The Last 'Star Wars' Film Released in 2019: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

Introduction

With the excitement surrounding the release of 'Star Wars' films, it's easy to overlook that the last major theatrical release within the saga occurred in 2019. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth episode in the Star Wars saga, was the most recent theatrical release, hitting theaters on December 13, 2019. This article explores the context and significance of this release within the broader universe of 'Star Wars.'

Overview of 'Star Wars' Releases Since 2008

The last two 'Star Wars' films were 'The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019 and 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,' which came out in 2018. Since the release of 'The Force Awakens' in 2015, a new 'Star Wars' film has been released each year, solidifying the franchise's place in popular culture.

The Release and Reception of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker took months in theaters before its release on various home formats. The film was released in theaters on December 13, 2019. It was later available on DVD and Blu-Ray in April 2020 and on Disney on May 4, Star Wars Day. The reception of the film was mixed, with critics and fans divided on its direction and closure to the saga.

No 'Star Wars' Film in 2008

Interestingly, 2008 saw no theatrical 'Star Wars' film. The last 'Star Wars' film not associated with Disney was 'Revenge of the Sith,' which was released in 2005 as part of the prequel trilogy. This leaves a void in the timeline, as 2008 was the last year without a new theatrical release before a multi-year hiatus of new films.

The Sequel Trilogy and Beyond

Following the release of 'The Rise of Skywalker,' the franchise's future remains uncertain. 'The Last Jedi' (2017) is the middle entry of the sequel trilogy, and 'The Rise of Skywalker' concludes this arc. However, the future holds numerous possibilities:

Multitude of ongoing and potential new storylines Benioff and Weiss, the creators behind 'Game of Thrones,' have expressed interest in contributing to the 'Star Wars' universe Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige is reportedly working on new projects within the 'Star Wars' franchise

The future of 'Star Wars' seems to be broad and diverse, with varied content across theatrical films, streaming platforms, and shows. The performance of 'The Rise of Skywalker' could influence the direction of future releases, but there is a clear path for expansion beyond the main saga.

Conclusion

While 'The Rise of Skywalker' marked the last theatrical release in 2019, the 'Star Wars' franchise is far from finished. Numerous projects are in development, and the universe continues to expand in various forms. As the saga moves forward, it will be interesting to see how these new stories and formats will redefine the culture and lore of 'Star Wars.'