In the galaxy far, far away, the live-action movies and shows have been known for their delays or outright cancellations. However, the animated counterparts have shown significantly more reliability. For the past 16 years, Lucasfilm has released an animated series, or even two, without fail every year.
Starting with the 2008 animated film “The Clone Wars” and its much-loved series of the same name, which originally aired from 2008 through to 2014 (and then a final season in 2020), the Star Wars animated universe has been expanding. This was followed up by “Rebels” from 2014 to 2018, then “Resistance” in 2018 to 2020, which finally brings us to the current project of “The Bad Batch” which will be concluding next year with its third and final season.
Aside from these regular series, there was also the non-canon anthology “Visions” as well as another “Clone Wars” follow up in the form of “Tales of the Jedi” which is receiving a second season and also the junior series from earlier this year “Young Jedi Adventures. So, as we can see, there is certainly no shortage of Star Wars animation. In fact, it has become the most reliable aspect of the franchise.
As “The Bad Batch” is ending in 2024, this leaves fans wondering… what comes next?
There has been no official word from Lucasfilm in regards to a new animated series but seeing as the format has been very regular for close to 20 years, there is almost certainly something in the works. Fandom is of course constantly speculating what new content will be so let’s have a look at some likely contenders.
High Republic Series
There has been a heavy focus on the High Republic era in the past few years with a focus on novels and comic series. The era has already been brought to screens with the animated series “Young Jedi Adventures” but seeing as this is aimed at the young children demographic there is certainly room for a more mature delve into this period of galactic history.
Bad Batch follow-up
The Bad Batch” followed up nicely from the final season of “The Clone Wars” as the Age of the Empire came to fruition. The current series, however, has focused primarily on this early period of the Empire’s reign. A follow up series could explore further elements deeper into the timeline, closer to the period of the Rebellion and the original trilogy. Always a fan favourite.
New Jedi Order
A series or movie set in the time after the Battle of Endor and focusing on Luke’s attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order has been a longtime request of the Star Wars community. While there have been slight hints towards this, they are always indirect and noncommittal. We have thus far only received glimpses into this time from Luke Skywalker’s perspective in the occasional comic or cameo in a live action show. The period was heavily covered in the old Legends continuity, meaning there is plenty of source to draw from should Lucasfilm wish. There seems to be a reluctance to fully recast the iconic original characters in this time period so an animated series covering the era would be a most amicable solution.
Resistance season 3
If “The Clone Wars” can be saved, why not “Resistance? The short-lived animated series took place in the time of the sequel trilogy, specifically in the time around “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”. A period in which the galaxy is at the mercy of The First Order. There has been a fairly minimal exploration into this time compared to other eras of galactic history. While “Resistance” was never as popular as “The Clone Wars” or “Rebels” it had a dedicated fanbase who would no doubt appreciate seeing the further adventures of Kazuda and friends.
What do you think the next animated Star Wars series will be? Let us know in the comments below! For all things Star Wars, head on over to Dork Side of the Force!
FAQ
Q1: What has been the trend with Star Wars live-action movies and shows? A: The Star Wars live-action movies and shows have been known for their delays or outright cancellations.
Q2: How has the Star Wars animated series trend been different? A: The Star Wars animated series have shown significantly more reliability. For the past 16 years, Lucasfilm has released an animated series, or even two, without fail every year.
Q3: What are some of the Star Wars animated series that have been released? A: Some of the Star Wars animated series include “The Clone Wars”, “Rebels”, “Resistance”, “The Bad Batch”, “Visions”, “Tales of the Jedi”, and “Young Jedi Adventures”.
Q4: What is the speculation about the next Star Wars animated series? A: While there has been no official word from Lucasfilm, fans speculate that the next series could be a High Republic Series, a follow-up to “The Bad Batch”, a series on the New Jedi Order, or a third season of “Resistance”.
Q5: What is the High Republic Series? A: The High Republic Series is speculated to be a more mature delve into the High Republic era, which has been the focus of novels and comic series in the past few years.
Q6: What could a follow-up to “The Bad Batch” look like? A: A follow-up to “The Bad Batch” could explore further elements deeper into the timeline, closer to the period of the Rebellion and the original trilogy.
Q7: What is the New Jedi Order series? A: The New Jedi Order series is speculated to be set in the time after the Battle of Endor and focus on Luke’s attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Q8: What could a third season of “Resistance” entail? A: A third season of “Resistance” could continue the adventures of Kazuda and friends in the time of the sequel trilogy, specifically around “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”.
Q9: Where can I stay updated on all things Star Wars? A: For all things Star Wars, you can head on over to Dork Side of the Force.
