It has been a long, quiet five years since we last sat in a dark theater and heard the John Williams fanfare kick in. Since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, the galaxy far, far away has lived almost exclusively on our living room TVs. But the drought is ending. The future of Star Wars movies is finally taking a concrete, theatrical shape, and the man holding the blueprint is Dave Filoni. Recently promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, Filoni is shifting the franchise away from the "content for the sake of content" era and toward a more calculated, "architected" roadmap.
The vibe at Lucasfilm has fundamentally shifted. With Kathleen Kennedy stepping back and Filoni stepping up alongside Co-President Lynwen Brennan, the strategy is no longer about hitting a quota; it’s about the "overarching idea." We aren't just getting random stories; we’re getting a connected cinematic universe that bridges the gap between the original trilogy and the sequels, while finally pushing the timeline forward into the unknown.
What is the next Star Wars movie?
The next Star Wars movie is 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' directed by Jon Favreau, scheduled for theatrical release on May 22, 2026. It will be followed by Shawn Levy’s 'Starfighter' in May 2027. This 2026 date marks the end of a seven-year theatrical hiatus for the franchise, the longest gap since the prequels ended in 2005.
The New Era: Dave Filoni as Lucasfilm President
For fans who have followed the franchise for the last two decades, Dave Filoni isn't just another executive in a suit. He is the protege of George Lucas, the man who spent years at the "Maker’s" side developing The Clone Wars. His ascent to Lucasfilm President signals a return to a "story-first" philosophy. Filoni recently shared that he isn't interested in "hard numbers" or churn rates. Instead, he is looking at the Dave Filoni Star Wars plan as a piece of architecture.
The partnership between Filoni and Jon Favreau remains the backbone of this new era. While Filoni oversees the big picture, Brennan handles the operational complexities of the studio, including the deep integration with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art—a project that continues to influence how Lucasfilm views visual storytelling and world-building. This leadership structure is designed to avoid the creative whiplash that some felt during the sequel trilogy. By having one "architect" (Filoni) overseeing the "Filoni-verse timeline," the goal is a cohesive narrative that spans from animation to the biggest IMAX screens.
The wild part? Filoni is still keeping his hands dirty. Despite his massive promotion, he is still the primary creative force behind the Disney Plus series like Ahsoka and the animated hit Maul – Shadow Lord. He isn't just managing the franchise; he’s still writing it.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Star Wars Returns to Theaters
The future of Star Wars movies officially begins on May 22, 2026. This isn't just another season of TV—it’s a full-scale theatrical event. Moving Mando from the small screen to the big one is a massive financial pivot for Disney. While The Mandalorian was the flagship for Disney+, the box office potential of "Baby Yoda" is simply too large to ignore.
Here is what we know about the production so far:
- Director: Jon Favreau is back in the chair, co-writing the script with Filoni.
- Cast: Sigourney Weaver has officially joined the cast in a high-profile, undisclosed role.
- Production Status: Currently in active production, utilizing the latest Volume technology and practical sets.
- The Stakes: This film is expected to act as a "culmination event" for the various threads started in The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka.
The 2023 Hollywood strikes definitely threw a wrench in the original timeline, pushing this film into the 2026 slot. However, the extra time has allowed Filoni and Favreau to refine the script, ensuring the jump to film feels earned. The financial implications are clear: Disney is betting that the "Mando-verse" can generate Avengers-level hype at the box office.
Star Wars: Starfighter — Everything We Know About the Shawn Levy Film
While Mando is the familiar face, Star Wars: Starfighter is the project that has the internet talking. Directed by Shawn Levy (of Deadpool & Wolverine fame), this film is set to be a standalone adventure that finally moves the needle past the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
The Star Wars Starfighter Ryan Gosling rumors turned out to be very real. Gosling is set to lead a stacked ensemble that includes Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Aaron Pierre. The film is currently slated for a May 2027 release, and it represents a "Quality over Quota" approach—a high-concept, star-driven movie that doesn't necessarily require you to have watched 50 hours of animation to understand.
