Picture this: you’re sitting in a darkened theater, the familiar brass fanfare begins, and those iconic yellow words start crawling up the screen. Your heart races the same way it did when you were seven years old, clutching popcorn and watching Luke Skywalker stare at twin suns. That feeling never gets old, does it?
For millions of fans worldwide, Star Wars movies represent more than entertainment—they’re childhood memories, shared experiences with family, and pure escapism rolled into one epic space opera. After years of focusing primarily on Disney+ series, Lucasfilm is finally bringing that theatrical magic back to the big screen with an ambitious slate of new films.
The anticipation is palpable, but not every upcoming project carries the same level of excitement. Some promise to recapture the wonder of the original trilogy, while others feel like cautious experiments. Let’s dive into what’s coming and rank these Star Wars movies by just how pumped we should be getting.
What’s Actually Coming to Theaters
After the mixed reception of the sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm took a step back from theatrical releases. The success of shows like The Mandalorian and Andor proved that Star Wars could thrive on streaming platforms, but there’s something irreplaceable about experiencing these stories on the biggest screen possible.
Industry insider Daniel Richtman recently noted, “The theatrical experience is crucial for Star Wars. These films are designed for communal viewing, for that shared gasp when a lightsaber ignites or when a familiar character appears.”
The current slate represents Lucasfilm’s most diverse approach yet, spanning different eras, characters, and filmmaking styles. From Mandalorian spin-offs to completely original stories, the studio is clearly testing multiple waters to see what resonates with audiences.
The Complete Lineup: Every Confirmed Star Wars Movie
Here’s where things get exciting—and a little overwhelming. The sheer variety of projects in development shows Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the galaxy far, far away in every direction possible.
| Movie Title | Director | Era/Setting | Expected Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Mandalorian & Grogu | Jon Favreau | Post-Return of the Jedi | 2026 |
| Rey Skywalker Film | Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy | Post-Sequel Trilogy | TBA |
| Dave Filoni’s Movie | Dave Filoni | New Republic Era | TBA |
| James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi | James Mangold | 25,000 Years Before ANH | TBA |
| Taika Waititi’s Film | Taika Waititi | Unknown | TBA |
The most concrete project is The Mandalorian & Grogu, which has the advantage of building directly on the most beloved Disney-era Star Wars content. Jon Favreau’s involvement gives fans confidence, considering his track record with both The Mandalorian series and his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Here are the key factors driving excitement for each project:
- Proven track record of directors and creators
- Connection to beloved existing characters
- Fresh storytelling opportunities in unexplored eras
- Visual spectacle and technological innovation
- Potential for meaningful character development
Entertainment analyst Sarah Mitchell explains, “What fans want most is authenticity. They can sense when a project comes from genuine love for the source material versus corporate obligation.”
Why These Movies Matter Right Now
The timing of this theatrical return couldn’t be more crucial. After years of streaming success, Star Wars needs to prove it can still command the big screen. The franchise faces unique challenges—satisfying longtime fans while attracting new audiences, balancing nostalgia with innovation, and delivering stories that justify the theater experience.
The Mandalorian & Grogu leads the pack because it represents the safest bet. Din Djarin and Grogu have already won over audiences, and their dynamic works perfectly for a feature-length adventure. The series proved that Star Wars works best when it focuses on character relationships rather than galaxy-spanning conflicts.
James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi film generates significant excitement because it promises something genuinely new. Set 25,000 years before A New Hope, this project could explore the very origins of the Force and the Jedi Order without being constrained by existing continuity.
Film critic Mark Rodriguez observes, “Mangold’s Logan showed he can handle beloved characters with both reverence and creative boldness. That’s exactly what Star Wars needs right now.”
The Rey Skywalker continuation faces the biggest challenge. While Daisy Ridley remains popular, the sequel trilogy’s mixed reception creates skepticism about returning to that era. However, it also presents an opportunity to address fan concerns and give Rey a more satisfying character arc.
Dave Filoni’s involvement in any Star Wars project automatically raises expectations. His deep understanding of the lore, combined with his success on The Clone Wars and Rebels, makes his upcoming film one of the most anticipated.
Taika Waititi’s project remains the wild card. His unique comedic style could either breathe fresh life into the franchise or clash with its traditional tone. Thor: Ragnarok proved he can balance humor with genuine emotion, but Star Wars presents different challenges.
The real test will be whether these Star Wars movies can recapture the communal excitement that made the originals cultural phenomena. In an age of streaming and home viewing, theaters need to offer something special—spectacular visuals, immersive sound, and shared emotional experiences that simply can’t be replicated at home.
What makes this slate particularly promising is its diversity of approaches. Instead of following a single template, Lucasfilm is allowing different creators to explore various corners of the galaxy, potentially finding new formulas for success.
FAQs
When will the first new Star Wars movie be released?
The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for 2026, making it the first theatrical Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
Will these movies be connected to the Disney+ shows?
Some will directly connect to series like The Mandalorian, while others like James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi will be standalone stories.
Is Disney moving away from Star Wars streaming content?
No, Disney plans to continue both theatrical releases and streaming series, viewing them as complementary rather than competing formats.
Which movie has the best chance of success?
The Mandalorian & Grogu appears most likely to succeed due to the proven popularity of its characters and Jon Favreau’s involvement.
Are any original trilogy actors returning?
While not officially confirmed, several projects could potentially feature legacy characters, though details remain under wraps.
What makes James Mangold’s movie different from other Star Wars films?
Set 25,000 years before existing movies, it will explore the ancient origins of the Jedi without being constrained by established continuity.
About the Author
