Grogu at the cinema + Reys return: the Star Wars calendar that drives everyone crazy

The galaxy far, far away is on the verge of a major rejuvenation. With Kathleen Kennedy stepping down after fourteen years at the helm of Lucasfilm, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan take the reins, promising a refreshed vision focused on cohesive and immersive storytelling. Disney is picking up the pace: a movie as soon as May 2026, another in 2027, and animated series exploring forgotten corners. An overview of flagship projects, enriched by the latest official announcements.

Disney+ Series: Ahsoka and Maul in the spotlight for 2026

Disney+ remains the stronghold for live-action and animated Star Wars adventures, even as the pace slows down after cancellations like The Acolyte. The platform relies on anticipated sequels and daring new ventures. Ahsoka season 2 is moving forward at a rapid pace: filming started in May 2025, with Rosario Dawson returning as Luke Skywalker’s Padawan and Hayden Christensen taking on Anakin in the netherworld. For Baylan Skoll, Rory McCann succeeds Ray Stevenson, decided in 2023, maintaining a faithful silhouette. Scheduled for late 2026, potentially August-September, this season will connect the arcs of Rebels and Clone Wars.

In terms of animation, Maul: Shadow Lord signals a stylistic shift: goodbye smooth 3D, hello textured pencil and volume for an organic immersion. Sam Witwer lends his voice to the post-Clone Wars Sith Lord as he rebuilds his criminal empire on an imperial virgin planet. The series debuts on April 6, 2026, with a double opening episode, totaling ten chapters until May 4. Maul’s unexpected return reignites interest in the complex villains of the pre-Empire era.

The Mandalorian season 4? The scripts exist, but the eponymous film has absorbed the narrative momentum, leaving it indefinitely on hold. Visions continues as a creative anthology, while Bad Batch has concluded and Obi-Wan Kenobi or Boba Fett will not have sequels. This focus on quality could stabilize the catalog, bolstered by 200 million Disney+ subscribers boosted by the franchise since 2019.

Cinema Films: Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter launch the offensive

Seven years after The Rise of Skywalker, the big screens are buzzing again. The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, premieres on May 22, 2026. Din Djarin and his protégé join forces with the Rebels to eradicate imperial remnants. Pedro Pascal leads the charge, joined by Sigourney Weaver as a republican colonel and X-Wing pilot, ensuring to quell any Palpatine resurgence. This feature film elegantly concludes the Mandalorian arc, promising action and galactic stakes.

Next comes Star Wars: Starfighter on May 28, 2027, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). Ryan Gosling stars in a standalone post-Skywalker narrative, independent of family sagas. Mia Goth, Matt Smith (the suspect antagonist), Amy Adams, Flynn Gray, and others complete an eclectic cast. Filming wrapped up in late 2025, with a teaser image showing Gosling on an iconic landspeeder from A New Hope. Evoking the sky aces, this blockbuster aims for unprecedented aerial spectacle in an unexplored era.

New Jedi Order with Daisy Ridley as Rey rebuilding the Order lacks firm dates: George Nolfi refines the script, but Ridley doubts progress in 2026. These spaced-out big-screen returns to maximize impact could generate billions, like the $4.4 billion from the last Skywalker episode.

Distant Projects: Kinberg trilogy and mysteries until 2030

Simon Kinberg is working on a trilogy potentially Episodes X-XII, supported by Filoni and Brennan, aiming for 2030 and beyond. Script read in August 2025, revision in March 2026: an ambitious milestone to relaunch the main saga. James Mangold (Logan) ponders on the Force’s origin, on hold despite innovative pitch – cancellation rumors persist.

Taika Waititi keeps a comedic script alive, but his priorities lie elsewhere. The Kylo Ren film starring Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh? Rejected by Disney. Rian Johnson, shaken by The Last Jedi criticisms, refocuses on Netflix. On hold: Rogue Squadron, Lando. No Celebration in 2026, but 2027 in Los Angeles for explosive revelations.

This fluid schedule reflects a mature strategy: less quantity, more quality, with Filoni leading to connect animation, series, and blockbusters. The Force seems aligned for exciting years ahead.