This weekend, Disney hosted Star Wars Celebration in Japan, unveiling exciting updates about the franchise’s future in film, television, merchandise—including toys—and books and comics. With so much happening, it’s easy to miss details. We’re here to summarize the highlights and give you a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for the galaxy far, far away.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
The next Star Wars film, featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, marks the franchise’s first movie in five years. Although the recent panel at SWCJ didn’t divulge specific plot details, it showcased fresh footage of Din Djarin and Grogu teaming up with Zeb from Star Wars Rebels—who made his live-action debut on the show—as well as some thrilling bounty hunting scenes, plus a surprisingly buff Hutt. For more in-depth coverage, you can read our detailed description.
Star Wars: Starfighter
Another film in the works is Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool and Wolverine), featuring Ryan Gosling as the lead. Set five years after Rise of Skywalker, it introduces a new ensemble of characters. We expect its release on May 28, 2027, which is almost a year after the debut of Mando and Grogu.
Star Wars Visions
The Clone Wars
Five years have passed since the CG series The Clone Wars concluded, but at the Lucasfilm Animation panel, Dave Filoni presented a scene that never made it to air. The rough footage depicted Anakin Skywalker confronting a young Boba Fett, guided by Cad Bane. There are more details available here, but speaking of Bane…
Tales of the Underworld
Shifting focus to the Tales anthology series, it will shine a light on two infamous characters: young bounty hunter Cad Bane and ex-Sith assassin Asajj Ventress, set after the events of the Dark Disciple novel. Ventress stars in the first episode, with further event descriptions available here. The full mini-series is set to premiere on May 4.
Darth Maul: Shadow Lord
Ahsoka Season 2
While Ahsoka Season 2 is still in the pipeline with filming starting at the end of April, creator Dave Filoni delighted fans with concept art featuring Chopper wielding a weapon. He also discussed the impact of Ray Stevenson’s passing in 2023 on the character Baylan Skoll, who will now be portrayed by Rory McCann.
Star Wars: Zero Company
For gamers craving a strategic angle, Star Wars: Zero Company is set to deliver. Developed by Bit Reactor, players control Hawks, the leader of an elite unit navigating missions throughout the Clone Wars. Your decisions will affect the game’s narrative and are expected to resonate throughout the gameplay. Keep an eye out for its anticipated launch in 2026, with developer insights available in the trailer and a full interview here.
Yaaaargh, Outlaws Is Getting Hondo
If you’re still diving into Star Wars: Outlaws, the upcoming DLC story titled “A Pirate’s Fortune” is set to drop in May, featuring a crossover with Hondo Ohnaka. Additionally, be prepared for the game’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the fall—more details are available here.
Star Wars Returns to Fortnite
More Star Wars Toys and Books
Celebration showcased a treasure trove of collectibles, from the latest Black Series figures to Lego sets. Hasbro introduced new toys for characters from Star Wars Jedi and The Bad Batch. For those with a creative streak, art books about Andor and a manga adaptation of A New Hope are on the way.
The Ghibli Collaboration
In an unexpected twist, Studio Ghibli presented a captivating collection of Star Wars-themed art at Celebration Japan, merging the franchise’s aesthetic with their iconic animations like Princess Mononoke and Porco Rosso. You can explore this unique gallery online.
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 upcoming Star Wars projects are in the pipeline? Fans can expect a mix of films and series like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka Season 2, along with new games.
When will Star Wars: Starfighter be released? This film is set for release on May 28, 2027, following the debut of The Mandalorian film.
Who is the new lead in Ahsoka? After Ray Stevenson’s passing, Rory McCann will now portray Baylan Skoll in the second season of Ahsoka.
What can we expect from Star Wars: Zero Company? The game promises strategic gameplay and impactful decision-making set during the Clone Wars, launching in 2026.
What new toys will be available from Star Wars? Expect fresh figures and Lego sets, along with art books coming soon.
For those excited about the future of Star Wars, there’s a lot to explore. Feel free to delve into more articles for insider information and updates. You can discover more at Moyens I/O.