The High Republic Phase III and More: Every Big Lucasfilm Publishing Reveal from Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025

Lightsabers weren’t the only thing lighting up the halls of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 — the Lucasfilm Publishing panel delivered a data burst of new stories, characters, and surprises that will keep readers flipping pages (and screens) well into next year.

At the heart of it all? Phase III of The High Republic, titled Trials of the Jedi — and it’s already sounding like the most dramatic era yet.

Trials of the Jedi: The High Republic Phase III Heats Up

The next wave of The High Republic is officially underway with Phase III: Trials of the Jedi. It’s a direct continuation of the chaos unleashed in The Fallen Star, The Eye of Darkness, and the battle with the Nihil. If you thought things couldn’t get worse for the Jedi, Lucasfilm Publishing just proved you wrong.

In Trials of the Jedi, the order is fractured, the Republic is strained, and the Nihil — led by the ever-pleasant Marchion Ro — are winning. The stories dig deeper into character consequences, moral ambiguity, and the Jedi trying to hold it together with nothing but hope and some patchy comms.

Books and comics announced for Phase III include:

• Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton (May 7, 2024)
• Into the Light by Claudia Gray (July 16, 2024)
• Beware the Nameless by Zoraida Córdova (October 8, 2024)
• Tales of Enlightenment short story collection by George Mann
• A new comic series: Star Wars: The High Republic by Cavan Scott (Marvel)
• A new graphic novel: The High Republic Adventures: Saber for Hire by Charles Soule (Dark Horse)

Each story will explore new paths for returning characters like Keeve Trennis, Bell Zettifar, and Elzar Mann — and tease the long-awaited showdown with the Nihil.

Comics, Novels, and Surprises Galore

Outside of The High Republic, the Lucasfilm Publishing team also dropped a lightspeed load of fresh announcements across genres and formats.

Star Wars: The Living Force

Kevin Scott’s The Living Force novel (dropping April 9, 2024) will continue exploring the prequel era Jedi. Expect robes, regrets, and more council drama than a season of galactic reality TV.

Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade (Graphic Novel Adaptation)

Delilah S. Dawson’s dark dive into the mind of an Inquisitor is getting the comic treatment. That means more lightsaber angst, villain monologues, and possibly some upgraded brooding visuals.

Thrawn: Alliances – The Graphic Novel

Timothy Zahn’s wildly popular novel starring Thrawn and Anakin Skywalker gets adapted into graphic form by Jody Houser. You can now witness Thrawn out-scheming enemies with cold logic and Anakin… not doing that.

Star Wars: Crimson Climb

E.K. Johnston’s novel about Qi’ra’s early days with Crimson Dawn is getting a sequel — or rather, a continuation of the criminal climb. More underworld double-crosses, more strategic smirking.

The Art of The Mandalorian: Season 3

Because yes, we all need a giant coffee table book full of helmet reflections, mudhorns, and Bo-Katan looking deeply conflicted.

For Younger Readers and Collectors

The publishing panel didn’t forget the younger Padawans or die-hard collectors either:

• Little Golden Books based on The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection – Expanded Edition
• The High Republic Young Adult and Middle Grade Novels continue, including Escape from Valo: Part II and Children of the Storm

These releases make it easier than ever to get younger readers (and nostalgic adults) deep into galactic storytelling.

A Universe of New Stories

The unifying thread from the panel was clear: Star Wars storytelling is expanding, but it’s doing so with a serious eye on character, continuity, and creative experimentation. From Jedi who’ve lost faith to Sith who never had any, from smugglers to starpilots, the galaxy is getting wider — and weirder — in the best way.

Whether it’s a prequel-era meditation on duty or a dark side drama about survival, Lucasfilm Publishing continues to be where some of the most emotionally rich storytelling in Star Wars lives. And if you’re not already caught up on The High Republic, now would be a good time to start charging that Kindle.

Conclusion: A Story for Every Corner of the Galaxy

Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 delivered the goods for readers and lore-lovers alike. Phase III of The High Republic looks ready to test the Jedi like never before, while the rest of the publishing slate promises something for everyone — from comic readers and novel collectors to parents trying to sneak Star Wars into bedtime stories.

With new novels, graphic adaptations, and lore-rich reference books on the way, it’s safe to say the publishing side of the galaxy is thriving. And there’s plenty more story to come — just maybe with a few tears, betrayals, and well-timed lightsaber ignitions along the way.

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