Okay, let's be real. Trying to keep track of all the upcoming Star Wars movies feels like navigating an asteroid field blindfolded sometimes. Lucasfilm announces things, then things go quiet, release dates shift like sand on Tatooine, and the rumor mill never, ever stops spinning. It can be frustrating, right? I remember scrambling to find concrete info before, hitting dead ends and conflicting reports. So, I've dug deep, sifted through the Holocron records (well, reputable sources and official channels), and talked to folks who follow this stuff way too closely to bring you this one-stop guide. We'll cover *everything* confirmed, everything heavily rumored, and tackle all the burning questions fans actually have about the future of Star Wars on the big screen. Forget the fluff, let's get into the real meat of what's coming.
Honestly, after the sequel trilogy wrapped, things got murky. Movies were announced, then shelved (Rian Johnson's trilogy still stings a bit for me). Directors came and went. But recently? Things feel... different. More focused. Maybe it's Dave Filoni taking a bigger role, or Kathleen Kennedy locking things down. Whatever it is, we finally have a clearer, albeit still evolving, picture of the next few years. This isn't just about hype; it's about knowing what to genuinely look forward to and plan for. Like, when should I actually book those opening night tickets?
Upcoming Star Wars Movies Officially Confirmed (What We Actually Know)
This is the solid ground. These are the films Lucasfilm has publicly announced are in active development. Release dates? Those can be slippery, but the projects themselves are real and moving forward.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Feature Film
This one kind of came out of nowhere, didn't it? One minute we're waiting for Season 4 of the show, the next – bang! – Jon Favreau announces a full-blown cinematic adventure for Din Djarin and his adorable green sidekick. It makes sense, though. The Mandalorian is arguably the crown jewel of the Disney+ era. Taking that energy and scale to theaters feels like a no-brainer. Favreau's directing, and you can bet Pedro Pascal is back (even if mostly voiced). Expect this to pick up after the events of the show, probably exploring the challenges of Grogu's training and Mandalore's rebuilding. The buzz is huge for this, easily the most anticipated of the upcoming Star Wars movies for many fans. Dave Filoni is involved as a producer too, ensuring it fits within the wider "Mandoverse" storyline. Filming might start later this year or early next.
| Title | Director | Writer(s) | Confirmed Cast (Likely) | Expected Release Window | Key Plot Points/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Mandalorian & Grogu | Jon Favreau | Jon Favreau | Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin), Grogu (Obviously!), Possibly Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan), Carl Weathers (Greef Karga - Status TBC) | May 22, 2026 (This one feels pretty solid) | Continuation of the TV series. Likely focuses on Din & Grogu's journey post-reunification, threats to Mandalore, Grogu's Jedi training challenges. |
Dave Filoni's "Mandoverse" Climax Movie
This is the big one. The culmination of years of television storytelling weaving together The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and the upcoming Skeleton Crew. Dave Filoni, the architect of this entire era post-Return of the Jedi (roughly 5-15 ABY), is directing. Think of it as the Star Wars equivalent of The Avengers – bringing together characters like Din Djarin, Grogu, Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Ezra Bridger, and probably Bo-Katan and others for an epic confrontation. This movie is why all these shows feel so interconnected. It promises to resolve the Thrawn threat and potentially reshape the New Republic era. Filoni working directly from George Lucas's notes on this era adds serious weight. No firm release date yet, but it logically follows the Mando movie and the Ahsoka S2 setup.
| Title | Director | Writer | Expected Cast (Based on Shows) | Expected Release Window | Key Plot Points/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untitled Dave Filoni "Mandoverse" Event Film | Dave Filoni | Dave Filoni | Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka), Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin), Grogu, Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine Wren), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Eman Esfandi (Ezra Bridger), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Hera Syndulla), Ray Stevenson Legacy (Baylan Skoll?), Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan) | Late 2026 / 2027 (Likely after Mando & Ahsoka S2) | Climax of the "Mandoverse" storyline. Epic battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn's forces. Fate of the New Republic hangs in the balance. Convergence of characters from Mando, Ahsoka, Boba Fett, Skeleton Crew. |
James Mangold's "Dawn of the Jedi"
Now this is fascinating. James Mangold (Logan, Ford v Ferrari) is diving deep, *deep* into Star Wars past. We're talking about the primordial era, possibly 25,000 years before the Skywalker saga. This is the birth of the Force as understood by the Jedi. Think the first Force-sensitive individuals discovering their powers, the founding principles of the Jedi Order, the early conflicts between light and dark. Mangold has described it as a "Biblical epic," focusing on the very first Jedi. Expect a visually stunning, mythological tale far removed from the tech and politics of the main saga. It’s a chance to redefine what a Star Wars movie can be. Casting is wide open, and the release window is further out, giving Mangold time to craft something potentially groundbreaking. Definitely one of the more intriguing upcoming Star Wars movies.
