Fan Fiction to Fanon to…

I’m keen to find out about fan productions that have been officially or unofficially deemed part of the main canon, fanon or at least highly regarded. According to Ms Nitpicker’s FanFic Glossary (2002-2006):

“Fanon” is a detail about a particular show or character that was created by a fan but has now been generally borrowed/copied/accepted as canon by many other writers. [source]

Here are some works that are highly regarded: 

STAR TREK

Star Trek: The New Voyages

A 1976 book compilation of stories to continue the narrative after the cancelled TV series of Star Trek.  It was edited by Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath and had a forward by Gene Roddenberry and an introduction by Leonard Nimoy. It was published by Bantam Books, apparently the first commercial compilation of fan fiction.

Star Trek: New Voyages

This web-only series continues after the 1969 third season of the TV series, but is not an adaptation of the print series. It began in 1997 with James Cawley and Next Generation costume designer William Ware Theiss. Original props, set and costumes were used as well as some guest starring roles by original actors. There has been a pilot, Come What May, and five episodes produced so far. More are in production. Official site.

STAR WARS

The Dark Redemption

Set in George Lucas’ Star Wars ‘verse, The Dark Redemption narrative is set two days before A New Hope (ep 4). The 1999 film explains (gives a possible scenario) about how the rebels got hold of plans about the Death Star. It is the story of a Jedi, Mara Jade, and how she tries to escape from an Imperial prison. Directed by Peter Mether; screenplay by Peter Mether, Dwight Boniecki and Derek Curtis. Features original Star Wars cast member Peter Sumner (Imperial Officer Lt. Pol Triedum). 

Star Wars: Revelations

Released in 2005, Star Wars: Revelations is also set in the Star Wars ‘verse. The narrative, set between Revenge of the Sith (ep 3) and A New Hope (ep 4), explains why the Jedi Order became almost extinct. It has many original characters (Darth Vader, the Emperer, the stormtroopers) but has more of its own. The film intended to give a reason for why the Jedi Order was extinct in the original trilogy. It was directed by Shane Felux and written by Dawn Cowings and Sarah Yaworsky. Official site. 

Star Wars Episode I.I – The Phantom Edit 

Although this 2000 feature film is not a continuation but an edit of the original film, it is included because it is highly regarded by fans and critics as a ‘better’ version of The Phantom Menace. It was edited by Mike J. Nichols.

BUFFY & ANGEL

Buffy & Angel > Forgotten Memories

This 2006 film is a cross-over of Buffy and Angel and continues the narrative 2-3 months after the final Buffy episode of ‘The Chosen’. In this short film the main characters are played by new actors. It explores the possible story of the character Spike returning to Buffy. It was directed by Darren K. Hawkins, written and performed by Emma Paige Langley. Although the Buffy TV series has finished it has actually continued in Joss Whedon’s graphic novel continuation. Season 8 is in the comic form but this fan film is in the media form the series started in. Official Site

FIREFLY/SERENITY

Firefly > Into the Black

Created by Shindigital, it is a TV series set in in Joss Whedon’s Firefly ‘verse. The first one-hour episode, Mined Control, is the only one created so far and hasn’t been released as yet. New characters and stories have been created. Official site.

JANE EYRE

Wide Sargasso Sea

Jean Rhys’ 1966 novel Wide Sargasso Sea is set in the fictional world of Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel Jane Eyre. Rhy’s novel is a prequel to Jane Eyre and features the original character Mrs. Rochester, Antionette Mason (Bertha).

What are some works you know that continue a story (I’m not after parodies) that are fanon, canon or highly regarded at contributing to a world?… Any grassroots games (even hacks or plugins that make a game better)? theatre productions? radio shows? etc?