“Star Wars: Episode VIII”: December 2017

The as-yet untitled eighth installment in the main franchise—also called the saga films— picks up right where “The Force Awakens” left off. Will Luke Skywalker agree to work with Rey? What are Kylo Ren and the First Order up to now? Will Finn wake up anytime soon? New director Rian Johnson (“Looper”) takes over the directing chores. Principal photography finished last July, so the film should be in post-production now. The galaxy stands at the brink of uncertainty after the dramatic events of “Force.” Everyone who survived the first film (sorry, Han) basically show up here as the Star Wars franchise continues to redefine its course. That “Episode VIII” comes out during Star Wars’ 40th anniversary year (“Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope” first came out in 1977) only adds fuel to the excitement.

Han Solo anthology film:

May 2018

This film follows “Rogue One” in that it explores a back story between episodes, something crucial in Lucasfilm’s future spinoff plans. Every little and big thing from the trilogy films can now be the seed for a standalone film. Viewers will get to explore the past of the dashing Corellian smuggler Han Solo. There’s very little that’s actually known about this film except that it is directed by the guys who directed ‘The Lego Movie” (Phil Lord and Chris Miller), will have Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), will feature a new Lando Calrissian (“Community’s” Donald Glover) and that they choose a newcomer (Alden Ehrenreich) after auditioning thousands of young actors for the part of Han. Oh one more thing: “Game of Thrones” khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen actress Emilia Clarke just joined the cast.

“Star Wars: Episode IX”:

2019

The film that will conclude the third Star Wars trilogy is still in the development stage. The only two things we know is that it will be out (hopefully) in 2019 and that it is directed by Colin Treverrow (“Jurassic World”). As for everything else: Speculate away!