In a thrilling series of announcements at Star Wars Celebration Tokyo, Lucasfilm has revealed ambitious plans that promise to reinvigorate the beloved franchise with both theatrical and streaming projects.
New Film Trilogy Announced
The most significant revelation was confirmation of a brand-new Star Wars trilogy with acclaimed writer-producer Simon Kinberg taking the creative lead. This marks the first official trilogy announcement since the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga in 2019, signaling Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the cinematic universe.
Multiple Directors Attached to Upcoming Films
While Kinberg’s trilogy captured headlines, Lucasfilm reaffirmed that previously announced film projects from an impressive roster of directors remain in active development:
- James Mangold (known for “Logan” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”)
- Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Oscar-winning documentarian making her Star Wars directorial debut)
- Taika Waititi (who brought fresh energy to the Thor franchise)
“Star Wars: Starfighter” Sets Course for 2027
One of the most concrete announcements was the May 2027 release date for “Star Wars: Starfighter,” helmed by “Stranger Things” and “Free Guy” director Shawn Levy. The film will star Ryan Gosling, marking the acclaimed actor’s entry into the Star Wars universe, likely focusing on the galaxy’s elite pilots.
Expanding the Animated Universe
The Dark Side will take center stage in “Maul: Shadow Lord,” a new animated series following the fan-favorite Sith apprentice. The series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, continuing Lucasfilm’s tradition of exploring complex characters through animation.
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” First Look
Fans were treated to the first official images from the highly anticipated “The Mandalorian and Grogu” feature film, showcasing Pedro Pascal returning as Din Djarin alongside the surprising addition of Sigourney Weaver to the cast.
In an unexpected casting announcement, “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White has been confirmed to voice Rotta, the son of notorious gangster Jabba the Hutt, potentially connecting the film to previously unexplored storylines from the broader Star Wars canon.
The Tokyo Celebration revelations suggest a strategic diversification for the franchise, balancing theatrical releases with streaming content while bringing fresh creative voices alongside established talents—all working to expand the boundaries of the galaxy far, far away.
