The Force has awakened once again.
A new trilogy of “Star Wars” films, set to be written and produced by Simon Kinberg, is in the works at Lucasfilm, a person familiar with the studio’s plans who was unauthorized to speak publicly confirmed to USA TODAY.
The movies are in the very early stages of development and are said to be the beginning of a new saga, not a continuation of the Skywalker Saga that comprised “Star Wars” Episodes I through IX. Plot details have not been disclosed, and it was not immediately clear whether they will receive numerical titles like the Skywalker Saga movies.
Kinberg is best known for his work in the “X-Men” franchise, having written several entries and directed 2019’s “Dark Phoenix.” He also co-created the popular animated series “Star Wars Rebels,” working alongside Dave Filoni, who would go on to executive produce “The Mandalorian” and create “Ahsoka.”
Depending on when — or if — Kinberg’s films hit theaters, they could be the first new trilogy of “Star Wars” movies since the sequel trilogy that ran from 2015 to 2019 and consisted of “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker.” Separately, two standalone spin-off films were released in 2016 and 2018: “Rogue One” and “Solo.”
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No new “Star Wars” movie has been released in nearly five years following “The Rise of Skywalker,” which received mixed reviews and polarized reactions among fans.
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But several “Star Wars” films have been announced that are in various stages of development and may or may not actually make their way across the finish line. Daisy Ridley is set to star in a film that will see her character, Rey, building a new Jedi Order after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is directing.
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“Logan” filmmaker James Mangold has also been tapped to direct a movie about the dawn of the Jedi, and Filoni is directing one said to “close out the interconnected stories” told in the live-action Disney+ shows like “The Mandalorian.” A movie continuing the story of “The Mandalorian,” titled “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” is also on the way from director Jon Favreau and scheduled for release in May 2026.
Lucasfilm has seemingly struggled to figure out the best way to return the franchise to the big screen. Numerous “Star Wars” movies have been announced, only to never end up happening, including a trilogy of films from “The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson revealed almost exactly seven years ago.
“Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins in 2020 was also announced to be directing a film titled “Rogue Squadron” that was scheduled for release in December 2023, but the month came and went with no movie. Earlier this year, Jenkins said she is back to working on the film, but there have been no major updates since.
“Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige have also been attached to “Star Wars” projects over the years that have yet to materialize.
For now, the “Star Wars” series remains on the small screen. The franchise’s next live-action Disney+ show, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” will debut in December.
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