| Title | Director | Writer | Cast | Expected Release Window | Key Plot Points/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi | James Mangold | James Mangold | Unknown (Likely all new characters) | 2027 or Later | Origins of the Jedi Order. Explores the earliest discoveries of the Force. Set ~25,000 years before Episode I. Focus on myth, discovery, and the fundamental struggle between light and dark. |
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's New Jedi Order Movie (Rey Skywalker)
Set far into the future, about 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker (so around 45 ABY), this film marks the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. The key hook? Rey is attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order from the ashes of Luke's failed academy and her own experiences. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, is directing from a script by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders). The title "New Jedi Order" feels apt. We know it explores Rey establishing a new temple and training a fresh generation of Jedi. Will it grapple with the failures of the past Jedi? Probably. What new threats emerge in this relatively peaceful era? That's the big question. Will familiar faces like Finn (John Boyega) or Poe (Oscar Isaac) return? Unconfirmed, but possible cameos at least. This is the future future of the saga.
| Title | Director | Writer | Confirmed Cast | Expected Release Window | Key Plot Points/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untitled New Jedi Order Film | Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy | Steven Knight | Daisy Ridley (Rey Skywalker) | 2026 or Later (Likely after Mangold's) | Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order 15 years post-TROS. Establishing a new temple, training new Jedi. Explores the legacy of the Jedi and the challenges of starting anew. Set ~45 ABY. |
The "Probably Happening" & Major Rumors (Tread Carefully!)
This is where things get fun, but also where you need your rumor filter set to maximum. Lucasfilm plays things close to the chest, and projects evolve or vanish. Here's what the usually reliable scoops point towards:
Taika Waititi's Star Wars Film
Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit) was announced years ago to direct a Star Wars movie. Then... crickets. Recently, there's been movement. Waititi confirmed he's still working on it with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917), and he even mentioned wanting to start filming next year (2025). That suggests it might slot in *before* some of the others we've talked about. What's it about? Total mystery. Waititi promises something fresh, original, and not connected to existing Skywalker saga characters. He wants humor and heart. Could it be set in a completely new corner of the galaxy? Most likely. Is it still a sure thing? Well, Taika projects often take time, but the recent updates are encouraging. This could be a wildcard entry in the list of upcoming Star Wars movies. I just hope it retains that unique Taika vibe without feeling *too* disconnected.
Personal Take: I adore Taika's work, but part of me worries his super irreverent style might clash tonally with core Star Wars. Rogue One and Andor worked *because* they embraced a grittier tone. Can Taika deliver something genuinely funny that still *feels* like Star Wars? It's a tough balance. I'm cautiously optimistic, but it's a project I'll believe is real when I see a trailer.
Lando Calrissian Series (Could it Become a Movie?)
This one's interesting. Originally announced as a Disney+ series starring Donald Glover reprising his role as the young Lando from Solo (and possibly Billy Dee Williams involved too), rumors have swirled that it might be redeveloped as a feature film. Justin Simien (Dear White People, Haunted Mansion) was attached as showrunner for the series. If it becomes a movie, who would direct? Unknown. The appeal is obvious: Lando is an iconic character, and Glover nailed the portrayal. Exploring his early adventures as a gambler, smuggler, and smooth operator in the years before he became Baron Administrator of Cloud City sounds like pure fun. But honestly, the silence has been deafening. Is it still happening? Hopefully. Form? TBD. Keep an eye on this one, but don't hold your breath just yet.
The Rey Movie's Potential Scope (More Than One?)
While only one Rey film (Obaid-Chinoy's) is officially announced, strong rumors persist that this is envisioned as the launchpad for a *new* trilogy, focusing on Rey's New Jedi Order. Lucasfilm might be learning from past mistakes – announcing full trilogies too early before knowing if the first film lands. So, they'll likely wait to see the reception to Rey's solo movie before greenlighting Episodes X, XI, and XII. But internally, the plan is almost certainly for a multi-film arc exploring this new era and Rey's legacy as the last Jedi reborn. Think of the first movie as laying the foundation for a new generation of heroes and stories far removed from the Skywalker lineage.
