Lucasfilm is once again expanding the Star Wars universe, this time with a fresh trilogy of films, and Simon Kinberg is at the helm. The acclaimed writer and producer, known for his work on the “X-Men” franchise, has been tapped to write and produce the new trilogy alongside Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. This new series will mark the first major cinematic steps for Star Wars following the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga with The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
This upcoming trilogy will not be a continuation of the beloved saga that began with George Lucas’s A New Hope in 1977. Instead, it is expected to chart new territory in the Star Wars galaxy, exploring new characters, plots, and worlds beyond the scope of the Skywalker family. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Kinberg’s creative vision is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise, ensuring that Star Wars fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
The announcement of Kinberg’s involvement is significant, given his deep connection to the world of Star Wars. He has previously worked with Lucasfilm on the animated series Star Wars Rebels, which he co-created alongside Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck. In addition, Kinberg consulted on The Force Awakens (2015), helping guide the franchise’s return to the big screen under the direction of J.J. Abrams. With this extensive background, Kinberg is a natural choice to spearhead the next phase of Star Wars storytelling.
This new trilogy is one of several high-profile projects Lucasfilm has in the pipeline. Other upcoming films in the Star Wars universe include projects from director James Mangold, who is reportedly working on a film that explores the origins of the Jedi, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who is set to direct a film about the rise of the New Republic. Additionally, Taika Waititi’s previously announced Star Wars film remains on the horizon, although its release date and details are still unclear.
The Future of Star Wars on the Big Screen
In addition to the new trilogy, Lucasfilm is focusing on expanding the Star Wars universe across both television and film. The Star Wars franchise has found a new home on Disney+, with several live-action series, including The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka, all contributing to what fans have come to call the “Mando-verse.” These shows have introduced a new generation of Star Wars fans to the saga and have continued to push the narrative forward in exciting ways.
The excitement surrounding new Star Wars content is palpable, but it remains unclear exactly when the next theatrical film will land. After the success of The Mandalorian and the growing popularity of its spin-offs, Lucasfilm has signaled that it may be ready to return to the big screen, though the specific timeline for these films is still being determined. While other projects like Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron and a film produced by Marvel’s Kevin Feige were once announced, they have yet to materialize, leaving fans eagerly waiting for confirmation on when the next Star Wars film will hit theaters.
Simon Kinberg: The Right Fit for the Star Wars Universe
Simon Kinberg’s film career is marked by his ability to juggle both the blockbuster and the critically acclaimed. He made his name in Hollywood with his work on the X-Men franchise, having written and produced some of its most popular films, including X-Men: First Class (2011), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), and Logan (2017). Kinberg also directed Dark Phoenix (2019), the final chapter of the X-Men saga at 20th Century Fox. His extensive experience in the world of comic book adaptations and sci-fi films makes him a fitting choice for the grand, expansive nature of Star Wars.
Additionally, Kinberg’s collaboration with Lucasfilm on Star Wars Rebels has deepened his understanding of the Star Wars universe, giving him the opportunity to explore its rich lore from a unique perspective. The fact that he has worked alongside key Star Wars figures like Dave Filoni only further strengthens the belief that Kinberg can successfully continue the Star Wars legacy while introducing exciting new ideas to the franchise.
While the upcoming trilogy may take the Star Wars saga in new directions, Kinberg’s background in blending personal storytelling with large-scale, action-driven narratives suggests that the new films will maintain the core themes of hope, redemption, and the battle between light and dark that have defined the series since its inception.
The History of Star Wars Trilogies
To better understand the significance of the new Star Wars trilogy, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the history of the franchise and its various trilogies, each of which has left a lasting impact on both cinema and pop culture.
The Original Trilogy (1977–1983)
The original Star Wars trilogy, now known as the Skywalker Saga, began with A New Hope (1977), written and directed by George Lucas. The groundbreaking film introduced audiences to the legendary heroes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, and took them on an adventure to defeat the oppressive Galactic Empire. The film was revolutionary in its use of special effects and storytelling, launching a cultural phenomenon that would change the course of cinema forever.
The success of A New Hope was followed by The Empire Strikes Back (1980), directed by Irvin Kershner, which is often regarded as one of the best sequels ever made. Darker and more complex, Empire expanded the Star Wars universe and revealed iconic plot twists, including the shocking revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity.
The trilogy concluded with Return of the Jedi (1983), directed by Richard Marquand. While some fans found the ending to be more hopeful than its predecessor, Jedi successfully wrapped up the storylines of the central characters and provided a satisfying conclusion to the battle against the Empire.
The Prequel Trilogy (1999–2005)
After a 16-year hiatus, George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe with the prequel trilogy, which explored the rise of Darth Vader and the fall of the Galactic Republic. The first film, The Phantom Menace (1999), introduced young Anakin Skywalker (played by Jake Lloyd), the future Darth Vader, and explored the political intrigues leading to the fall of the Jedi Order.
Attack of the Clones (2002) followed Anakin’s journey as a young adult, struggling with his emotions and his growing connection to the Force. The prequel trilogy concluded with Revenge of the Sith (2005), which depicted the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker, his transformation into Darth Vader, and the end of the Jedi.
Though the prequel trilogy received mixed reviews at the time of its release, it has since gained a more appreciative audience and has become an important part of Star Wars lore, expanding the franchise’s mythology and world-building.
The Sequel Trilogy (2015–2019)
In 2012, Disney acquired Lucasfilm and soon began work on a new trilogy set after the events of the original saga. The sequel trilogy began with The Force Awakens (2015), directed by J.J. Abrams. The film introduced new characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, while bringing back familiar faces from the original trilogy, such as Han Solo and Leia Organa. The Force Awakens was a huge box office success, reinvigorating the franchise and sparking excitement for the new generation of Star Wars films.
The second installment, The Last Jedi (2017), directed by Rian Johnson, took the story in bold new directions, challenging traditional Star Wars tropes and exploring the complexities of the Force. Its polarizing reception divided fans but also cemented its place in the cultural conversation.
The trilogy concluded with The Rise of Skywalker (2019), which brought the Skywalker saga to a close. Directed by J.J. Abrams, The Rise of Skywalker resolved many of the storylines from the previous films, though it also faced criticism for its rushed pacing and reliance on fan service.
The Future: What’s Next?
With the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, the Star Wars franchise enters a new era, one that promises fresh stories and new perspectives. The upcoming trilogy from Simon Kinberg will undoubtedly continue the evolution of this beloved universe, introducing audiences to new heroes, villains, and worlds. As the legacy of Star Wars grows, one thing remains clear: the Force will continue to be with us, guiding this iconic franchise toward its next chapter.
