**Star Wars Franchise Expands: New Projects Announced Ahead of Star Wars Day**
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As fans prepare to celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4, the iconic franchise is gearing up for a series of exciting new projects. With more than four decades since the original film made its debut, the saga continues to thrive, promising a mix of familiar characters and fresh stories that will delight audiences both old and new.
Among the most anticipated releases is *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, which is set to hit theatres on May 22, 2026. This film marks the return of the Star Wars saga to cinemas since *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* in 2019. Directed by Jon Favreau, the action-adventure flick will bring the beloved Disney+ series to the big screen, following the escapades of the titular character, played by Pedro Pascal, alongside the ever-charming Grogu, popularly known as Baby Yoda.
In a statement, Favreau expressed his excitement about expanding the universe created by George Lucas. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting,” he said. The cast also includes notable talents such as Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, with Pascal praising Weaver as an “icon” within the film industry.
As *The Mandalorian & Grogu* approaches, a new animated series titled *Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi* is also in the works. This series is a continuation of the *Star Wars: Visions* anthology, which first launched in 2021. Focusing on the character Kara, the daughter of a sabersmith navigating her mission to deliver lightsabers to the last Jedi, the new series is expected to captivate audiences with its unique anime style. Executive producer Josh Rimes has described the project as a significant undertaking, indicating that fans can expect a spectacular visual experience.
Scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, *The Ninth Jedi* promises to offer a deeper exploration of Kara’s story. Rimes noted the collaborative effort involved in developing the anime series, from initial ideas to production, foreshadowing an intricate narrative and impressive artistry.
The excitement does not end there, as *Star Wars: Starfighter*, featuring Ryan Gosling, is set to launch a year later on May 28, 2027. At a recent Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, director Shawn Levy revealed that the film introduces new characters and narratives, occurring after the pivotal Battle of Exegol, where the story diverges from Episode IX. Levy emphasised the film’s potential to embody the essence of Star Wars while innovating with original elements.
Screenwriter Jonathan Tropper shared his enthusiasm for the film, highlighting Gosling’s performance and the chance to present new worlds and characters within the franchise. This project adds another layer to Star Wars lore, showcasing the universe’s ever-growing potential.
In addition to these new cinematic experiences, the highly regarded series *Ahsoka* is also set for a second season, though a release date has yet to be confirmed. Rosario Dawson will reprise her role as the titular character, a former Jedi and warrior. Hayden Christensen is also expected to return as Anakin Skywalker, raising anticipation for further developments in their intertwined stories. Filming for the new season wrapped up in October 2025.
Moreover, the animated series *Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord* premiered in April 2026 and has already garnered a following. This series delves into the backstory of the fan-favourite character, Darth Maul, known for his complex motivations and dark history. Sam Witwer, the voice behind Maul, elaborated on his character’s perspective as one striving for galactic liberation at a terrible cost.
As one of the franchise’s most notorious villains, Maul’s journey continues to intrigue audiences, and with a second season announced, viewers can expect a deeper exploration of this iconic character’s psyche and motivations.
As beloved characters and new adventures unfold, the Star Wars franchise looks to the future while paying homage to its rich legacy. With a plethora of projects in the pipeline, fans have much to anticipate as May 4 approaches and beyond.