The film that follows Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Released in 2005, it concludes the prequel trilogy and delivers the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the rise of the Galactic Empire, and the resolution of the Clone Wars. Below is a concise breakdown of the main cast, key plot outcomes, release timeline, and how the movie connects to the broader saga.
Quick Reference: Core Credits
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Episode | III | Canon |
| Title | Revenge of the Sith | Official Title |
| Release Date | May 19, 2005 (North America) | Studio Release |
| Director | George Lucas | Credits |
| Primary Antagonist Turned Protagonist | Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader | Canon |
| Key Allies | Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Mace Windu | Canonical Roles |
Plot Outcome in Brief
Revenge of the Sith resolves the Clone Wars, reveals the execution of Order 66, and shows Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader. Key events include the birth of Luke and Leia, the death of Padmé Amidala, and the defeat of the Jedi Council leadership. The film sets up the original trilogy’s context: the Empire’s dominance, the hiding of the Skywalker children, and the survival of Obi-Wan and Yoda in exile.
Cast and Character Arcs
The ensemble brings the climax of long-running storylines. Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Ian McDiarmid headline the conclusion of their arcs, while key supporting figures shape the fates of the galaxy’s children. The performances anchor the high-stakes narrative twists and emotional turning points.
Protagonists and Their Journeys
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Leads the reorganization of the Jedi and confronts Anakin on Mustafar.
- Yoda: Trains Luke in the original timeline and preserves the Jedi legacy through exile and teaching.
- Padmé Amidala: Central to the twins’ origin story; her fate underscores the cost of Anakin’s fall.
Antagonists and Their Influence
- Darth Sidious: Orchestrates the fall of the Republic and the Jedi; secures power as Emperor.
- Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader: Embodies the tragedy of the prequels; his turn reshapes the galaxy.
Release Timeline and Production Context
Revenge of the Sith marked the end of the theatrical prequel window, bridging to a decades-long hiatus until The Force Awakens in 2015. Its production balanced extensive VFX, large-scale battle sequences, and intimate character drama, setting the template for later franchise storytelling strategies.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2003 | Principal photography | Captured the culmination of the prequel arc and key set pieces. |
| May 19, 2005 | Theatrical release | Ended the original theatrical run of the Skywalker saga’s first act. |
| 2005–2014 | Expanded universe transition | Shift to novels, comics, and TV as the primary storytelling medium. |
| 2015 | The Force Awakens release | Revived the franchise and refocused the saga on a new generation. |
Thematic and Narrative Resolution
The film resolves the central question of the prequels: how the hero falls and how hope persists. Themes of choice, fear, and legacy are mirrored against the original trilogy, offering a counterpoint to Luke’s journey. The conclusion reinforces the cyclical nature of the saga, showing both the cost of conflict and the possibility of redemption.
Impact on the Franchise
Revenge of the Sith redefined the scope of Star Wars storytelling, proving that prequels could close long-form arcs while seeding future narratives. Its character beats and lore underpin much of the sequel-era continuity, including the Skywalker family drama and the balance between light and dark.
Where to Watch and Contextual Notes
As of 2025, Revenge of the Sith is available on major licensed streaming platforms and physical media. It is best understood alongside Attack of the Clones and Return of the Jedi, forming a clear through-line from the rise of the Empire to the restoration of the Republic.
Conclusion
For fans asking what movie comes after Attack of the Clones, the answer is Revenge of the Sith—an essential chapter that completes the prequel trilogy, closes narrative threads from the Skywalker saga, and establishes the foundation for the next generation of Star Wars stories. Its continued relevance in extended universe content and ongoing franchise initiatives makes it a cornerstone of modern Star Wars continuity.