reflects how real-world countries treat their former military members. Chuchi also advocated for a clone pension plan and highlighted issues of taxation without representation, emphasizing that the clones lacked representation in the Senate.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi series briefly touched on the issue of abandoned clones, showing a disheveled clone trooper begging on the streets. Now, with the Defense Recruitment Bill in place, we have an explanation for how this transition occurred and how that particular clone ended up in such a state. This storyline not only adds depth to the Star Wars universe but also addresses important social and political issues.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a popular American multimedia franchise created by George Lucas in 1977. It started with the release of the first film, also known as Star Wars but later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope. The franchise quickly became a global sensation, encompassing various films, TV series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and more. It has created an expansive fictional universe that has captivated audiences worldwide. Star Wars stands as one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever.
The original trilogy consists of three films: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). Later, George Lucas directed a prequel trilogy, comprising Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). In 2012, Lucas sold his production company to Disney, resulting in a sequel trilogy: Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
All nine films of the "Skywalker Saga" received Academy Award nominations, with the first two films winning awards. Additionally, the franchise includes the standalone films Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018). The combined box office revenue of the Star Wars films exceeds $10 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history.
Star Wars Movies in Order
The Acolyte (2024-)
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
Andor (2022-present)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Mandalorian (2019-present)
The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
Ahsoka (2023-)
Skeleton Crew (2023-)
Untitled Dave Feloni film (TBC)
Star Wars: Resistance (2018-2020)
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Untitled Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy film (TBC)
Star Wars Plot
The Star Wars franchise presents the thrilling adventures of characters in a distant galaxy, a long time ago. In this galaxy, humans coexist with various alien species, including humanoid beings. They are accompanied by helpful robots known as 'droids' in their daily lives. Advanced technology enables space travel between planets through lightspeed hyperspace technology. The planets in the Star Wars universe range from prosperous, city-filled worlds to desolate deserts inhabited by primitive tribes.
These planets, both real and fictional, are teeming with diverse forms of sentient and non-sentient alien life. The franchise also explores other astronomical phenomena such as asteroid fields and nebulae. Spacecraft in Star Wars vary from nimble starfighters to colossal capital ships like the Star Destroyers, as well as space stations like the infamous Death Stars. Communication technology includes two-way audio and audiovisual screens, holographic projections, and the HoloNet, which is the equivalent of the internet.
While the Star Wars universe shares similarities with our own, it allows for more imaginative storytelling by bending the laws of physics. One notable aspect is the mystical power known as the Force, described as an energy field created by all living things, binding the galaxy together. The Force is depicted as a pantheistic deity of sorts. Those who are strong in the Force can develop extraordinary abilities through training and meditation, such as telekinesis, precognition, telepathy, and manipulation of energy.
It is believed that nothing is impossible for the Force. The Force is divided into two opposing sides: the light side, embraced by the Jedi, who act as peacekeepers of the Galactic Republic, and the dark side, utilized by the Sith, who tap into fear and aggression. Jedi Knights are numerous, while the Sith follow a master and apprentice hierarchy, limited to two at a time. Force-wielders are a rarity among the galactic population. Both Jedi and Sith prefer to wield lightsabers, plasma blades capable of cutting through almost anything and deflecting energy bolts.
The rest of the population, including renegades and soldiers, use plasma-powered blaster firearms. The Star Wars universe is marked by large-scale political conflicts involving republics, empires, kingdoms, and alliances, leading to various military confrontations depicted throughout the franchise. In the outer regions of the galaxy, crime syndicates like the Hutt cartel hold significant influence, and bounty hunters are commonly employed by both criminals and governments. Illicit activities such as smuggling and slavery also play a role. The unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements in Star Wars allows for storytelling across a wide range of genres, making it a universally appealing franchise.
What Happened to the Clones after Order 66 - FAQs
The Star Wars franchise depicts the adventures of characters in a distant galaxy, involving humans, aliens, and robots. It explores the conflicts between the Jedi and Sith, the use of advanced technology for space travel, and the presence of diverse planets with sentient and non-sentient alien life.
The Force is a mystical energy field that permeates the Star Wars universe. It is described as an energy created by all living things, binding the galaxy together. Those strong in the Force can develop supernatural abilities such as telekinesis, precognition, and telepathy.
Lightsabers are iconic weapons in Star Wars, consisting of plasma blades capable of cutting through almost any surface and deflecting energy bolts. Blasters, on the other hand, are plasma-powered firearms used by the general population, renegades, and soldiers.
The Star Wars universe features various factions and conflicts. The Jedi are peacekeepers who follow the light side of the Force, while the Sith tap into the dark side. The Galactic Republic, empires, kingdoms, and alliances engage in political and military conflicts, while crime syndicates like the Hutt cartel operate in the outer regions of the galaxy.
Star Wars combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. While it incorporates futuristic technology, space travel, and advanced civilizations, it also introduces mystical elements such as the Force and portrays the universe with less strict adherence to the laws of physics, allowing for imaginative storytelling across genres.