What Comes After The Force Awakens
The question “what’s after The Force Awakens” points to a defined sequel era in Star Wars. It begins with The Last Jedi (2017), continues through The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and is framed by The Mandalorian and other series that expand the timeline. This guide tracks the direct film path and how series, shorts, and specials interlock, keeping the focus on canonical continuity and where each piece sits in the larger saga.
The Direct Film Path
The immediate successor to The Force Awakens is Star Wars: The Last Jedi, followed by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. These films form a clear three-film arc that reshapes the sequel landscape. Below is a compact overview of key attributes for these two releases:
| Film | Release Year | Narrative Role | Notable Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: The Last Jedi | 2017 | Develops themes and consequences introduced in The Force Awakens | Second entry in the sequel trilogy |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Concludes the sequel trilogy and the Skywalker saga | Third and final entry in the sequel trilogy |
The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi deepens the conflict introduced in The Force Awakens while challenging established myths. It examines leadership, legacy, and resistance under pressure. Its structure deliberately contrasts with more tradition-bound entries, emphasizing character stakes over purely linear momentum.
The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker returns to a faster pace, resolving the sequel arc by confronting the remnants of the past. It emphasizes closure for the Skywalker bloodline while attempting to balance nostalgia with forward-looking elements. The film aims to provide definitive endpoints for multiple character threads.
Short Films And Interstitials
Several short works and in-show interstitials extend the universe without altering the main film sequence. They explore side stories, technology, and day-to-day operations that enrich worldbuilding. These pieces are useful for understanding tone and texture between the core trilogy entries.
- Visions (2021) — Anthology of original stories told by multiple studios
- Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge (2020) — Interactive short framed as a tale recounted in the galaxy’s edge
- Blips (2021) — A comedic look at a droid’s misadventures during a mission gap
- Training Droid (2015 short) — A humorous look at stormtrooper target practice
Television Within The Timeline
Television series expand the timeline both before and after the films. The Mandalorian takes place after The Return of the Jedi and overlaps with the early sequel era, while The Book of Boba Fett slots into that window. Other shows, like The Bad Batch, occur between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and fall outside the direct sequel thread but inform the broader galaxy.
The Mandalorian And Wider Context
The Mandalorian is set at the very end of the timeline begun in Return of the Jedi, with cameos and references that touch on the sequel era indirectly. It explores the rebuilding phase and how ordinary citizens experience the galaxy after the fall of the Empire. Viewers gain perspective on how larger events filter down to everyday life.
How The Era Connects
Understanding the flow after The Force Awakens requires seeing the films as a deliberate three-part arc, punctuated by shorts and framed by series that operate at different points in the timeline. This structure preserves continuity while allowing side stories to experiment with tone and format. The result is a saga that remains legible even as it diverges from classic patterns.
Quick Reference: Core Arc After The Force Awakens
| Content | Position In Sequence | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| The Force Awakens | Starter | Reintroduces the galaxy and central conflicts |
| The Last Jedi | Middle | Thematically develops resistance and legacy |
| The Rise of Skywalker | Concluding | Resolves the sequel trilogy and Skywalker bloodline |
Why This Structure Matters
The placement of each installment affects how audiences interpret character growth, thematic throughlines, and stakes. By clarifying what comes after The Force Awakens, viewers can better track shifting goals, recurring antagonists, and the evolving role of the Force. This evergreen framing remains relevant as new stories extend the saga, because the core sequence continues to anchor long-term continuity.
Wrapping Up The Sequel Path
What follows The Force Awakens is a clearly delineated sequel path, anchored by The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, supported by shorts and contextualized by series like The Mandalorian. This structure delivers a cohesive transition from the original saga into a new chapter of storytelling, balancing resolution with room for future exploration.