Exciting news for Star Wars fans! Lucasfilm has announced plans to develop a new Star Wars trilogy that will continue the saga beyond the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Simon Kinberg will write and produce this upcoming trilogy alongside Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, marking a significant new chapter in the beloved franchise.
The trilogy is being positioned as the successor to the Skywalker Saga, which officially concluded with Episode IX in 2019. While specific plot details remain under wraps, this new series of films represents Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe beyond the familiar storylines that have defined the franchise for over four decades.
This announcement comes as part of Lucasfilm’s broader strategy to develop multiple Star Wars projects for the big screen, including previously announced standalone films. With Kinberg’s experience in the Star Wars universe, including his work on Star Wars Rebels, fans can look forward to fresh stories that honor the legacy of what came before while charting an exciting new course for the galaxy far, far away.
What We Know So Far About the New Star Wars Trilogy
Lucasfilm is officially taking its first major steps beyond the Skywalker Saga with a brand-new Star Wars trilogy. This upcoming series of films will be set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, opening up an unexplored era in the galaxy far, far away. With a planned release window beginning in 2026, fans are eager to see how this new story will expand the mythology and introduce a generation of characters, conflicts, and worlds.
Here’s everything we know so far.
The Timeline: A New Jedi Order Rises
The new trilogy is confirmed to take place around 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker. During this time, the galaxy has begun to rebuild from the chaos left by the fall of the Final Order and the Sith Eternal. Rey, now recognized as a Jedi Master, is reportedly leading efforts to reestablish the Jedi Order from the ground up.
This time period offers fertile ground for storytelling. With the Sith seemingly defeated and the First Order in ruins, the question remains: what new threats will emerge in a galaxy struggling to find lasting peace? Lucasfilm has hinted at fresh dangers and ideological divides that will challenge Rey and her new Jedi.
Who’s Involved: Creators and Cast
Lucasfilm has tapped an impressive roster of talent to bring this new trilogy to life. Simon Kinberg, known for his work on the X-Men franchise and Star Wars Rebels, has been brought on board as a writer and producer. Kinberg’s deep familiarity with Star Wars lore and his track record with character-driven stories suggest a more mature and layered narrative.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker, is set to direct the first installment. She’s known for her hard-hitting documentaries and will bring a grounded, emotional sensibility to the story. George Nolfi, whose credits include The Adjustment Bureau, is reportedly involved in scripting duties as well.
Daisy Ridley will reprise her role as Rey. While the full cast list is still under wraps, there are rumors of both returning legacy characters and new heroes. The focus will reportedly be on Rey’s mission to train a new generation of Jedi, but it won’t be without conflict.
Story Details: What’s the New Conflict?
While Lucasfilm is keeping many plot specifics secret, the trilogy’s focus is expected to center on Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order while grappling with the legacy of the Jedi’s past mistakes. Instead of the traditional Jedi versus Sith dynamic, this new trilogy will explore more complex themes of what it means to be a Jedi in a post-war galaxy.
Expect moral gray areas to take center stage. The galaxy is tired of wars, and not everyone welcomes the return of an organized Jedi presence. There are whispers of a faction that views the Jedi as dangerous, blaming Force users for centuries of galactic conflict. Whether these opponents are political, ideological, or something darker remains to be seen.
Expanding the Galaxy: New Worlds and Cultures
The trilogy is said to introduce entirely new planets, cultures, and Force-related philosophies that go beyond what fans have seen in previous films. This expansion allows for the exploration of regions in the galaxy that have remained mysterious, including areas beyond the Outer Rim.
We could see different interpretations of the Force, with Rey encountering Force-sensitive beings who have their own traditions and practices. The films may even explore Force cults that predate the Jedi Order itself, adding depth to the mythology.
How It Fits Into Lucasfilm’s Bigger Plans
This trilogy isn’t the only Star Wars project on the horizon. Lucasfilm is building a vast interconnected narrative across both movies and Disney+ series. Dave Filoni’s upcoming New Republic film, James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, and The Mandalorian & Grogu movie are all in active development. Each of these projects occupies a different era on the Star Wars timeline.
