New Lucasfilm Leadership Is Fully On Board With Simon Kinberg’s STAR WARS Trilogy Taking the Franchise Into the 2030s
The Star Wars galaxy is staring down a major turning point, and it starts at the top. With Kathleen Kennedy stepping down as president of Lucasfilm, a clearer picture is forming of where the franchise is headed next.
One of the biggest takeaways is that the studio’s incoming leadership is already locked in on a massive new plan for the future, and it centers on a brand new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.
Kennedy recently confirmed that Lucasfilm’s new bosses, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, are fully aligned with Kinberg’s vision. This isn’t a small side project either.
According to Kennedy, this trilogy is positioned as the next major chapter of Star Wars storytelling and stretches the franchise well into the next decade.
"I know that Dave and Lynwen are very much on board with what Simon's doing, and that would be a new trilogy," Kennedy told Deadline. "In the timeline of things, that takes you well into 2030 plus. So that's really what's up next."
That comment makes it clear how central this trilogy is to Lucasfilm’s long-term plans. While details about the story are still being kept under wraps, Kinberg has offered some insight into the kind of tone and quality he’s aiming for, and it’s rooted in one of the franchise’s most critically praised recent projects.
Kinberg has openly cited Andor as a creative touchstone, praising its grounded approach and sharp storytelling.
"There's a ton of wildly talented folks that want to do great work," Kinberg commented. "I was super inspired and just sort of awestruck by what Tony Gilroy did with Andor. I thought that was about as good of science fiction storytelling as you can do in any franchise."
That comparison is encouraging for fans who want Star Wars to continue pushing into more mature and character-driven territory without losing its sense of scale.
It also raises some big questions about where this trilogy fits within the overall saga. Right now, it’s still unclear whether these films will officially be labeled Episodes 10 through 12 or stand as their own separate era.
There’s also ongoing speculation about whether Rey will factor into the story. The announced solo movie centered on the character has gone quiet, and while nothing has been confirmed, the timing of this trilogy leaves the door open for her return in some form.
With Rey trying to build up with Jedi again, wouldn’t it be wild if Grogu and Rey actually ended up coming together!?
Before Kinberg’s trilogy arrives, Lucasfilm already has a packed release schedule. The next Star Wars film to hit theaters is The Mandalorian and Grogu, landing on May 22. After that comes Star Wars: Starfighter in 2027, starring Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth.
The next era of Star Wars is taking shape, and it sounds like the studio is ready to commit fully to what comes after the Skywalker saga.