Star Wars is finally returning to theaters after a nearly seven-year gap since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker released in 2019. Lucasfilm has already confirmed two major theatrical releases: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, arriving on May 22, 2026, and Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for May 28, 2027.
Fans have waited a long time to see the galaxy far, far away back on the big screen, and the next two years are shaping up to be important for the franchise. Below, we have listed every confirmed upcoming Star Wars movie in 2026 and 2027, along with release dates, cast details, story updates, and what fans can expect next.
Why Star Wars Fans Never Really Left
Star Wars is not just a movie franchise anymore; it has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence generations of fans.
While different eras of the franchise have divided audiences, Star Wars has remained popular for decades because of its sci-fi spectacle, action-adventure storytelling, memorable characters, and strong emotional core.
The numbers also show how strong the fanbase still is. According to Nielsen, U.S. viewers watched more than 33 billion minutes of Star Wars content across linear TV and streaming in 2025, which equals over 550 million hours. That level of viewing proves that interest in the franchise is still alive, especially as fans continue to revisit movies, animated shows, and Disney+ originals.
One major reason Star Wars continues to connect with audiences is its storytelling. These movies and shows do not belong to one single genre. They mix science-fiction adventure, fantasy, Western, war drama, and samurai-inspired action into one universe that feels familiar yet endlessly exciting.
Then there is the emotional hook. Star Wars often follows ordinary people who are pulled into something much bigger than themselves, whether it is a farm boy from Tatooine, a scavenger looking for belonging, or a lone bounty hunter protecting a child. That idea of everyday characters shaping the fate of a galaxy is what makes the franchise timeless.
Star Wars has also become deeply woven into pop culture. Even people who have never watched every movie can recognize Darth Vader, lightsabers, the Force, and iconic lines from the series. That kind of cultural reach is exactly why fans never really left.
Upcoming Star Wars Movies in 2026–27
Here’s the complete breakdown of the upcoming Star Wars movies in 2026 (and just beyond).
The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026)
The evil Empire has been defeated, but Imperial warlords are still causing trouble across the galaxy. The New Republic government works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, and for help, they have asked for assistance from the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young ward Grogu.
Directed by Jon Favreau and written by Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Noah Kloor, the film will follow the events between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.
This isn’t a regular Disney+ series continuation. According to Rotten Tomatoes’ official coverage, Din Djarin is now a completely changed man — he has a peaceful home on Nevarro with Grogu and a new mission to stop the Imperial forces. He’s no longer the lonely bounty hunter you saw at the beginning of The Mandalorian series.
The cast for the film looks promising, with Sigourney Weaver joining as Colonel Ward, Djarin’s New Republic contact and a veteran X-Wing pilot from the Galactic Civil War.
Fan-favorite Zeb from Star Wars Rebels also returns as a captain of the New Republic. Martin Scorsese also joins the cast in an undisclosed role.
Pre-release buzz: Disney revealed a 25-minute clip of the film on May 4 (Star Wars Day) at selected theaters, and the reactions from the screening were positive. Disney also announced a four-part docuseries, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu — A Special Look, which has been at the top of the Disney+ charts ahead of the movie’s release.
As for box office projections, the film is estimated to earn $86.5 million in its opening domestic weekend, with a projected North America run of around $215 million (via Cominsoon.net). The budget of the film is reported at around $166 million, which is considerably less than some previous Star Wars titles. The profitability chances of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu are therefore higher.
Key details:
- Director: Jon Favreau
- Stars: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Martin Scorsese
- Release Date: May 22, 2026, in theaters and IMAX
- Where to Watch: Theatrical release first, then Disney+ streaming after the theatrical window
Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027)
According to Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Starfighter is “a standalone film taking place approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. The film is set to begin a new adventure with all-new characters and in a period of time that has not been explored yet.”
Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and written by Jonathan Tropper, the film stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Amy Adams, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings.
At Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, Levy cleared up the rumors by saying, “There are many rumors, some true, some not. This is not a prequel, this is not a sequel. It’s a new adventure.” Gosling added to the hype by calling it “a great story with great and original characters, filled with so much heart and adventure.” (Via Variety.)
According to Cosmic Books, the story of Star Wars: Starfighter follows a 15-year-old boy on a mission with his uncle (Gosling) as they are chased by two dangerous villains. You can think of it as a similar action scale to that of Top Gun within the Star Wars universe, with Levy’s emotional storytelling and humor on point.
The film is currently in post-production and is progressing well for a May 2027 release.
Key details:
- Director: Shawn Levy
- Stars: Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Flynn Gray
- Release Date: May 28, 2027
- Status: Post-production
- Where to Watch: Theaters
Why You Should Watch These Films
It’s worth knowing why you should watch the upcoming Star Wars movies in 2026–27 before heading to the theaters.
