When "Return of the Jedi" was released in 1983, we thought that was the end of "Star Wars" but, "Star Wars" came back in 1999 with "The Phantom Menace" but when "Revenge of the Sith" was released in 2005, we really thought that was it for "Star War"s as a Film franchise. But no! In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm for over $4 billion dollars and, with this purchase, it was announced that a new trilogy would be made as well as two spin-off films between 2015 and 2019.
"The Force Awakens" and "Rogue One" are the films which have been released so far in this period and they were hugely successful, both critically and commercially.
Recently, Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, stated that they are already discussing the plans to make "Star War"s films beyond Episode IX and, due to the scope and depth of the "Star Wars" universe, there are many stories to be told. The question is, which stories will Lucasfilm tell? Let’s discuss some of the many films that we could see after "Star Wars: Episode IX."
The Old Republic
This period of time in the "Star Wars" universe has been relatively untapped. There are thousands of years with which Lucasfilm can work with and "Star Wars" fans would love to see a film set in this period. We could see the Jedi Order battle the Sith Empire or see Darth Bane establish the Rule of Two.
We could also see a film that is inspired from old-Expanded Universe material, i.e.
Legends, with a film based on "Knights of the Old Republic," a video game released by Bioware which holds a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans.
A film, or perhaps a series of films, which takes place during the Old Republic is certainly a possibility, especially as Lucasfilm can make these films with a lot more creative freedom as they would not have to make close tie-in’s to the films that we already have.
Obi-Wan/Ben Kenobi
A standalone Obi-Wan/Ben Kenobi film set in between Episode III and Episode IV is highly likely to happen. For one, Obi-Wan Kenobi will play some role in Episode VIII and IX which means his story in the Star Wars universe is not finished. Moreover, with Ewan McGregor being the right age to play Kenobi during this period, there is a lot of speculation amongst Star Wars fans that this film will happen.
Additionally, we recently saw Obi-Wan/Ben Kenobi return in "Star Wars Rebels" and comics focusing on Kenobi’s time on Tatooine have been released. Kenobi continues to be a pivotal figure within the Star Wars universe and it is probable that we will see McGregor reprise his role as Kenobi for a final time in a film set during his early years on Tatooine.
Boba Fett
It has been rumoured that a film focusing on Boba Fett has been in the works at Lucasfilm for a while. For a time, it was speculated that Josh Trank’s standalone film would be about Boba Fett. However, Trank’s departure from the project curtailed those beliefs. While a film about the iconic bounty hunter would intrigue many, questions remain over when this film would take place.
Some argue it will be set in the period between Episode III and Episode IV, others argue that it will take place after "Return of the Jedi," which would mean that (spoilers!) he escaped from the Sarlaac Pit. While seemingly on the backburner for now, a Boba Fett standalone film is a possibility after Episode IX.
Episode X, XI and XII
A safe path for Lucasfilm to take after Episode IX would be to continue the episodic saga with Episode X, XI and XII. Certainly, the fans have connected to new characters such as Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren and the story revolving around the Resistance, the First Order and Luke Skywalker can lay the groundwork for an exciting and bold future for Star Wars.
Still, there needs to be a period without films in the episodic saga to make sure that Lucasfilm takes the time to craft a captivating story after Episode IX ends. there are plenty of other projects Lucasfilm can pursue before continuing the episodic saga after Episode IX is released in 2019.
