What Happened to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, also known as Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, premiered on December 16, 2019, and was released in the United States on December 20, 2019, marking the conclusion of the sequel trilogy and the overarching nine-part 'Skywalker saga.' Directed by J.J. Abrams, who returned after helming 'The Force Awakens,' the film faced a challenging production, including the departure of initial director Colin Trevorrow in September 2017 due to creative differences.

Upon its release, the film garnered mixed reviews from critics, with its Rotten Tomatoes score initially hovering around 58% and later dropping to 52%, making it, at one point, the lowest-rated live-action Star Wars film on the platform. Critics often cited issues with its pacing, plot choices, and perceived attempts to retcon elements from its predecessor, 'The Last Jedi.' However, audience reception was generally more positive, with a Rotten Tomatoes audience score reaching 86% and a Metacritic user score of 5.3, indicating a significant divide between professional critics and the general public.

Commercially, 'The Rise of Skywalker' was a success, grossing $1.077 billion worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2019. However, it was also the lowest-grossing film of the sequel trilogy, falling short of 'The Force Awakens' ($2.068 billion) and 'The Last Jedi' ($1.33 billion). The film received three Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Editing, and later won five Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film and Best Director for J.J. Abrams.

In the years following its release, 'The Rise of Skywalker' has continued to be a subject of discussion regarding its place in the Star Wars canon and its impact on the franchise's future. It became available on Disney+ on May 4, 2020, allowing fans to stream the entire Skywalker Saga in one place. As of 2025, leaked tax documents revealed its gross budget to be $593.7 million, with a net cost of approximately $490.2 million after UK tax reimbursements, making it one of the most expensive films ever made.

The future of the Star Wars saga post-'The Rise of Skywalker' has been a key focus for Lucasfilm. In 2023, a new film was announced at Star Wars Celebration, set after the events of 'The Rise of Skywalker' and featuring Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey, focusing on her efforts to build a new Jedi Order. However, this project has faced significant development delays and multiple writer changes, with its production status remaining uncertain as of May 2026. Additionally, a new novel titled 'Legacy,' set between 'The Last Jedi' and 'The Rise of Skywalker,' was announced for release in July 2026, further expanding the narrative around the sequel era. Reports in May 2026 also indicate that Lucasfilm has held talks with John Boyega regarding a potential return for his character, Finn, in future Star Wars projects, signaling a continued interest in the sequel trilogy's characters and storylines.