What comes next in Star Wars canon after Revenge of the Sith
After Revenge of the Sith, the official Star Wars canon continues with The Clone Wars (2008 film) and its subsequent animated series, which together form the definitive storyline bridging Episodes III and IV. These works explore the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the rise of the Empire, and the earliest days of the Rebellion, filling the narrative gap before A New Hope. The sequence is widely treated as essential context for character motivations and galaxy-wide events in the saga.
Why Revenge of the Sith is the pivotal transition point
Revenge of the Sith concludes the prequel saga by transforming Anakin into Darth Vader and relegating the Jedi to near-extinction. From this point, the saga shifts to a years-long struggle to rebuild order and resist tyranny. Understanding this shift is key to interpreting the emotional and political stakes of everything that follows in the timeline.
The Clone Wars: the first step after Revenge of the Sith
Released in 2008, The Clone Wars film and the TV series that expanded it serve as the primary canonical continuation of the prequels. The story tracks the height of the Clone Wars, the corruption of Anakin, and the evolution of Ahsoka Tano and other key figures. This era introduces core elements of the Empire’s formation that resonate through the Original and Sequel trilogies.
Canonical status and ongoing developments
Since Disney’s acquisition, Lucasfilm has affirmed The Clone Wars and its related media as part of the official Star Wars canon, relegating the pre-2014 Expanded Universe to non-canonical Legends status. This decision makes The Clone Wars the authoritative account of what Star Wars comes immediately after Revenge of the Sith, with later series such as Rebels and The Bad Batch building directly upon its events.
Key events and milestones in the post-Revenge timeline
| Event | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Order 66 execution | Simultaneous across the galaxy; Jedi decimated while clones execute Jedi commanders | Canonical film & series narrative |
| Formation of the Empire | Galactic Republic reorganized into the Galactic Empire with Palpatine as Emperor | Canonical film, The Clone Wars media |
| Ahsoka Tarna’s departure | Falsely accused and leaves the Jedi Order; later becomes a key rebel figure | Canonical The Clone Wars and Rebels |
| Rebellion foundation | Early insurgency begins with Senator Mon Mothma and former Jedi allies | Canonical Rebels, canonical film tie-ins |
| Darth Vader’s early missions | Hunts remaining Jedi and consolidates Imperial control under Sidious’s direction | Canonical comics, The Clone Wars, Rebels |
How The Clone Wars reshapes the saga understanding
The Clone Wars enriches the prequel trilogy by providing emotional depth to Anakin’s fall, showcasing the scale of the conflict, and establishing the transition from Republic to Empire. It also deepens supporting characters such as Obi-Wan, Yoda, and newly introduced figures like Ahsoka, influencing how audiences interpret later appearances in Rebels and the broader galaxy at war.
The wider canon landscape beyond The Clone Wars
After The Clone Wars, Star Wars canon continues through The Clone Wars series finale, Rebels, and newer shows such as The Bad Batch, filling the timeline between the fall of the Jedi and the rise of the Rebellion seen in the Original Trilogy. This stretch is often called the dark times, where Imperial control solidifies and resistance begins to coalesce.
Distinguishing canon from Legends
Legends stories that were published before 2014 remain available but are not part of the current official continuity. For viewers asking what Star Wars comes after Revenge of the Sith in the present canon, the clear answer starts with The Clone Wars and proceeds through interconnected series and films that maintain a consistent, ongoing narrative authorized by Lucasfilm.
How to approach the post-Revenge viewing order
For a coherent experience, start with The Clone Wars feature followed by the series in release order, then continue into Rebels and The Bad Batch. This sequence preserves narrative cause-and-effect, ensures proper context for character relationships, and keeps the overarching timeline intact without requiring Legends material to understand the core story.
Comparative overview: immediate post-Revenge media
| Title | Release Year | Primary Role in Timeline | Canon Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Clone Wars (film) | 2008 | Direct narrative continuation of Episode III | Canon |
| The Clone Wars (series) | 2008–2020 | Expands war events and character arcs | Canon |
| Star Wars Rebels | 2014–2018 | Transition to original trilogy events | Canon |
| Tales of the Empire | 2022 | Anthology shorts exploring Imperial-era lives | Canon thematically, focused stories |
| Tales of the Jedi | 2022 | Backstory for Jedi conflicts pre-Episode I | Canon, deep background not direct sequel |
Key takeaways on what comes after Revenge of the Sith
- The Clone Wars (2008 film and series) is the canonical starting point after Revenge of the Sith.
- These works explain the fall of Anakin, the birth of the Empire, and the formation of the Rebellion.
- Disney’s official canon includes The Clone Wars, Rebels, and related series, excluding pre-2014 Legends material.
- Following the animated series order delivers the clearest, most consistent post-Revenge experience.
- Understanding this stretch enriches interpretation of the Original Trilogy and newer canon entries.
Closing note on continuity
For enduring context and reliable chronology, the official Star Wars storyline after Revenge of the Sith is defined by The Clone Wars media and its continuation through Rebels and newer canon projects. This framework preserves character logic, galactic stakes, and the long arc from fall to redemption that defines the saga.