Ghosts of Projects Past (What Seems Dead or Shelved?)
Not every announced Star Wars movie survives hyperspace. Here's a quick rundown of projects that appeared on the radar but seem to have vanished into the Unknown Regions:
- Rian Johnson's Trilogy: Announced with much fanfare around The Last Jedi, this separate trilogy seems indefinitely shelved. Johnson's been busy with Knives Out, and there's been zero meaningful update for years. Maybe someday, but it feels very cold right now.
- Kevin Feige's Star Wars Movie: The Marvel boss was producing a film, with Loki's Michael Waldron writing. Rumors suggested it might involve the Old Republic. Last we heard? It's no longer in active development. Feige's plate is overflowing with Marvel, so this one seems unlikely anytime soon, if ever.
- Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron: This one hurt. Announced with a slick logo and a December 2023 release date, it promised a return to starfighter action reminiscent of the classic X-Wing games. Jenkins (Wonder Woman) was directing. Then delays hit, Jenkins exited over scheduling conflicts... and it vanished from the release calendar. Officially still "in development," but with no director or momentum, its future is bleak. Maybe the concept gets revived later, but Rogue Squadron as Jenkins envisioned it looks dead. A real shame, that was one of the upcoming Star Wars movies I was genuinely pumped for.
- D.B. Weiss & David Benioff's Trilogy: The Game of Thrones showrunners were set for a trilogy. They exited the project in 2019, citing their huge Netflix deal. This project is completely dead.
Upcoming Star Wars on Disney+ (The Small Screen Side)
While this article focuses on movies, you can't ignore the TV shows that feed directly into them, especially Filoni's Mandoverse film. Here's what's definitely coming to streaming:
| Series Title | Expected Release Window | Key Characters/Creators | Connection to Movies |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Acolyte | June 4, 2024 (Season 1) | Leslye Headland (Creator), Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Carrie-Anne Moss. Set in the High Republic era (~100 years before TPM). | Builds lore for the High Republic. Shows the Jedi at their peak and the emerging Sith threat in the shadows. Indirectly sets context for later eras. |
| Andor Season 2 | August 2024 (Filming Complete) | Tony Gilroy (Creator), Diego Luna (Cassian Andor), Genevieve O'Reilly (Mon Mothma). | Leads directly into Rogue One. Shows the formation of the Rebel Alliance over several years. Essential backstory for the Original Trilogy. |
| Skeleton Crew | Late 2024 | Jon Watts & Christopher Ford (Creators), Jude Law. Set during the New Republic era (similar timeframe to Mandalorian). | Part of the "Mandoverse." Follows a group of lost kids. Likely intersects with characters/locations from Mando/Ahsoka, setting threads for Filoni's movie. |
| Ahsoka Season 2 | 2025 (Likely) | Dave Filoni (Creator), Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Eman Esfandi (Ezra). | DIRECT SETUP for Filoni's Mandoverse movie. Will continue the hunt for Thrawn and Ezra across galaxies. Crucial viewing before the film. |
Unconfirmed Buzz & Wild Rumors (Grain of Salt Required!)
This is deep into speculation territory. Stuff you hear from leakers, but with little concrete backing. Treat it as fun "what ifs" rather than gospel:
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2: Despite Season 1 feeling like a closed chapter, rumors persist. Ewan McGregor seems open. Lucasfilm hasn't confirmed or denied. Low probability, but fans want it.
- Darth Bane Adaptation: Fan casting constantly pops up for a movie/series about the Sith Lord who established the Rule of Two. Lucasfilm has never mentioned it. Pure fan wish fulfillment.
- Old Republic Movie/Series: Similar to Bane. Legends era (KOTOR) is beloved. Rumors surface periodically. Nothing official, but it feels like an era Lucasfilm will eventually mine.
- Jango Fett Movie: Rumored around the time of Boba Fett's show. Daniel Richtman (leaker) suggested it. Zero official word. Seems unlikely right now.
- Rogue One Prequel (K-2SO): Alan Tudyk has mentioned talks about a K-2SO origin story (maybe animated?). Not confirmed. Probably depends on Andor S2 reception.
