Disney and Lucasfilm have announced the expansion of the Star Wars universe with the upcoming Disney+ series "The Acolyte," set to debut in 2024. Revealed at the Star Wars Celebration in London, the series takes place at the end of the High Republic era, predating the events of the primary Star Wars films. Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae have been cast in the leading roles, with an ensemble cast featuring Carrie-Anne Moss, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, and Dean-Charles Chapman. Initially announced during Disney's Investor Day in 2020, "The Acolyte" joins the growing list of live-action Star Wars series on Disney+, including "The Mandalorian," "Andor," and "The Book of Boba Fett." These series contribute to the expanding narrative of the Star Wars universe and are set to captivate audiences across the globe.
In addition to "The Acolyte," Lucasfilm disclosed that the "Ahsoka" series is slated to debut in August 2023. The character of Ahsoka Tano, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, made her first live-action appearance in the second season of "The Mandalorian" after being introduced in animated form. Mary Elizabeth Winstead will join Dawson in the upcoming series.
Furthermore, Lucasfilm revealed that the second season of "Andor" is set to premiere in August 2024. Filming commenced in November and is anticipated to conclude in August. The series follows the adventures of Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, before the events of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
In addition to the new series, Lucasfilm announced the development of three new Star Wars films, one of which features the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. Taking place 15 years after "The Rise of Skywalker," the film will center on Rey's efforts to establish a new Jedi Order. Another film will explore the origins of the Jedi, while the third instalment will concentrate on the New Republic, wrapping up the interconnected narratives told in "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," "Ahsoka," and other Disney+ series. Release dates for these films have yet to be disclosed.
The forthcoming Star Wars series and films promise to provide fresh perspectives on the beloved franchise, delving into new eras and unexplored stories. With a diverse cast of actors and engaging storylines, fans can look forward to an exciting expansion of the Star Wars universe across various platforms. Stay tuned for more news and updates on the latest Star Wars projects as they develop.