A long time ago, in a galaxy not far away at all, “Star Wars” became one of the biggest media franchises of all time. Since its inception in 1977 with “Star Wars: A New Hope,” George Lucas’ film series has introduced audiences to an abundance of fan-favorite characters, including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.
“Star Wars” has expanded far beyond its nine main films. From animated television series to spinoff movies, the fan-dubbed “Skywalker Saga” has given “Star Wars” enthusiasts more developed stories that all tie in with one another.
The release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in December of 2019 marked the end of that particular saga. However, in regards to the film, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “It’s not the end of ‘Star Wars’ stories, so on the one hand, it’s the end of nine chapters, or the three that we’ve been responsible for making, but in many respects it’s the beginning of stories coming from galaxies far, far away.”
While fans may be disappointed that the saga’s end means that they will likely no longer see the many characters they have grown to love over the course of more than four decades, they can rest assured that there will be a number of new “Star Wars” films releasing within the next six years.
With many possible stories pulled from existing “Star Wars” novels, video games or references in previous movies, the new era of the franchise could go in numerous different directions. Here are some potential characters and storylines fans may get in future “Star Wars” films.
“Knights of the Old Republic”
Before their departure in 2019, “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were slated to develop a new trilogy within the “Star Wars” universe. Benioff and Weiss were reportedly interested in creating films that took place years before the prevalence of Jedis. This got fans excited for a possible adaptation of “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.”
Based on a comic book series of the same name, “Knights of the Old Republic” is set nearly 4,000 years before the Galactic Empire that was introduced in “A New Hope.” The RPG video game revolves around a member of the Republic — the good guys of the story — who develops into a Jedi to take down the Sith forces of Darth Malak.
Because the game has two possible endings, the people at Lucasfilm have some creative freedom as to which direction they take the movie in. The time in which “Knights of the Old Republic” takes place would also be interesting as fans would be able to see what the Jedi and Sith were like before the events depicted in the Skywalker Saga. Casual audiences can also be introduced to popular characters, such as Bastila Shan, Darth Malak and Darth Revan.
Darth Revan
Speaking of Darth Revan, many fans have been wanting a film revolving around the former Jedi-turned-Sith-turned-Jedi-again. Wielding both a red and a purple lightsaber, Darth Revan — also known as simply Revan — was introduced in the previously mentioned “Knights of the Old Republic.”
According to the collection of noncanonical “Star Wars” material aptly named “Star Wars Legends,” the Jedi known as Revan, along with the aforementioned Darth Malak, turned to the Dark Side to declare war on the Republic. After being captured by the Republic and Jedi, Revan got his memories wiped and reverted to his Jedi ways. Revan’s philosophy of limiting masters to no more than one apprentice at a time paved the way for the infamous Sith Rule of Two, which states that every generation must have only two Sith Lords — one master and one apprentice.
Revan’s very subtle mention in “The Rise of Skywalker” could be the beginning of his introduction to the live-action “Star Wars” universe, with many fans wanting “John Wick” actor Keanu Reeves to play the notorious antihero.
“Star Wars: Rebels” Spinoff
One of the biggest “Star Wars” rumors of 2020 is the casting of Rosario Dawson in Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” as the live-action incarnation of Jedi Ahsoka Tano from the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Rebels.” Rumored to be joining Tano are fellow “Rebels” characters Sabine Wren and Bo-Katan Kryze.
In the last minutes of the “Rebels” season finale in 2018, Tano and Wren go on a search for the show’s protagonist, Ezra Bridger, after he went into hyperspace to save the Rebellion. Their appearance in “The Mandalorian” will likely be a small cameo and provide little exposition regarding their rescue mission.
Perhaps having a standalone “Star Wars Story” film focusing on Tano and Wren’s adventure in finding Bridger will provide closure to an otherwise cliffhanger “Rebels” ending.
Exegol Origin Movie
According to Deadline Hollywood, a film set on the Sith planet Exegol is in development with “Sleight” director J.D. Dillard at the helm. Introduced in 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” Exegol was occupied by the villainous Darth Sidious and his Sith followers. The third act of the film follows Rey, Kylo Ren, and the rest of the Resistance battling Sidious’ Sith fleet, which ultimately ends with — spoilers — the death of Sidious and victory for the Resistance.
Because there is not much known about the mysterious planet, a film revolving around it may explore its origins. According to the “The Rise of Skywalker” visual dictionary, Exegol was once a peaceful planet before the Sith’s arrival and ravaging. It is said that the planet was the birthplace of Supreme Leader Snoke and the First Order, which led to the events depicted in “The Force Awakens,” the seventh movie in the Skywalker Saga.
The planet’s dark and eerie atmosphere, as seen in “The Rise of Skywalker,” may set the overall mood of the developing film, perhaps even leading to it being the first “Star Wars” horror movie. It could also give fans the resolution of — spoilers — how Darth Sidious survived after his presumed death in “Return of the Jedi.”
“Solo” Spin-Off
While “Solo: A Star Wars Story” was not the most popular film at the box office, its ending may have set up future storylines to be further explored. At the end of “Solo,” Qi’ra, played by Emilia Clarke, is revealed to be a member (and later, the leader) of Crimson Dawn, the crime syndicate led by the infamous Darth Maul.
A film centering around Crimson Dawn could bring Maul back to the big screen, with Qi’ra as the lead, in a war with other crime syndicates of “Star Wars” lore, such as the Hutts or the Pyke Syndicate. Toss in the lovable Lando Calrissian, played by Donald Glover, and the notable smuggler Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich, and fans could get a fun “Star Wars” crime film.
Something Completely New and Different
It is possible that Lucasfilm may surprise fans by creating entirely new “Star Wars” stories to bring to the silver screen. As with the upcoming “Star Wars: The High Republic” publishing projects, fans could be introduced to new characters, new eras and new plots they have never seen before. The announcements that famed directors Taika Waititi, Rian Johnson and Kevin Feige will be directing future “Star Wars” films certainly give fans hope for more stories in a galaxy far, far away.
