Summary
SomeStar Warsprojects are hitting a roadblock as the company scales back its TV output — but it is all for a good cause. In recent years,Star Warshas shifted its focus to producing more television content rather than movies.
While this strategy has been effective, it appears that a shift is now necessary as they realign their focus for a larger, long-term plan.
According to The Direct, industry insider Daniel Richtman revealed thatStar Warsis planning to reduce its television output on Disney Plus starting next year. Lucasfilm has typically released at least two series on the platform annually, but the new strategy aims for just one series per year. AlthoughStar Warshas not officially confirmed this, the report aligns with Disney’s broader strategy, which is impacting the entire company, includingStar Wars.
“I’m hearing that several series are in development, but it seems they plan to release only one live-action series per year starting in 2025.”
It has been five years sinceStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerhit theaters in 2019. Since then, the franchise has shifted its focus to television, averaging two live-action series on streaming platforms annually. Whether launching new series or delivering new seasons of returning ones,Star Warshas kept a packed release schedule. In 2022, Lucasfilm released episodes for three different live-action series, followed by two more in 2023, with another two planned for release by the end of 2024. This strategy has largely been successful, thoughThe Acolytewas recently canceledafter just one season in July. Now, a significant change is coming toStar Warstelevision. The franchise plans to reduce its live-action output to one series per year starting in 2025. However, this shift will not take effect immediately, as several series are already in production and planned for release in the coming years. It is important to note thatStar Warsis not halting its TV projects altogether — just scaling back. Additionally, the reports only mention live-action projects, leaving animated series untouched for now, suggesting the new strategy might only impact one side of the franchise.
Several key factors are driving this new strategy. It aligns with abroader media shift affecting Disney’s entire portfolio. Last year, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans to scale back both production and spending across the board. This move is part of Disney’s larger “cost containment initiative,” aimed at cutting costs. Producing new content for massive franchises likeStar Warscomes with significant financial risk. While theStar Warsseries have been well-received overall, Disney has acknowledged that it has not seen the same level of financial return from its streaming investments as it once did. This is a particular concern given the soaring production costs. For instance, the production ofThe Acolytealone reportedly cost over $180 million, only for the series to be canceled after just one season. Cutting back on the number of live-action series makes sense within this context. Given these challenges, scaling back theStar Warsseries is a logical step that could save the company a significant amount of money.
Another significant reason behind the shift in strategy is Disney and Lucasfilm’s plan to return to blockbuster theatrical releases. After years without a new movie, the companies are preparing for a major cinematic comeback, which presents a much higher potential for substantial profits compared to streaming. Currently, the franchise is set to return to theaters in 2026 with Jon Favreau’s highly anticipatedThe Mandalorian and Grogumovie, followed by two additional untitledStar Warsmovies scheduled for late 2026 and 2027. While the focus is shifting back to theatrical releases,Star Warsis not abandoning its presence on Disney Plus. Upcoming projects includeSkeleton Crew,which is planned for release this December, andAhsokaSeason 2, with filming expected to begin next year, with several other shows also in the pipeline.
Source:The Direct
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise originally created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy of movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other media like comics, video games, tv shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.
