Key Facts
- โ Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm after years of leadership, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan assuming the top roles.
- โ The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, directed by Jon Favreau, is the first Star Wars film scheduled for release since 2019, set for May 22, 2026.
- โ A new standalone film titled Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy, is planned for May 28, 2027.
- โ Production has officially wrapped on the second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka, though a release date has not yet been announced.
- โ Dave Filoni is developing a movie that will tie together the events of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka.
- โ Several high-profile projects, including a trilogy from Rian Johnson and films from Taika Waititi and Kevin Feige, have been canceled or are on hold.
A New Era for a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Star Wars franchise is entering a transformative period, marked by a significant leadership shift and a robust pipeline of upcoming films and television series. As Lucasfilm prepares for a new chapter, fans can look forward to a diverse slate of projects spanning different eras of the galaxy's history.
With production underway on several titles and release dates confirmed for others, the studio is signaling a renewed commitment to expanding the universe. The changes come as longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her duties, paving the way for new creative leadership.
Leadership Transition at Lucasfilm
A major organizational change is underway at the top of Lucasfilm. Kathleen Kennedy, who has led the studio for years, is officially departing from her role as president.
She will be succeeded by a pair of veteran Star Wars creators. Dave Filoni, known for his work on animated series like The Clone Wars and live-action shows including The Mandalorian, will assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer. Lynwen Brennan will serve as Co-President.
This transition marks a critical juncture for the franchise. The new leadership team faces the challenge of revitalizing excitement among both dedicated fans and mainstream audiences, following a period some have viewed as lagging in momentum.
Confirmed Releases: 2026 and Beyond
Lucasfilm has locked in several key projects for release, with the first new Star Wars film in years leading the charge. The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by series co-creator Jon Favreau, is slated to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. Filming for this project wrapped at the end of 2024, positioning it as the first theatrical release since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. It is expected to take the place of a potential fourth season of the The Mandalorian series.
Following that, Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027. This film will be directed by Shawn Levy and will star Ryan Gosling. Set approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the standalone story will explore a new corner of the timeline.
On the television front, several series are confirmed for Disney+:
- Maul: Shadow Lord (2026): An animated series focusing on the former Sith Lord as he rebuilds his criminal empire during the Empire's reign.
- Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi (2026): A miniseries continuation of the popular short from the anthology series.
- Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2: Production has wrapped on the second season, though a specific release window has not yet been announced.
Projects in Development
Beyond the confirmed releases, several high-profile projects remain in various stages of development, promising to expand the Star Wars narrative in new directions.
Dave Filoni is set to direct a movie that will serve as a culmination of the "Mando-Verse." This film, set after the events of Return of the Jedi, will tie together storylines from The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka.
Another significant film in development is the New Jedi Order movie, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. This project will be set after The Rise of Skywalker and will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey Skywalker, focusing on her efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Additionally, a trilogy of films is being developed by Simon Kinberg, further expanding the cinematic universe.
On Hold or Canceled Projects
Not all announced projects have moved forward. The studio's development slate includes several titles that are currently on hold or have been officially canceled.
Projects with an uncertain status include:
- The Hunt for Ben Solo movie
- Star Wars: Lando movie
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron movie
- The Mandalorian: Season 4 / The Book of Boba Fett: Season 2
- James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi movie
- Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie
Meanwhile, several projects have been officially canceled or are considered "dead," including Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic series, Rian Johnson's planned trilogy, Kevin Feige's Star Wars movie, and the films from David Benioff & D.B. Weiss.
The Future of the Franchise
The Star Wars franchise is at a pivotal moment, with a clear roadmap for future content and a new leadership team steering its direction. The upcoming slate offers a mix of familiar characters and new stories, aiming to broaden the appeal of the galaxy far, far away.
With The Mandalorian & Grogu set to return the franchise to theaters in 2026 and a new generation of storytellers at the helm, the next few years will be crucial in defining the future of Star Wars for both longtime fans and new audiences.
