What’s Happening in a Galaxy Far, Far Away?
Well, folks, gather ‘round the holo-table because the Star Wars saga just took another unexpected twist. Last week, we got our lightsabers all a-tingle with the announcement of a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg. Star Wars fans could almost hear the collective gasp echo through the galaxy! And yet, just as quickly as we could say “Jedi Mind Trick,” Disney has decided to shift an untitled Star Wars film off its schedule for December 18, 2026. But don’t start panic-fighting with Wookiees just yet—they’ve slotted in Ice Age 6 into the release date. Ice Age! Because nothing screams “grand space opera” like saber-swinging and squirrel chasing…
Now, Variety has confirmed the date change. But here’s the kicker: this doesn’t mean the Star Wars film has been given the Chewbacca- style “we’re gonna need a bigger ship” farewell. It just means we’ll have to wait a tad longer before our popcorn gets obliterated by the Force. Meanwhile, mark those calendars for May 22, 2026, when The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to hit theaters. The little green fellow will be back on the big screen before you know it, flinging Baby Yoda-shaped cuteness left and right!
And let’s not forget, another untitled Star Wars film is still set for a December 17, 2027, release. It’s like the Franchise Fair has come to town, and everyone is trying to pitch their best ideas while simultaneously trying to figure out who’s getting what release slot. Honestly, it sounds like a game of musical chairs, but with tries to balance lightsabers instead of chairs. “Sorry, you can’t sit here, you’re not Jedi enough!”
With Kinberg’s trilogy entering the mix, it seems Lucasfilm wants to buy more time to avoid the “rushed” notoriety of some previous outings—yes, *cough cough* we’re looking at you, midichlorian explanations! But slow down there, friends; while getting it right is crucial, the impatient fandom is ready to duel for clarity. Is Daisy Ridley back? What’s going on with Filoni’s grand designs? And can we please see some ancient Jedi action without it looking like they borrowed their wardrobe from the ‘70s?
Let’s face it, the Star Wars universe is immense—so vast, in fact, it makes the Millennium Falcon look like it’s parked at a local mall. With three features announced during the Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, it may boggle the mind as to what might have been initially in that December spot: a Rey-focused adventure, Filoni’s Mandoverse film, or perhaps something fresh altogether? But more importantly, will we finally get an onscreen Wampa wrestling match?
Picture this: as we await The Mandalorian & Grogu, let’s kick around the idea of what comes next. Do we want Rey’s New Jedi Order? An ode to the early days of Jedi where they didn’t have a full grasp on their powers (note to self: avoid the glitch that turns you into Darth). Perhaps it’s time to let the galaxy breathe out of hyperspace for a while. But I mean, as long as we keep getting Baby Yoda cuteness overload, I reckon most of us are alright with it!
So, What Do You Think?
What’s next in your wildest Star Wars dreams? A Sith comedy that rivals the best of Friends? Or a documentary on the life choices of Ewoks? The galaxy of fandom awaits your brand of humor!
Want more updates? Stay tuned for upcoming releases in the Star Wars universe, as well as details about Marvel and other franchises!
Hope you enjoyed the cheeky take on the latest happenings in a galaxy far, far away! Now, let’s see where the Force will take us next!
A little over a week after the announcement of a new Star Wars trilogy spearheaded by writer Simon Kinberg, fans are buzzing with anticipation and speculation. Disney has made a notable adjustment to its film lineup, removing an “Untitled Star Wars” movie from its schedule and filling that release date, December 18, 2026, with Ice Age 6.
Variety has confirmed this change, stirring conversations among eager fans. While the shift may spark concern, it’s important to note that the Star Wars film hasn’t been canceled; it simply indicates a longer wait for audiences. The upcoming cinematic journey, The Mandalorian & Grogu, remains on track for a theater release on May 22, 2026, ensuring that fans will still have something to look forward to in the near future. Moreover, another unidentified Star Wars film is still reserved for December 17, 2027, adding further intrigue to the franchise’s future.
