We already know that Disney and Lucas film have big plans for the future of the Star Wars franchise. Aside from the new numbered trilogy, the studio is rolling out a slew of 'Anthology' films that will shed some light on previously unexplored parts of the universe.
We already know about Rogue One; director Gareth Edwards' tale of rebel spies and their plot to steal the blue prints of the first Death Star. A Han Solo standalone film is also in the works courtesy of producing wunderkinds Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
With all these movies coming out, how exactly does the Star Wars team plan to set them all apart? According to Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy, it all revolves around the Skywalker family. She told the Costco Connection Newsletter that numbered installments will always be about Anakin, Luke and their descendants. The anthology series on the otherhand, has a more anything goes approach.
The Saga films focus on the Skywalker family saga. The stories follow a linear narrative that connects to the previous six films. The Force Awakens follows Return of the Jedi and continues that generational story. The Anthology films offer opportunities to explore fresh characters, new storylines and a variety of genres inside the Star Wars universe.
We'll get a chance to see the first of these films on December 16, 2016 when Rouge One hits theatres.
The film's press release states:
"'Rogue One' takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and will be a departure from the saga films but have elements that are familiar to the Star Wars universe," says Kathleen Kennedy. "It goes into new territory, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining that essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know. Gareth is such an innovative director and I'm so excited to be working with him and the extraordinary ensemble cast he's selected for 'Rogue One.'"
