Is Star Wars Episode X Actually Happening? Here's What Disney Has Said

So, yeah, the Skywalker saga apparently isn't done. Lucasfilm is developing what amounts to Star Wars: Episode X, with plot details locked up tighter than a Death Star trash compactor. The big picture is simple: the story is moving past the First Order era, focusing on a new generation while the legacy heroes finally take a bow.

Where Episode X might pick up

Lucasfilm hasn't said whether this next movie jumps straight into the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker or skips ahead a few years. Either way, the plan is clearly to hand the keys to new characters, not keep dragging the old guard into one more battle. That part actually tracks with where the last film left things.

The behind-the-scenes wrinkle

Here's the industry-side twist: Deadline says Simon Kinberg has signed on to develop the next Star Wars trilogy for Lucasfilm. Kinberg isn't a random name in this galaxy. He co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels and consulted on The Force Awakens back when that film was taking shape. If this report holds, the new trilogy would likely function as Episodes 10-12. Whether that means a straight continuation of the Skywalker storyline or something running alongside other upcoming projects is still a question mark. And no, Lucasfilm hasn't spelled any of this out on the record yet.

Cast: who could return if we're post-TROS

No cast is official. If Episode X truly picks up after The Rise of Skywalker, Daisy Ridley is the most obvious return as Rey, since she was set up as the center of the post-Skywalker era. John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), and Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) are also natural candidates if the story needs the core Resistance crew back in action. But again: nothing signed, sealed, or announced.

Mark Hamill weighs in

While promoting the Tom Hiddleston drama The Life of Chuck, Mark Hamill was asked about coming back again. He praised George Lucas for letting him be part of those early days and even recalled Lucas calling Star Wars "the most expensive low-budget movie ever made." Then he made his current stance very clear (via Collider):

"My deal is, I had my time. I'm appreciative of that, but I think they should focus on the future and all the new characters."

Translation: don't hold your breath for more Luke. If Episode X really is the start of a new run, expect the torch to stay passed.

What we actually know right now

• Lucasfilm is developing the next film in the saga, effectively Episode X; story details are under wraps.
• Timing is unclear: it could start right after the fall of the First Order or jump ahead.
• The focus is shifting to a new generation; legacy characters are expected to step aside.
• Per Deadline, Simon Kinberg has signed to develop the next Star Wars trilogy; he co-created Star Wars Rebels and consulted on The Force Awakens.
• That trilogy would likely be Episodes 10-12, though it's unknown if it continues the Skywalker thread or runs parallel to other projects.
• No cast is confirmed; if it's set post-TROS, Daisy Ridley (Rey) is the logical lead, with potential returns for John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe), and Kelly Marie Tran (Rose).
• Mark Hamill told Collider he's grateful but done, and that the focus should be on new characters.
• In the meantime, every Star Wars movie and show is streaming on Disney+ in the U.S.

Bottom line

Lucasfilm is quietly building the next chapter, and the creative guard appears to be shifting. If you're hoping for one more curtain call from the originals, Hamill pretty much shut that door. If you're ready for a clean slate with some familiar faces orbiting it, Episode X is lining up to be exactly that.