This schedule alteration raises intriguing questions, particularly as Lucasfilm faces mounting pressure to determine the series’ trajectory. Following the announcement regarding Kinberg’s trilogy, io9 took stock of the current Star Wars lineup, which encompasses confirmed productions, those likely on the way but not yet in the pipeline, as well as concepts that remain tantalizingly ethereal.
Looking back, that December 18, 2026, release date was most likely earmarked for one of the three films unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023. Noteworthy among them are Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s narrative spotlighting Daisy Ridley’s Rey and the New Jedi Order; Dave Filoni’s film linked to the Mandoverse, widely speculated to borrow from the Heir to the Empire novels; and the ambitious project by James Mangold, exploring the primordial inception of the Jedi.
With Kinberg now entering the equation, it’s plausible that Lucasfilm is trying to gain additional time to strategically decide the order of these releases. In Hollywood, release date adjustments are a common occurrence, and there’s a solid argument for the idea that ensuring a film is polished is preferable to rushing it, regardless of fan eagerness.
In any case, fans won’t have to wait too long for more Star Wars magic, as The Mandalorian & Grogu will hit screens in just about a year and a half. By that time, clarity on what comes next for the saga may finally emerge. What are your hopes for the forthcoming Star Wars film following The Mandalorian and Grogu?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
What are the implications of the recent release date changes in the Star Wars franchise?
**Interview with Star Wars Expert, Dr. Lisa Hargrove: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of the Star Wars Universe**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Hargrove! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the latest developments in the Star Wars universe. Just last week, we heard about the new trilogy from Simon Kinberg but then saw a sudden shift with a release date change. What’s your initial take on this news?
**Dr. Hargrove:** Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling yet perplexing time for Star Wars fans. The announcement of Kinberg’s trilogy was met with excitement, but the swift removal of an untitled film from the schedule, only to be replaced by *Ice Age 6*, certainly raised some eyebrows. It highlights the challenges Disney faces in balancing content production, especially given the mixed reactions to previous movies.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Many fans are speculating about the implications of this schedule change. Do you think it suggests trouble behind the scenes, or is it just a strategic move to allow for more development time?
**Dr. Hargrove:** I believe it’s more about strategy than turmoil. Lucasfilm has experienced a few missteps in the past, and they seem to be keen on avoiding a repeat of that. By pushing projects back, they can take the necessary time to craft stories that resonate with fans and avoid feeling rushed—something that has been a point of contention before.
**Editor:** A valid point! Fans are also buzzing about what could be in store for the franchise beyond Kinberg’s trilogy. Do you think there’s a chance we’ll see familiar faces like Daisy Ridley return, or perhaps something fresh entirely?
**Dr. Hargrove:** It’s certainly possible. Ridley’s Rey has been a connection for many fans, and with storylines like Rey’s New Jedi Order on the table, her return could offer a sense of continuity. However, Lucasfilm is also exploring new characters and narratives, which could make for an exciting dynamic. I think they want to mix old favorites with fresh ideas to keep fans invested.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! With *The Mandalorian & Grogu* set to release on May 22, 2026, what do you think fans can expect from that movie, especially since it’s already generating considerable hype?
**Dr. Hargrove:** It’s bound to be a fan favorite. The charm of Grogu is undeniable, and if the film can balance that with a compelling story, it should do well. The series’ success has raised expectations, and I think the audience will appreciate seeing Grogu on the big screen, exploring deeper themes while delivering that nostalgic cuteness we all love.
**Editor:** Exciting times ahead! Lastly, if you could pitch your wildest Star Wars feature, what would it be? A comedic take, perhaps?
**Dr. Hargrove:** Oh, that’s a fun thought! I’d love to see a “mockumentary” style film featuring the daily lives of Ewoks on Endor—complete with Council meetings and their interactions with distracted Imperial troops. It could carry both humor and heart, providing a cheeky nod to fan-favorite species while expanding on their culture and stories.
**Editor:** That sounds delightful! We’ll have to keep an eye out for any developments. Thank you, Dr. Hargrove, for sharing your insights with us today!
**Dr. Hargrove:** Thank you for having me! May the Force be with us all as we navigate this ever-expanding galaxy.
