What comes after Return of the Jedi is a common question for viewers following the original Star Wars trilogy that concluded in 1983. This guide explains the official sequel trilogy, the spinoff series and films, and how they fit into the broader saga timeline. It covers the release order of key entries, their narrative connections, and how each project expands the galaxy far, far away without requiring prior movie expertise.
Understanding the Post-Return of the Jedi Landscape
After Return of the Jedi, Star Wars expanded through sequels, prequels, and spinoffs released across decades. The first major milestone was The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, followed by Return of the Jedi in 1983, forming the original theatrical trilogy. Subsequent projects include The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005), which together form the prequel trilogy. Later additions such as The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) continued the timeline with a new generation of characters. Spinoff films like Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018) explore side stories, while Disney+ series such as The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett further extend the galaxy far, far away.
The Original and Prequel Trilogy Milestones
The original trilogy concluded Return of the Jedi as the culminating chapter of the Skywalker saga, while the prequel trilogy expanded the universe backward in time. These films introduced new planets, factions, and philosophical conflicts that shaped the broader narrative. Understanding their release order and narrative role helps clarify how the saga continued beyond 1983.
The Original Trilogy Order
The original trilogy established the core conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, culminating in Return of the Jedi. Its storytelling structure influenced later entries and remains central to how audiences approach the franchise.
The Prequel Trilogy Order
The prequel trilogy explored the fall of the Republic, the rise of the Empire, and Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader. These films added depth to the saga while setting the stage for the events of the original trilogy.
| Title | Release Year | Role in Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars (Episode IV) | 1977 | Beginning of the original trilogy |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Second chapter of the original trilogy |
| Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Conclusion of the original trilogy |
| The Phantom Menace | 1999 | First film of the prequel trilogy |
| Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Second film of the prequel trilogy |
| Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Final film of the prequel trilogy |
| The Force Awakens | 2015 | First film of the sequel trilogy |
| The Last Jedi | 2017 | Second film of the sequel trilogy |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Conclusion of the sequel trilogy |
| Rogue One | 2016 | Standalone war story tied to the main saga |
| Solo | 2018 | Origin story focused on Han Solo |
Disney+ Series Extending the Galaxy
Streaming has introduced long-form storytelling that deepens side characters and explores corners of the galaxy seldom seen in movies. Series on Disney+ now serve as primary vehicles for expanding timelines, introducing new factions, and connecting events between films.
The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before The Rise of Skywalker, bridging the gap left by the sequel trilogy. It follows a lone bounty hunter and introduces iconic characters like Grogu, enriching the extended universe with serialized storytelling.
The Book of Boba Fett
This series expands on Boba Fett’s story from Return of the Jedi, exploring his rise in the galaxy underworld. It connects directly with The Mandalorian and deepens the legacy of Tatooine’s most famous bounty hunter.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor
Obi-Wan Kenobi revisits pivotal moments in the saga during the Imperial era, while Andor focuses on the Rebel Alliance’s covert operations. Both series add political and moral complexity to the galaxy’s broader conflict.
Post-Return of the Jedi Timeline Clarification
Clarifying what comes after Return of the Jedi involves distinguishing between in-universe chronology and real-world release order. From a timeline perspective, the sequel trilogy follows the fall and redemption of Ben Solo, while the High Republic projects explore an earlier era. This distinction helps fans place newer series and films within the broader continuity.
Key Standalone Films and Their Place
Rogue One and Solo offer self-contained narratives that do not require prior film knowledge but enrich the world for longtime fans. They demonstrate how the saga continues beyond the Skywalker bloodline while maintaining links to core themes and events like the Death Star’s construction and destruction.
Summary: Continuity and Expansion After Return of the Jedi
- The original trilogy ends with Return of the Jedi in 1983, establishing the saga’s conclusion at the time.
- The prequel trilogy expands backstory, while the sequel trilogy and spinoffs continue the narrative into the sequel era.
- Disney+ series like The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett extend continuity with serialized, character-driven stories.
- Standalone films such as Rogue One explore specific events and locations tied to the broader saga.
- High Republic content explores an earlier timeline, showing that the galaxy’s stories extend far beyond the original conclusion.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does The Force Awakens directly follow Return of the Jedi?
No, The Force Awakens is set approximately 30 years after Return of the Jedi, introducing a new generation of heroes while addressing the legacy of the original characters.
Are the Disney+ series required viewing to understand the sequels?
Not required, but they provide deeper context for the galaxy’s political landscape, crime syndicates, and evolving conflicts that influence the sequel trilogy.
Can I watch the sequel trilogy without seeing the prequels?
Yes, the sequel trilogy is designed to be accessible on its own, though the prequels enrich understanding of the overarching Skywalker saga.
What is considered canon after Return of the Jedi?
Both new film and series content from Disney are generally considered canon unless labeled otherwise, though some older Expanded Universe material exists in a separate continuity.
How does The Rise of Skywalker connect to The Last Jedi?
The Rise of Skywalker serves as the direct conclusion to the sequel trilogy, resolving plot threads introduced in The Last Jedi while revisiting legacy characters.
Will there be more Star Wars content after The Rise of Skywalker?
Yes, new films and series are in development, indicating that the franchise will continue expanding beyond the current slate of stories. By understanding what comes after Return of the Jedi, viewers can better navigate decades of interconnected stories, characters, and themes that define the enduring appeal of Star Wars.