New "Star Wars" Trilogy Announced: Simon Kinberg Set To Write And Produce

Former ‘X-Men’ Visionary To Take On A New Chapter In The ‘Star Wars’ Universe

The galaxy far, far away is expanding once again, and this time, it’s under the creative direction of Simon Kinberg, best known for his work on the "X-Men" franchise. Lucasfilm has officially announced the development of a brand-new "Star Wars" trilogy with Kinberg attached as writer and producer. The trilogy is a fresh cinematic venture in the "Star Wars" universe, separate from the original "Skywalker Saga" that concluded with 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. Studio chief Kathleen Kennedy will also be heavily involved, aiming to usher in a new chapter in the beloved franchise.

A New Direction Beyond the Skywalker Legacy

While specific plot details are under wraps, the new trilogy won’t be a direct continuation of the core storyline initiated by George Lucas with A New Hope in 1977 and continued in the nine-episode Skywalker saga. This marks an intentional shift in the "Star Wars" narrative, focusing on new horizons that explore different characters, events, and possibly even timelines within the vast galaxy.

This approach signals a divergence from past expansions in the "Star Wars" universe, as the studio seeks to innovate while still remaining rooted in the essence of what has made the franchise a cultural phenomenon. Whether Kinberg’s trilogy will intersect with other recent "Star Wars" stories—like the Disney+ series universe built around The Mandalorian—or remain entirely standalone remains to be seen.

Kinberg’s Legacy in Sci-Fi and His History with Lucasfilm

Simon Kinberg is no stranger to expansive, visually ambitious stories set in science fiction worlds. His contributions to the "X-Men" franchise are well-known, as he was involved in landmark films such as X-Men: Days of Future Past, Deadpool, Logan, and Dark Phoenix, which he also directed. This experience aligns well with the demands of a "Star Wars" trilogy, which requires balancing high-stakes action with a strong narrative core.

Notably, Kinberg has previous experience with the "Star Wars" franchise through his work on Star Wars Rebels, an animated series that introduced audiences to new characters and explored fresh aspects of the galaxy. He also collaborated with J.J. Abrams as a consultant on The Force Awakens, so his familiarity with "Star Wars" lore and Lucasfilm’s storytelling philosophy should be beneficial as he embarks on this major project.

Future "Star Wars" Projects and the Bigger Picture

This announcement comes as Lucasfilm ramps up various other "Star Wars" projects, underscoring the studio's commitment to keep "Star Wars" alive both on streaming and in theaters. Fans can expect a wide array of upcoming content from some of the industry’s most innovative filmmakers. James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover are all working on projects under the "Star Wars" banner, and two other untitled "Star Wars" films are scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027, respectively.

Lucasfilm has also established a robust presence on Disney+ since the theatrical release of The Rise of Skywalker. The Mandalorian, created by Jon Favreau, has captivated audiences and spurred the development of spin-offs like The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka, with Skeleton Crew set to join the lineup soon. This streaming success has bolstered interest in exploring "Star Wars" stories that delve into side characters, lesser-known story arcs, and entirely new adventures.

Kinberg’s Project Still in Early Development

While the excitement around this new trilogy is building, sources close to Lucasfilm have indicated that Kinberg's trilogy remains in the very early stages of development. Production timelines, casting, and other pre-production details have yet to be finalized, and it’s currently unknown when these films will actually begin filming. In the meantime, Kinberg has a full slate of other projects, including a remake of The Running Man and a new "Star Trek" movie, both of which are highly anticipated in their own right.

Given the popularity of The Mandalorian and the surge in "Star Wars" series on Disney+, Lucasfilm's strategy appears to involve blending streaming content with theatrical releases, all while tapping top-tier talent like Kinberg to bring new dimensions to the franchise.

What’s Next for "Star Wars" Fans?

With an entire trilogy being crafted by Kinberg, fans can look forward to a fresh take on the "Star Wars" saga, combining Kinberg's experience in action-packed storytelling with Lucasfilm's ability to transport audiences to imaginative worlds. While it’s too soon to predict the trilogy's specific plotlines, the excitement lies in the promise of new stories that expand the legacy of "Star Wars."

For fans eager to stay updated on everything "Star Wars," Lucasfilm’s plans hint at plenty more adventures to come. Whether it’s in theaters or on Disney+, the galaxy far, far away is alive and well, and Simon Kinberg’s trilogy is poised to be a thrilling addition.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm