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Remember those other two trilogies of “Star Wars” films that George Lucas was going to do, three episodes before “Star Wars” and three after “Return of the Jedi”? Well, Lucas remains mum on their prospects, but sources in the publishing world assure us that the stories are at least on the way. Bantam Books is about to spring the first book in a new trilogy of “Star Wars” hardback novels that are based on the creations of Lucas and being published with his blessing.

“Heir to the Empire,” due out in June, will pick up where “Return of the Jedi” left off, and will be followed in the next three years by two other novels written by science-fiction author Timothy Zahn.

Lou Aronica, vice president and publisher for Mass Market Paperbacks at Bantam, was the force behind the new books. “I’d written George Lucas a letter in late 1988 introducing Bantam and Spectra (major publishers of science fiction and fantasy) to lay out a number of publishing ideas I had,” Aronica said. “I got a call back in September, 1989, saying they were interested.”

Aronica says that after the release of the three novels, LucasArts and Bantam will discuss further publishing ventures. At this point, a series of children’s books is also planned.

The three novels may represent the start of a major revival of “Star Wars” marketing that some believe will culminate in the 1997 release of a new “Star Wars” film, timed to the 20th anniversary of the original.