Should the Skywalker Saga Rise Again?

Somehow, the Skywalker Saga could return. But should it?

The announcement of a potential new trilogy in the Star Wars franchise, developed by writer and producer Simon Kinberg, has reignited discussions about the possibility of reviving the iconic Skywalker Saga. Initially reported as being set to serve as Episodes 10-12, subsequent information suggested that these films might center around a completely new ensemble of characters. Nonetheless, the buzz surrounding Kinberg’s upcoming films has brought the Skywalker Saga back to the forefront of the conversation.

Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 positioned a sequel trilogy as a significant part of the company’s vision. The release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens marked a triumphant return for the franchise, garnering critical acclaim and achieving impressive box office numbers. The saga continued with the divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi and culminated in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which was branded as the saga’s definitive conclusion. Despite crossing the billion-dollar mark globally, The Rise of Skywalker faced substantial criticism, achieving a mere 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics targeted many aspects of the film, notably its rushed treatment of Emperor Palpatine’s comeback and its attempts to undo previous storylines from The Last Jedi, leaving fans reeling and the saga’s legacy somewhat tarnished.

In the time since The Rise of Skywalker debuted, Lucasfilm has opted to concentrate on expanding its television offerings set in the beloved galaxy far, far away. Projects such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Obi-Wan Kenobi have dominated the narrative landscape, while ambitious film projects linger in various developmental stages. Notably, Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu seems to be progressing well towards its planned release in 2026, unlike other rumored titles, including a New Jedi Order film featuring Rey, which recently lost its screenwriter, Steven Knight.

Lucasfilm’s ongoing difficulties in charting a coherent cinematic direction post-The Rise of Skywalker arguably supports the notion of resurrecting the Skywalker Saga, especially from a business outlook. Disney CEO Bob Iger has publicly committed to a strategy of caution, acknowledging that the studio had previously been “too aggressive” with its release schedule. Iger emphasizes a “less is more” philosophy aimed at king-making Star Wars films into significant events, a revival of the Skywalker Saga might just be the ticket. History shows that audiences are eager for the Saga, while standalone projects like Solo: A Star Wars Story, which floundered with $392.9 million worldwide against a hefty budget of $275 million, demonstrate the risks involved with venturing too far from the Skywalker-centric stories.

Yet, while a financial case can be made for initiating Star Wars: Episode X, a narrative justification becomes more challenging. The culmination of The Rise of Skywalker was intentionally designed to be a conclusive chapter, tying together complex story arcs. Palpatine served as a connective thread throughout multiple trilogies, and reviving him would likely feel more contrived than the original film’s attempts to reconcile his legacy. Introducing a new central antagonist would inevitably become a point of comparison with the Emperor—an unenviable task considering the layered threat Palpatine represented.

Moreover, the sequel trilogy’s contentious reception makes it all the more critical for Lucasfilm to tread lightly. Some may argue it’s wisest for the franchise to allow the Skywalker Saga to rest rather than risk further fan alienation with new additions. Fortunately, the Star Wars universe is rich with countless other stories waiting to be explored beyond the Skywalker lineage.

However, the announcement of the New Jedi Order film implies that Lucasfilm remains open to the possibility of extending the Skywalker legacy. The story’s premise centers around Rey—now adopting the Skywalker surname—as she embarks on teaching the next generation of Force users. This concept has the potential to innovate, as previous films did not fully explore the challenges of building a new Jedi Order, which could offer a fresh perspective. Against the backdrop of continuity issues stemming from The Rise of Skywalker, the enduring popularity of Rey could provide a solid foundation for future installments, framing her narrative in a manner that resonates with audiences.

If successful, the New Jedi Order film might even lay the groundwork for a trilogy of its own, effectively serving as Episodes 10-12, albeit outside the officially designated framework.

Exploring the Infinite Possibilities of the Star Wars Galaxy

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the prospect of reviving the Skywalker Saga for a new trilogy presents both rich storytelling potential and financial viability, it remains to be seen whether it would genuinely satisfy the legacy of a narrative that, while divisive, has undeniably become a cultural cornerstone. With many factors at play, including audience sentiment, the complexity of existing story arcs, and the explorative possibilities within the expansive Star Wars universe, Lucasfilm has much to consider as it navigates the future of one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.