The Plot: Set exactly five years after Episode IX, Starfighter explores a galaxy still reeling from the fall of the Final Order. With the Jedi in a state of rebuilding and the New Republic struggling to maintain order, the film focuses on the "grittier" side of the galaxy—pilots, mercenaries, and the vacuum of power left behind. It’s a bold move to set a film so close to the sequels, but with Ryan Church (the legendary concept artist) and Ma Yansong reportedly involved in the visual design, it’s shaping up to be a visual powerhouse.
Disney+ Updates: Ahsoka Season 2 and Maul – Shadow Lord
Even as the focus shifts to theaters, the Disney Plus series slate remains packed. However, fans should prepare for some delays. The Ahsoka Season 2 release date has been pushed from late 2026 to an early 2027 window. Filoni has confirmed he is currently writing the season, which will continue the cliffhanger ending involving Peridea and the Mortis gods.
Meanwhile, the animated side of the house is thriving. Maul – Shadow Lord has been a sleeper hit, and Season 2 is already in production. Sam Witwer, the definitive voice of Maul, recently confirmed that the team has been "working on it for a while." This series is crucial to Filoni's "overarching idea," as it fills in the dark history of the criminal underworld that connects to the live-action projects.
The transition from animation to live-action is Filoni’s superpower. His background in The Clone Wars allows him to "architect" these stories with a level of lore-consistency that most directors can't match. He isn't just making a show; he’s building a Star Wars cinematic universe roadmap that makes every medium feel essential.
The 'In Motion' List: Rumored and Future Projects
Beyond 2027, the Star Wars movie release dates become a bit more fluid. Filoni has inherited several projects that were already "in motion," and he is currently deciding how they fit into his long-term vision. Here is the status of the major projects on the horizon:
- The Rey Skywalker Movie: Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this film follows Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order. While rumors suggested it might be absorbed into other projects, Filoni has indicated he wants to see it through, potentially as part of a larger Simon Kinberg-produced trilogy (Episodes X-XII).
- Dawn of the Jedi: James Mangold is still attached to direct a film about the origins of the Force, set 25,000 years before the main saga. This project is a "priority" for Filoni because it expands the timeline in a way that doesn't conflict with current stories.
- The Lando Movie: Originally a series, this project starring Donald Glover is still "in development" as a film. However, it hasn't been mentioned in recent "active motion" updates, leaving its status as a "maybe."
- Filoni’s Standalone Film: Yes, Dave Filoni is still planning to direct his own theatrical film. This will likely be the "grand finale" of the Mando-verse, bringing together characters from Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Skeleton Crew.
The key takeaway here is that Filoni is not rushing. The 2019-2026 gap was a reset. Moving forward, the goal is one major theatrical release per year, supplemented by high-quality streaming events. This "Quality over Quota" shift is a direct response to fan fatigue and the uneven reception of some recent projects.
Key Takeaways for the Future of Star Wars
- The Theatrical Return: The Mandalorian and Grogu kicks off the new era on May 22, 2026.
- Leadership Shift: Dave Filoni is the creative lead (President/CCO), focusing on a cohesive "overarching idea" for the franchise.
- New Horizons: Shawn Levy’s Starfighter (2027) will be the first film to explore the galaxy five years after the sequels.
- Streaming Delays: Ahsoka Season 2 is now expected in early 2027, while Maul – Shadow Lord Season 2 is actively in the works.
- The Roadmap: Projects from James Mangold and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy remain on the table but are being carefully integrated into Filoni’s long-term plan.
The future of Star Wars movies feels more stable than it has in years. By putting a storyteller like Filoni at the helm, Lucasfilm is moving away from the "mystery box" era and toward a transparent, lore-heavy roadmap. Whether you're a casual fan who just wants to see Grogu on the big screen or a die-hard who tracks every "Filoni-verse" connection, the next few years are going to be a wild ride. The future is in motion, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like there’s a steady hand on the hyperdrive lever.