The new trilogy is expected to be a cornerstone of Lucasfilm’s future. While the Disney+ series have dominated Star Wars storytelling in recent years, these films mark a return to blockbuster cinema for the franchise—and Lucasfilm is betting big on their success.
When to Expect the First Film
The first installment of the trilogy is currently slated for release on May 22, 2026. While release dates have shifted in the past, the production timeline appears to be moving forward on schedule. Principal photography is expected to begin in 2025, with post-production ramping up soon after.
If successful, the trilogy could lay the groundwork for a new era of Star Wars films and storytelling, opening the door to even more stories set in this post-Skywalker timeline.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins
For the first time in decades, Star Wars is moving beyond the Skywalker family to tell a truly new story. With fresh creative leadership and a commitment to expanding the universe in bold ways, this trilogy could redefine what Star Wars means for a new generation of fans.
The Force is awakening once again—and it’s just the beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Simon Kinberg will write and produce a new Star Wars trilogy that continues beyond the Skywalker Saga.
- The trilogy will be set after The Rise of Skywalker, expanding the narrative into uncharted territory.
- This project is part of Lucasfilm’s broader strategy to develop multiple Star Wars films under Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership.
Overview of the New Star Wars Trilogy
Lucasfilm is developing an ambitious new Star Wars trilogy that will expand the franchise beyond the Skywalker saga. Simon Kinberg will write and produce these films in collaboration with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, marking a new direction for the iconic franchise.
Setting and Time Period
The new trilogy will reportedly take place after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” moving the Star Wars timeline forward into uncharted territory. According to recent announcements, these films may be considered Episodes X, XI, and XII, potentially continuing the numbered episode format established in previous trilogies.
This post-Skywalker era opens up fresh storytelling possibilities in a galaxy that has moved beyond the conflicts depicted in the nine previous main saga films. The decision to move forward in the timeline rather than backward suggests Lucasfilm’s interest in exploring the consequences of the First Order’s defeat and the restoration of democratic governance.
Unlike previous Star Wars projects that filled gaps between established movies, this trilogy won’t be constrained by predetermined story endpoints, giving creators more freedom to shape a new era.
Main Narrative Themes
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the new trilogy will likely explore themes of rebuilding and establishing a new order in the galaxy. After the conclusive ending of the Skywalker saga, the narrative could focus on new force users developing different relationships with the Force.
The involvement of Simon Kinberg, known for his work on various franchise films, suggests a potential blend of traditional Star Wars elements with new narrative approaches. Kathleen Kennedy has indicated the trilogy will “explore new characters from an unexplored area of Star Wars lore.”
This approach aligns with Lucasfilm’s recent strategy of expanding the Star Wars universe through diverse stories and perspectives. The trilogy may examine the lasting legacy of the Skywalker family while establishing new heroic figures and villains for a new generation.
Connection to The Rise of Skywalker
The new trilogy will need to address several narrative threads left open at the conclusion of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Rey’s journey as a Skywalker by choice rather than blood could influence how Force traditions evolve in this new era.
The state of the galaxy following the final defeat of the Sith and the First Order presents a logical starting point. With both the First Order and Resistance narratives concluded, the trilogy can explore how various star systems recover and what new threats might emerge.
The fate of characters who survived Episode IX might be referenced, though the focus will likely shift to new protagonists. This connection provides continuity while allowing the story to move beyond familiar conflicts between Jedi and Sith, Rebels and Empire that defined previous trilogies.
Production and Development
The new Star Wars trilogy has entered early development under Lucasfilm with significant talent attached to guide the project. This ambitious undertaking aims to continue the saga beyond the Skywalker storyline with fresh creative vision.
