The Skywalker Saga Could Continue After STAR WARS: EPISODE IX if the Story Warrants It
I know there's been a lot of discussion among fans regarding the Skywalker saga and if it would continue after Star Wars: Episode IX. I've always felt that this new trilogy of films would complete the Skywalker saga and that anything after would primarily focus on the new characters we've been introduced to.
Fandango recently caught up with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration and when asked if they planned on continuing the Skywalker saga after Episode IX, she said:
"I certainly foresee movies past nine. Whether or not we carry on the Skywalker saga... you know, George always intended nine movies, and whether we continue that or not is something we're talking about right now. If the story warrants it, we'll absolutely do it. If it actually inspires new ideas, then we'll probably head in that direction. We just don't know yet."
I'm pretty sure that the Lucasfilm creative team have discussed ideas for what they want to do after Episode IX, I think they know what the next step will be. I just don't think they are ready to reveal those plans yet. It'd certainly be interesting if they do continue the Skywalker saga, but I think that saga will close with Episode IX.
Kennedy went on to say that they will probably make an announcement on their future plans next year. She also talked about The Last Jedi and how it will push the saga forward in new directions. She says:
"Part of it is Rian Johnson; I love his talent [and] his commitment to these stories, and his understanding of the mythology that George created. It’s really something that I think you’ll see that he takes these characters [and] develops their complexities. He’s not afraid to try things that move this into a more complex universe, and I think that’s great. I think that’s what [Star Wars] needs."
It's going to be cool to see how exactly Johnson plays with these characters in The Last Jedi. He's just such a talented filmmaker with a unique style and it looks like we're going to get to see his style shine in the upcoming Star Wars movie.