The Force is still strong, but the direction it’s headed? Well, that’s anyone’s guess lately. In a galaxy far, far away — or more accurately, on Disney+ and at international fan events — Star Wars is recalibrating itself. It’s been five years since a new movie hit theaters. While the Skywalker saga wrapped with a bit of a whimper in 2019, the franchise didn’t fade — it just fragmented. Now, as “Andor” Season 2 arrives and “Revenge of the Sith” gets a big-screen encore, there’s a renewed pulse in a story that once seemed adrift in its own stars.
There’s more on the way too. New projects teased at the Star Wars Celebration in Japan hint at a surprisingly experimental slate, from a Ryan Gosling-led feature to the return of Darth Maul, plus another adventure with the internet’s favorite puppet: Baby Yoda.
Rebellion, Resistance, Revolution — It’s the Political Story Again
Tony Gilroy isn’t beating around the bush. He’s not here for the Jedi mysticism or space-wizard hokum. “We wanted to do a story about revolution,” he says — and he means it.
“Andor,” returning this Tuesday, plants its flag squarely in political terrain. It’s not just lightsabers and laser fights. It’s about empire, oppression, and the everyday sacrifices that power any real movement. In a time where authoritarianism is no longer just a concept for fiction, Gilroy’s script hits nerves.
He talks about how history doesn’t ask for permission when it arrives. “We wanted a story of authoritarianism and the grab for power,” he told The Washington Post. His story doesn’t happen in a vacuum — and neither, arguably, does Star Wars anymore.
Lucasfilm’s Roadmap: Ambitious or Aimless?
At this point, tracking all the Star Wars movie announcements is like chasing a rogue droid through a junkyard. Since 2019, more than a dozen films have been floated. How many are real? Fewer than you’d think.
The Japan event did offer a glimpse — kind of a “here’s what we might maybe do” vibe. Ryan Gosling in the galaxy? Sounds slick. Darth Maul returning? Intriguing. Baby Yoda back in theaters? Predictably irresistible.
But there’s no release date. No calendar. Just whispers and reels.
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Ryan Gosling project — concept teased, no director confirmed.
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Darth Maul feature — early development, no script finalized.
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Baby Yoda theatrical outing — spin-off possibilities being weighed.
Franchise fatigue is real. But so is curiosity.
Meanwhile on Disney+: More Shows, More Styles, Mixed Results
The Disney+ output has kept the heart of the franchise pumping — just not always in rhythm. Shows like “The Acolyte,” “The Bad Batch,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Visions,” and “Ahsoka” offer wildly different tones, aesthetics, and lore expansions.
“Andor” stands out for its grounded tone and gritty pacing. “The Acolyte,” meanwhile, flirts with High Republic timelines. “Obi-Wan Kenobi” brought nostalgia and lightsaber duels, but not much new. And “Visions”? It’s an experimental anime anthology — bold, niche, and very non-canon.
The result? A fanbase that’s getting pulled in multiple directions, all while the main film thread lies dormant.
Sith Rises Again — 20 Years Later
This Friday marks the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. To mark the moment, Lucasfilm is re-releasing the film in theaters — and yes, fans are turning up.
The 2005 film, once divisive, has aged like fine blue milk. In hindsight, its story of institutional collapse and democracy’s slow death feels chillingly relevant. The political parallels, once background noise, now echo louder than Palpatine’s cackle.
Lines like “So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause,” don’t feel like fiction anymore. They feel like headlines.
The Bigger Question: What Is Star Wars Now?
This is the part no one can answer cleanly. Is it a saga about chosen ones and destiny? Is it a political allegory? A sci-fi sandbox? A cash cow with no compass?
Gilroy’s work with “Andor” seems to say: it’s about people. People pushed to the edge. People fighting back.
But then, next week, it might be about clones again. Or Mandalorian armor. Or lightsaber lore.
Star Wars isn’t broken. But it’s definitely scattered. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the plan.
