Will Star Wars really go on forever?

Because Star Wars has been around for nearly 50 years now, it’s becoming harder and harder for its fans to imagine a world where the franchise is no more.

Granted, Star Wars will technically always be around even if Lucasfilm ever stops making new stories set in a galaxy far, far away. We will likely always have infinite access to the movies, books, and most other media that has been released over the past four or so decades.

But is that even something we should consider — that at some point in our lifetime, new Star Wars will cease to be?

Will Star Wars ever “end”?

With the pending conclusions of major franchises like Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible, it’s likely much easier to envision the end of something like Star Wars now than it’s ever been before.

The argument against this, of course, is that something like the Marvel Cinematic universe — which has the potential to span different time periods and universes featuring dozens of new characters to replace familiar ones. Despite cries of “superhero fatigue,” it’s possible something this mailable will outlast us.

The limitations of franchises like Indiana Jones lie in their name. The franchise depends upon the immortality of not only a central character, but also the actor who has played him since the beginning. Neither of these things are possible., When Harrison Ford and Indy say “no more,” this time, they likely actually mean it.

Star Wars does not have this problem — and the Sequel Trilogy is just one form of proof. Establishing new characters and allowing them to drive the overarching themes forward in their own stories works. And that’s assuming the books and comics would ever stop.

The franchise does not rely on legacy characters to thrive. These characters can successfully serve in supporting roles, and in some stories, they’re not needed much at all.

Star Wars will continue as long as audiences continue consuming it. Which means new Star Wars could still be releasing after your lifetime … sorry to put that thought into your head, but if I had to dwell on it, so do you.

Follow Dork Side of the Force for all your Star Wars news, reviews, and more!