Star Wars fans, buckle up: Lucasfilm is reportedly developing a fourth Star Wars spin-off movie, and it could potentially be fairly divisive within the fandom. The latest reports suggest that at least one upcoming Lucasfilm feature film will directly connect to the sequel trilogy timeline.
Per The Direct, scooper Daniel Richtman says Lucasfilm “is discussing a spinoff film to the sequel trilogy”, but further details—like which characters or when production might be officially greenlit—are still under wraps.
Nonetheless, this indicates that fans could be in for a story involving familiar faces from the Skywalker saga episodes VII through IX, or perhaps focusing on underutilized characters like Jannah, long rumored to be Lando Calrissian’s lost daughter.
This spin-off could reopen old wounds among fans. The sequel trilogy remains one of the most polarizing canonical arcs in Star Wars history. A new film tied directly to these three movies may risk reigniting criticisms that still linger, specifically regarding The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
For some viewers, it might feel like Lucasfilm is doubling down on what didn’t work, and steering away from directions that are resonating with fans and critics alike (like the gritty, devil-may-care tone of Andor).
It’s not necessarily all bad news, though. This could, at least in theory, mean a chance to redefine or redeem storylines – though Mark Hamill has indicated that fans shouldn’t expect him to return as Luke Skywalker in future installments.
Although details remain unknown, this possible sequel-era project would be slotted into Lucasfilm’s existing film slate, which includes:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 2026) directed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni
- Star Wars: Starfighter (May 2027) helmed by Shawn Levy, starring Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth
- Other films reportedly in development: Dawn of the Jedi (Mangold), New Republic (Filoni), and Lando (starring Solo’s Donald Glover)
Lucasfilm CEO Bob Iger has repeatedly stressed that Star Wars TV series for Disney+ remains the immediate priority, but theatrical projects are making a strategic return. Introducing a sequel-era film could serve as a chance to reintroduce Daisy Ridley’s Rey in some capacity since her New Jedi Order film was removed from the release schedule.
It also signals confidence in the team at Lucasfilm that they can relearn from past mishaps, and perhaps, tell smaller, more emotional stories within a familiar part of the timeline.
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