Creative Team and Direction
Simon Kinberg has signed a deal with Lucasfilm to write and produce the upcoming Star Wars trilogy. Kinberg brings extensive experience to the project, having worked on various high-profile films including X-Men franchise entries.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy will serve as producer alongside Kinberg, maintaining her leadership role in the Star Wars universe. The creative direction reportedly aims to explore new territory in the Star Wars timeline, focusing on events after The Rise of Skywalker.
The trilogy’s development indicates Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe beyond the Skywalker saga that concluded with Episode IX. Industry insiders suggest the studio is seeking a fresh approach while maintaining core Star Wars elements that fans cherish.
Casting and Characters
The casting process for the new trilogy remains in early stages, with no official announcements about returning characters or new additions. Sources suggest the films may introduce entirely new protagonists rather than focusing on legacy characters.
Speculation points to a diverse cast that will bring fresh perspectives to the galaxy far, far away. The studio appears to be considering both established actors and newcomers for key roles.
Character development is reportedly central to Kinberg’s vision, with emphasis on creating compelling new heroes and villains who can sustain audience interest across three films. The trilogy may potentially introduce alien species and worlds not previously seen in Star Wars films.
Filming and Visual Effects
Production timelines remain flexible, with filming not expected to begin until late 2025 at the earliest. Lucasfilm is reportedly exploring various shooting locations including established Star Wars production hubs in the UK and new international sites.
The visual effects approach will likely combine practical effects with cutting-edge digital technology, following the successful formula of recent Star Wars productions. Industrial Light & Magic is expected to lead the visual effects work.
The production may utilize The Volume technology (StageCraft) that was pioneered on The Mandalorian, allowing for immersive real-time backgrounds. This approach has revolutionized Star Wars productions by combining practical sets with virtual environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the newly announced Star Wars trilogy that will continue beyond the Skywalker Saga. Here are answers to the most common questions based on currently available information.
Who is helming the creative direction of the upcoming Star Wars trilogy?
Simon Kinberg has been announced as the writer and producer for the new Star Wars trilogy. He will be working closely with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy to develop these films.
Kinberg has previous experience with the Star Wars franchise and has worked on other major film projects. This collaboration suggests Lucasfilm is bringing experienced talent to shape the future of the Star Wars universe.
What narrative timeframe will the new Star Wars trilogy explore?
The new trilogy will reportedly take place after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker” (Episode IX). This positions the story in previously unexplored territory in the Star Wars timeline.
According to recent reports, these films may be considered Episodes X, XI, and XII, effectively continuing the numbered saga films. This represents a shift from earlier reports that suggested future Star Wars projects would focus on the High Republic era.
Will the new Star Wars films feature any returning characters from previous installments?
No official announcements have been made about returning characters from previous Star Wars films. With the story set after the Skywalker Saga, there is potential for some familiar faces to appear.
The timeframe would allow for characters who survived the events of “The Rise of Skywalker” to potentially return. However, many major characters completed their story arcs in the previous trilogy.
What are the expected release dates for the new Star Wars trilogy films?
Lucasfilm has not yet announced specific release dates for any of the new trilogy films. The project appears to be in early development stages.
Star Wars films typically require several years of production time. Based on previous patterns, it’s reasonable to expect the first film wouldn’t premiere before 2026 or 2027 at the earliest.
How will the new trilogy connect to the overall Star Wars saga?
The new trilogy will likely build upon the foundation established in the nine Skywalker Saga films. Being set after Episode IX allows it to acknowledge past events while exploring new storylines.
This approach differs from other announced Star Wars projects that explore different eras. The decision to potentially continue with Episodes X-XII suggests these films will have significant connections to the established saga.
Has Lucasfilm announced any new actors or directors involved with the Star Wars trilogy?
No directors or cast members have been officially announced for the new trilogy. At this early stage, only Simon Kinberg’s involvement as writer and producer has been confirmed.
Lucasfilm typically announces directors and casting decisions closer to production. More creative team announcements will likely come as the projects move further into development.
