Is this a disturbance in the Force, or at least a new way forward for the “Star Wars” franchise theatrically? Deadline reports that Lucasfilm and Simon Kinberg have a deal set for the “Star Wars: Rebels” co-creator to write and develop a new trilogy of “Star Wars” films. Kinberg will also co-produce the three films with Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy. So will the trilogy be standalone or a continuation of the main saga, making Kinberg’s films episodes 10-12? No one knows, but it’s more “Star Wars” movies in the developmental pipeline, which is a little unnerving.
Still, Kinberg is a major name for “Star Wars” fans, who know him best for co-creating “Rebels” with Dave Filoni. That animated series ran for four seasons and received a handful of Emmy nods, with characters who have become increasingly integral to live-action “Star Wars” content. Kinberg was also a consultant on JJ Abrams‘ 2015 “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” which kicked off the franchise’s current era. But Kinberg hasn’t been involved in anything “Star Wars”-related for almost a decade now. Instead, he’s been busy heading the “X-Men” cinematic universe, including James Mangold‘s “Logan,” and adjacent properties, like the “Deadpool” series (including an executive producer credit on this year’s “Deadpool & Wolverine“).
Other production credits for Kinberg include Ridley Scott‘s “The Martian,” Kenneth Branagh‘s recent Agatha Christie trilogy, and Edgar Wright‘s upcoming update of “The Running Man” at Paramount. And Kinberg’s writing credits are myriad, too, including 2005’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” the first “Sherlock Holmes” movie with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, and more. In short, Kinberg has plenty of developmental experience, and much of it within series and franchises. That’s something Kennedy and Lucasfilm desperately need at the moment; they have plenty of announced projects on the way, but no clear path forward. Maybe Kinberg’s presence helps remedy that.
Still, add Kinberg’s trilogy to an already giant list of “Star Wars” films in development. That includes (deep breath) James Mangold‘s “Dawn Of The Jedi,” Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy‘s movie about Rey’s new Jedi Order, Taika Waititi‘s film, Donald Glover‘s “Lando,” Patty Jenkins‘ on again/off again “Rogue Squadron,” Dave Filoni‘s Disney+ series round-up, Shawn Levy’s film, and Rian Johnson‘s movie. All together, that’s eleven movies Lucasfim has in its pipeline, not including Jon Favreau‘s “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” the only upcoming “Star Wars” film that has an official theatrical release date (May 22, 2026). Is adding another three movies to backed-up development a good idea? Stay tuned on that.
But Kinberg knows the “Star Wars” characters at center stage right now on Disney+ and has a legacy with the franchise. He was one of seven writers brought in for a writers’ room when Disney first bought Lucasfilm, and that’s a big reason why he’s back. Where his new trilogy lands on Kennedy’s priority list remains a mystery, though, and with the banner’s recent history of shuffling around release dates, it’s anyone’s guess.
