After Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 for a whopping $4 billion, there was a palpable anticipation for more Star Wars content. The hunger was real, and Disney saw a lucrative opportunity to quench it swiftly.
The blueprint was clear: a sequel trilogy every other year starting in 2015, supplemented by additional films expanding the Star Wars universe. Initially, things looked promising with the overwhelming success of 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” grossing over $2 billion worldwide.
However, subsequent installments faced mixed reception. “The Last Jedi” divided fans, and “The Rise of Skywalker” struggled to find its footing amidst convoluted plotlines and attempts to course-correct past decisions. Disney seemed to have lost its way.
Amidst this uncertainty, a new ray of hope emerged in 2019 with the arrival of “The Mandalorian” alongside the launch of Disney+. The series, along with the standalone film “Rogue One,” emphasized a shift towards smaller, character-driven narratives, resonating strongly with audiences.
For the past four years, Star Wars has predominantly thrived on the small screen, with shows like “The Book of Boba Fett” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” captivating viewers. Yet, the allure of the cinematic experience remains unparalleled for fans, hinting at a longing for grandeur on the silver screen.
While Disney continues to expand its Star Wars repertoire with more shows, recent developments suggest a return to the big screen may be imminent. Despite setbacks and canceled projects, the upcoming lineup holds promise for the franchise’s future.
Here’s a glimpse at the upcoming Star Wars ventures:
Upcoming Star Wars Shows:
- Ahsoka (August 2023): Following her success in “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” Ahsoka Tano embarks on her own live-action adventure, promising an exhilarating continuation of her story.
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2023-2024 TBA): A coming-of-age tale set in the post-Return of the Jedi era, evoking nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic ’80s films, helmed by a stellar cast and crew.
- The Acolyte (2024): Venturing into uncharted territory, this series explores the High Republic era, promising intrigue and darkness as characters navigate a sinister mystery.
- Andor, Season 2 (August 2024): Continuing the saga, this installment bridges the gap between seasons, leading towards the events of “Rogue One.”
- The Mandalorian Season 4 (?): While not officially confirmed, the success of the series suggests a return for more adventures in the galaxy far, far away.
Upcoming Star Wars Movies:
- Untitled Rey-centered movie (2025): Daisy Ridley returns to the franchise, potentially as a Jedi master guiding a new generation, under the direction of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
- Untitled Mandalorian/Boba Fett/Ahsoka Wrap-up movie: Directed by Dave Filoni, this film aims to conclude the narrative arcs established in the live-action shows.
- James Mangold’s Untitled Biblical Star Wars Epic: Exploring the origins of the Jedi, this ambitious project promises a grand, epic tale set millennia before the events of “A New Hope.”
- Taika Waititi’s Untitled Star Wars Movie: Set to enter production in 2024, Waititi’s unique vision brings anticipation for a fresh take on the beloved saga.
- Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy (?): Despite uncertainties, Johnson’s trilogy remains a possibility, pending his commitments and the evolving landscape of the franchise.
While uncertainties loom, the future of Star Wars holds promise, with a diverse array of stories poised to captivate audiences across both screens, big and small.