Ethan Carter
In the last decade, Lucasfilm has aimed to produce far more Star Wars films than have actually made it to theaters. For every movie that graces the big screen, there are likely three or four projects that never come to fruition. With the recent leadership changes at Lucasfilm, the direction of Star Wars is now uncertain.
Next week marks a pivotal moment with the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu. This film, co-written and produced by Dave Filoni—one of the newly appointed presidents at Lucasfilm alongside Lynwen Brennan—promises to reshape the franchise’s future. In a recent interview, Filoni shared insights into his vision for the beloved saga.
“I’m focusing on the narratives and their potential, planning what I envision for the future,” Filoni explained to Collider. “I advocate for a comprehensive approach, determining how many stories to tell and their configurations. There are ongoing projects that I’m keen to develop further. Jon [Favreau] and I have collaborated successfully for years, crafting engaging stories. I review the narratives I’m developing and the contributions of other creative talents to weave them all together effectively.”
Following the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the next installment in the Star Wars universe will be Filoni’s own series, Ahsoka, scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in early 2027. This will be succeeded by Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone film directed by Shawn Levy and featuring Ryan Gosling, set for a May 2027 release.
What lies beyond that? Filoni’s statement hints at continuity in certain ongoing projects. This likely includes a proposed trilogy by Simon Kinberg, rumored to evolve into Episodes X, XI, and XII. This trilogy may also incorporate elements from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s work on a Rey-centric film.
Other previously announced films, including those from James Mangold and Taika Waititi, remain possibilities. While these could fit into Filoni’s framework, his emphasis on the collaborative storytelling with Favreau suggests a focus on continuing the journeys of the Mandalorian, Grogu, and Ahsoka.
Filoni’s comments often convey much while seemingly saying little. It’s likely we will receive more concrete information either at the D23 Expo in August or during Star Wars Celebration in April 2027.
What are your predictions for the next Star Wars film following Starfighter? Do you believe in Filoni’s vision for the franchise?
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Daniel Mercer
