Compared to a bygone age, we’ve got a whole lot of Star Wars ahead of us. Films, shows, games, comics and more novels than you can shake a lightsaber at.
Despite all of this, nowhere on the horizon is there mention, or even a whisper about future episodic films.
The saga is complete… again…
This is what we were told in 2005 after Episode III finally hit cinemas. Then again in 2019 when the rechristened ‘Skywalker Saga’ of nine films came to a close. Fool me once…
It does indeed seem as though the grand story told across several decades (both in and out of universe) has come to a close. This by no means suggests that the galaxy far, far away has run out of stories to tell. Far from it. Recently we’ve been exploring the High Republic era, hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga as well as deeper looks at all of the journeys of characters old and new. There truly is limitless potential regarding the future of Star Wars.
So why not more episodes? Why not X, XI and XII? Thus far, while the entries so far have been released out of order, they episodically take place in a linear time frame. This would suggest that a ‘post-sequel’ trilogy would do the same. There’s plenty of potential there as well. Will Rey establish a new Jedi order? What will the galaxy come to be like?
Another alternative is that the story could take place far in the future with several generations past and a whole new cast (minus a certain droid or two) with a new threat to face. Such a tale could give writers some breathing room to create a story that is relatively free from the constraints of the goings on of what came before while still being able to build on the rich tapestry that is the Star Wars galaxy.
Despite these possibilities, it doesn’t seem to be on the table at Lucasfilm for the time being. However, several sequel trilogy actors have expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of returning to their roles meaning that there is at least some awareness of fans desire to see the story go further.
With a strong focus on television through Disney+ right now, news of Star Wars on the big screen is little more than a trickle at this exact moment in time. Word is still scarce on the upcoming and still untitled Taika Waititi film as well as the tenuous nature of the Patty Jenkins feature Rogue Squadron which may or may not be happening after all.
What are your thoughts on future Star Wars episodes? Let us hear all about it in the comment section below! For all things Star Wars, check out Dork Side of the Force!