Star wars escapes trilogy expectations, eyes new era with 'the mandalorian & grogu'
The Force is shifting. After a prolonged absence, mainline Star Wars cinema returns with The Mandalorian & Grogu, arriving May 22nd, and it’s arriving with a distinct lack of the pressure that typically accompanies a new Star Wars trilogy. This isn’t a reboot, a sequel, or a prelude; it’s something else entirely, according to Lucasfilm’s own leadership.
A departure from the skywalker saga
For years, fans have clamored for the next chapter in the Skywalker saga, a void left gaping since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. But Dave Filoni, co-CEO of Lucasfilm, suggests this is a fundamentally different landscape. “Episode VII was a completely different entity,” he stated in a recent interview, underscoring the unique circumstances surrounding The Mandalorian & Grogu. The film isn’t burdened by the weight of establishing a sprawling new narrative; it’s free to be, as Filoni puts it, “a big celebration” of its beloved characters.
The uncertain future of other star wars projects
While The Mandalorian & Grogu offers a beacon of hope, the broader Star Wars film slate remains shrouded in uncertainty. Kathleen Kennedy’s recent departure saw no mention of the crossover film featuring Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Boba Fett, further fueling speculation about its fate. The long list of announced Star Wars Movies, many of which seem increasingly unlikely to materialize, speaks to a period of reassessment within Lucasfilm. Even the ambitious New Republic team-up movie, once a source of considerable anticipation, now hangs precariously in the balance.
Rey's jedi journey and simon kinberg's trilogy
The future of Rey Skywalker also remains in flux. Kennedy’s exit interview omitted any mention of the previously announced standalone film focused on Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order fifteen years after The Rise of Skywalker. The project, initially unveiled with considerable fanfare, has been largely silent since. The setting, a galaxy post-First Order, presents a compelling premise: a Jedi Order in disarray, with Rey attempting to restore it from the foundational texts of Luke Skywalker.
Adding another layer of complexity, Simon Kinberg's planned Star Wars trilogy—a project that Kennedy indicated has undergone “significant” revisions—still feels distant. Kinberg delivered a 70-page treatment just four weeks ago, and a final script isn't expected until March. The timeline suggests this ambitious undertaking remains years away from fruition.
Lucasfilm’s recent strategic shifts, coupled with the uncertain fates of numerous projects, suggest a period of experimentation and recalibration. The Mandalorian & Grogu arrives as a test case, a chance to forge a new path for Star Wars cinema, unburdened by the ghosts of trilogies past. The box office performance of this film will undoubtedly shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.