Your Burning Questions About Upcoming Star Wars Movies Answered (FAQ)
The next confirmed theatrical release is The Mandalorian & Grogu on May 22, 2026. That's the one to circle on your calendar. Before that, we have the Andor Season 2 finale (Aug/Sep 2024) and The Acolyte (June 4, 2024) on Disney+.
No. There are no Star Wars movies scheduled for release in theaters during 2024. The next one is May 2026 (Mando & Grogu). Disney+ shows like The Acolyte and Andor S2 will be your Star Wars fix this year.
It seems so, yes! After a long quiet period, Waititi confirmed in late 2023/early 2024 that he's actively working on the script with Krysty Wilson-Cairns and expressed a desire to start filming in 2025. It's one of the more likely "rumored" projects to become real, potentially releasing before some of the other confirmed upcoming Star Wars movies. But until cameras roll, stay cautiously optimistic.
The officially announced Rey film, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and written by Steven Knight, is set about 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker (around 45 ABY). It focuses on Rey Skywalker attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order. Expect themes of legacy, overcoming past failures (Luke's academy, Palpatine), training new Jedi, and likely facing new threats to the galaxy's peace. Daisy Ridley is confirmed to star.
Absolutely, yes. Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano is a central figure in Dave Filoni's announced "Mandoverse" event film. Her Disney+ series (Ahsoka Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2) are direct lead-ins to that movie's storyline involving Grand Admiral Thrawn. She might *possibly* appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie given their connection, but she's guaranteed for Filoni's film.
Officially, no. Lucasfilm still lists it as "in development." Realistically? It's on life support at best. Patty Jenkins left due to scheduling conflicts over a year ago, no new director has been announced, and it disappeared from Disney's release schedule. The lack of updates and Jenkins' departure make it highly unlikely to happen anytime soon, if ever. I'd consider it shelved until proven otherwise.
It depends on the movie:
- The Mandalorian & Grogu: You'll definitely want to have seen The Mandalorian Seasons 1-3 and probably The Book of Boba Fett (specifically the Mando-centric episodes).
- Filoni's Mandoverse Movie: This is the grand finale. Watching The Mandalorian (all seasons), The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka (both seasons), and likely Skeleton Crew will be essential to fully understand all the characters and plot threads converging.
- Dawn of the Jedi & Rey's New Jedi Order: These appear to be standalone stories set far outside the current TV continuity. You won't *need* to have seen the shows, though general Star Wars lore always helps.
Based on confirmed dates and logical production timelines, here's the most probable order (subject to change!):
- The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026)
- Untitled Dave Filoni Mandoverse Event Film (Late 2026 / 2027)
- Taika Waititi's Star Wars Film (? 2026/2027 - If it happens next)
- Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi (James Mangold) (2027 or later)
- Untitled New Jedi Order Film (Rey) (2027 or later)
Keeping Track & Final Thoughts
Phew, that's a lot, isn't it? The landscape for upcoming Star Wars movies is finally taking shape after a period of uncertainty. While dates beyond 2026 are fuzzy, we have a clear path for the next few years:
- 2024: Disney+ focus (The Acolyte, Andor Season 2, Skeleton Crew).
- 2025: Likely Ahsoka Season 2 on Disney+.
- 2026: The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters (May 22nd!), followed potentially by Filoni's Mandoverse film late in the year or early 2027. Taika's film could also land here.
- 2027+: Dawn of the Jedi and Rey's New Jedi Order arrive, potentially kicking off new eras.
My honest feeling? The Filoni-verse culmination and Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi excite me the most. Filoni because he *gets* the connective tissue of this universe like few others, and Mangold because he's a brilliant filmmaker exploring uncharted territory. The Rey movie... look, Daisy Ridley is great, but the sequel trilogy left a messy foundation. Obaid-Chinoy and Knight have their work cut out to make that era truly compelling for me again. The Mando movie? It's safe, but safe can be fun. I just hope it doesn't feel like a stretched-out TV episode.
The key takeaway? After a dry spell, Star Wars cinema is roaring back, with a mix of safe bets and genuinely daring swings. Keep an eye on official Lucasfilm announcements and sites like StarWars.com or reputable trades (Variety, THR, Deadline) for the latest confirmed news. Ignore the clickbait rumor mills. May the Force be with you... and your patience as we wait for these upcoming Star Wars movies to finally arrive!
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