For The Mandalorian & Grogu:
The film is more of an emotional payoff for fans of the Disney+ Mandalorian series. Jon Favreau has designed the story to depend minimally on the series, so newcomers can walk in and enjoy the film without any issue. But for those already familiar with the characters, this one will definitely hit different.
It’s not so much a franchise pivot or a reboot as it is a celebration of the characters and their story.
For Star Wars: Starfighter:
This seems to be the first Star Wars film that won’t feature any angle of the Skywalker family. With new characters and a new adventure, this one might surprise many Star Wars fans.
It could turn out to be a smart move by Lucasfilm, as fans have recently started voicing more complaints about the sequel trilogy and franchise lore.
“If you’re also tracking other big franchise films releasing this year, check out the guide to the Upcoming Marvel Movies in 2026.”
How These Films Connect to The Mandalorian (The Anchor Show)
If you’re new to the Star Wars universe, I recommend starting with The Mandalorian on Disney+. It’s the essential foundation for the film arriving this May 2026.
Din Djarin, known as “The Mandalorian,” is a bounty hunter working for the New Republic after the collapse of the Empire. He earned the title because he wears the armor of the Mandalorian tribe and lives by their code.
Grogu, also known online as “Baby Yoda,” is a child of the same alien species as Jedi Master Yoda and is the adopted son of Din Djarin. He was rescued by the Mandalorian from former Imperial scientists in Season 1 of the Disney+ series.
Watch all three seasons of The Mandalorian on Disney+ before heading to the theaters to watch Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu for the best experience.
For Starfighter, you don’t need any prior knowledge of the franchise, as it’s a completely standalone film. The title is set post-Rise of Skywalker, which means fans of the sequel trilogy will find familiar elements in it.
Where to Stream Star Wars Before the Movies
The best part about the upcoming Star Wars movies in 2026 and beyond is that they all come to the same streaming platform.
Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of every Star Wars film and series. Here’s what to watch before you head to theaters:
- The Mandalorian (Seasons 1–3) — recommended to watch before The Mandalorian & Grogu.
- The Book of Boba Fett — Features key Mando and Grogu scenes.
- Ahsoka (Season 1) — Shares the same timeline and story threads as the film.
- Star Wars: Rebels (animated) — Introduces the character of Zeb, who appears in the film.
For Starfighter, there’s no requirement to watch any series beforehand, but watching the sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker) will help you understand the timeline more easily.
Make sure you have a Disney+ subscription to watch both Star Wars titles once they complete their individual theatrical runs.
“Looking for more options beyond Star Wars? Here are the best new movies streaming right now across Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, and more.”
Who Should Watch These Films?
Watch The Mandalorian & Grogu if you:
- Enjoyed all three seasons of the Disney+ The Mandalorian series.
- Enjoy character-driven stories.
- Want an emotional Star Wars experience.
- Are planning to watch a family-friendly Star Wars movie.
Watch Star Wars: Starfighter if you:
- Are new to the world of Star Wars and want to start with something fresh and accessible.
- Love action-driven films like Top Gun: Maverick or Deadpool & Wolverine.
- Enjoy standalone films with minimal ties to the broader franchise.
- Are excited to see Ryan Gosling in a completely new corner of the Star Wars universe.
Both films will be available in theaters and IMAX, but watching in IMAX is recommended for the best experience.
How many Star Wars movies are coming out in 2026?
One Star Wars movie is confirmed to release in 2026: The Mandalorian & Grogu on May 22. This marks the franchise’s return to the big screen since 2019.
Do I need to watch The Mandalorian series before the movie?
It helps, but it’s not compulsory. Jon Favreau designed the story to be less dependent on the series, so anyone can watch it without prior knowledge of the Disney+ series.
Is Star Wars: Starfighter releasing in 2026?
No. As part of the upcoming Star Wars movies in 2027, Star Wars: Starfighter is confirmed for May 28, 2027.
Will The Mandalorian & Grogu be on Disney+?
Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters first on May 22, 2026, and will arrive on Disney+ after its theatrical window closes.
What other new Star Wars movies are in 2026 beyond these two?
The Mandalorian & Grogu is the only confirmed 2026 release. Other projects in development include Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027), a New Jedi Order film with Daisy Ridley, a Lando feature with Donald Glover, a film from Taika Waititi, and James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi — all with no confirmed release dates as of May 2026.
Is Star Wars: Starfighter connected to the main Skywalker Saga?
Shawn Levy confirmed that Starfighter is a standalone film — not a prequel, not a sequel — but a new adventure set in a timeline that hasn’t been explored yet. So the chances of a direct connection are very slim.
What are critics predicting for The Mandalorian & Grogu?
The film’s predicted Rotten Tomatoes critics score has risen to 73.3% ahead of release (via AOL), higher than Solo: A Star Wars Story (69%) and well above The Rise of Skywalker (51%).
Which of these upcoming Star Wars movies in 2026 and beyond are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments.
