### The Future of *Star Wars*: New Trilogy and Upcoming Films
It has been nearly five years since *The Rise of Skywalker* premiered in cinemas, signaling the end of the Skywalker Saga and concluding the third trilogy of *Star Wars* movies. Since that time, Lucasfilm has redirected its attention to television, creating a number of successful Disney+ series such as *The Mandalorian*, *The Book of Boba Fett*, and *Obi-Wan Kenobi*. However, after a prolonged break from theatrical outputs, the studio is preparing to return to the cinema with new films—and possibly, a new trilogy.
### Simon Kinberg to Direct New *Star Wars* Trilogy
As per a report from *Deadline*, Lucasfilm has finalized an agreement with Simon Kinberg to write and produce a new *Star Wars* trilogy. Kinberg, who boasts a substantial background with the franchise, co-created the acclaimed animated series *Star Wars Rebels* in collaboration with Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck. He is also recognized for his contributions to Fox’s *X-Men* series, having penned *Days of Future Past* and *Apocalypse*, and directed *Dark Phoenix*.
Kinberg will produce the forthcoming *Star Wars* films alongside Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, who has guided the development of the sequel trilogy and the studio’s latest Disney+ endeavors. While early reports indicated that these upcoming films would serve as episodes 10-12 of the Skywalker Saga, following the events of *The Rise of Skywalker*, insiders suggest that the new trilogy could unveil an entirely fresh narrative, possibly introducing new characters and venturing into unexplored regions of the galaxy.
### A New Era for *Star Wars* Films
The anticipation surrounding Lucasfilm’s return to theaters is palpable, particularly after the studio paused theatrical releases following a bustling period from 2015 to 2019. Fans enjoyed not just the sequel trilogy—*The Force Awakens* (2015), *The Last Jedi* (2017), and *The Rise of Skywalker* (2019)—but also standalone films like *Rogue One* (2016) and *Solo* (2018). However, the mixed reviews of certain films, especially *Solo*, prompted the studio to reassess its direction.
Now, after several years concentrating on Disney+ series, Lucasfilm is poised to reintroduce *Star Wars* to the cinematic realm. The inaugural film from this new batch is slated to debut in 2026, with *The Mandalorian and Grogu* set to grace theaters on May 22 of that year. This movie will pursue the narrative of the cherished Disney+ series, which has captured fans’ affection through its engaging characters, including Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu (affectionately referred to as “Baby Yoda”).
### Other *Star Wars* Films in Development
Beyond Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy, several other *Star Wars* films are at various stages of production:
1. **Rey Skywalker Movie**: helmed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this feature will spotlight Rey Skywalker, the protagonist of the sequel trilogy. While specifics are limited, it is anticipated to explore Rey’s path after the events of *The Rise of Skywalker* as she embarks on rebuilding the Jedi Order.
2. **James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi**: James Mangold, celebrated for his work on *Logan* and *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny*, is crafting a film that will investigate the origins of the Jedi. Taking place thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga, this narrative will probe the ancient history of the galaxy and the formation of the Jedi Order.
3. **Taika Waititi’s *Star Wars* Movie**: Taika Waititi, the visionary behind *Thor: Ragnarok* and *Jojo Rabbit*, is tasked with directing his own *Star Wars* film. Though details remain scarce, Waititi’s distinctive combination of humor and emotional depth is expected to infuse a refreshing perspective into the *Star Wars* universe.
### The Future of *Star Wars* on Disney+
While the prospect of returning to theaters is thrilling, Lucasfilm is not neglecting its successful Disney+ approach. The studio persists in expanding the *Star Wars* universe on the streaming service, with forthcoming seasons of *The Mandalorian*, *Ahsoka*, and *The Acolyte* underway. These series have been crucial in sustaining the franchise’s vitality during the theatrical drought, and they are likely to continue playing a prominent role in the future of *Star Wars* storytelling.
### Conclusion
The *Star Wars* universe is on the brink of an exhilarating new chapter, integrating a blend of theatrical releases and streaming series that pledge to explore new narratives, characters, and