Why 2019 is going to be the biggest year for ‘Star Wars’

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, fans are in for a ride that is 2019.

With numerous television shows such as “Resistance” finishing its first season and “The Mandalorian”  being released in the fall this also leaves the highly anticipated “Episode IX” releasing in December. It’s only a matter of time before not only the Skywalker Saga ends, but for more stories to pave their own way in the galaxy.

To start, “Episode IX” will finish the decade-long story of the Skywalker Saga.

With the release of “Star Wars” in 1977, fans were transported to a galaxy far, far away through a triad of films that comprised the original trilogy.

The prequel trilogy began in 1999 with “The Phantom Menace” and finished in 2005 with “Revenge of the Sith.”

At that point in time, many fans thought that the “Star Wars” saga would conclude with “Episode III,” however, in 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm and thus the rights to produce and distribute “Star Wars” films.

In 2015, the sequel trilogy began with “The Force Awakens”, followed by “The Last Jedi” in 2017. Now, “Episode IX” releasing in December is set to answer many questions fans might have, such as the fates of Rey and what will and Kylo Ren.

Only time will tell when a trailer will be released and what will happen to our main characters.

Something else that has fans as anticipated as “Episode IX”  the release of “The Mandalorian.”

The television series will release on Disney’s streaming service, “Disney+”, sometime in the Fall. “The Mandalorian” will be directed by “Iron Man” filmmaker, John Favreau. Narcos star, Pedro Pascal, will play the main role  in the television series.

The Mandalorian Clan was described in “The Clone Wars,” “Rebels” and “Legends” and the story will take place after the fall of the Empire in “Return of the Jedi.”

I’m looking forward to seeing what Favreau has in mind for the series such as how The Mandalorian clan reunites after the fall of the Empire and what the stakes are for the characters in the age of the New Republic. Gina Carano, Nick Nolte, Giancarlo Esposito and Carl Weathers, among others, are also selected for the cast.

But what else can fans ask for with the return of “The Clone Wars” season seven? Lucasfilm canceled the show five years ago to focus on “Star Wars” stories, but now, 12 episodes will finish the story between Anakin Skywalker, Ashoka Tano and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

And how better celebrate “Star Wars” itself than at “Star Wars Celebration Chicago?” The event runs from April 11-15 and will discuss a Cassian Andor streaming series with Diego Luna, and the films being developed by Rian Johnson and Game of Thrones directors David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. 

Additionally, “Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge” will open in Disneyland and Disney World this summer and fall, where guests can pilot The Millennium Falcon in “Smugglers Run” and witness a space fight in “Rise of the Resistance.” 

This is the year for “Star Wars” and I know I am excited to see where these different stories go.

May the force be with us in 2019.