Hey there, fellow space enthusiasts! Let’s talk about the epic conclusion of the Skywalker saga. In December, we’re getting the release of Episode IX, now officially titled The Rise of Skywalker. So, here’s the thing: the Skywalker story is wrapping up, but apparently, there’s still a Skywalker on the rise. Sounds a little confusing, right? As Yoda might say, “Mysterious, it is.”

Revisiting Familiar Faces

Okay, let’s break this down. While we don’t have tons of details about the movie yet, we do know some of our favorite characters are returning. That includes Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). But wait, there’s more! We’re also getting the return of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher), and Billie Dee Williams as the iconic Lando Calrissian. And guess what? J.J. Abrams, who brought us The Force Awakens, is back in the director's chair.

The Trailer’s Big Moment

At Disney’s annual D23 expo, the new trailer for The Rise of Skywalker made its debut, sparking excitement among fans. This announcement comes after Disney president Bob Iger told investors that after this chapter, the franchise will take a bit of a breather from the big screen. “We have not announced any specific plans for movies thereafter,” Iger told Bloomberg. “There are movies in development, but we haven’t announced them. We’ll take a pause, reset, because the Skywalker saga comes to an end with this ninth movie. There will be other Star Wars movies, but there will be a bit of a hiatus.”

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Streaming Wars: Disney+ and the Future

Now, here’s some good news for Star Wars fans who can’t get enough of the galaxy far, far away. Even though we don’t know much about the plot of The Rise of Skywalker, we do know the franchise will continue to shine on Disney+ when it launches in November. Disney+ will feature no less than four TV series, keeping the Star Wars universe alive and thriving.

First Up: The Mandalorian

Available right from the launch is The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series. Written and executive produced by Jon Favreau, with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) directing the first episode, this series boasts an all-star cast including Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Omid Abtahi, Werner Herzog, and Nick Nolte. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, the series follows a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

More Adventures: The Clone Wars and Beyond

In year one, we’ll also see the continuation of the hugely popular animated series The Clone Wars. Year two will bring a prequel series to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where Diego Luna will reprise his role as rebel spy Cassian Andor. This series, set during the formative years of the Rebellion, will be a spy thriller filled with daring missions to restore hope to a galaxy under the grip of the Empire. Alan Tudyk will also return as K-2SO, with Stephen Schiff (The Americans) as showrunner and executive producer.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Returns

Oh, and guess what? Ewan McGregor is set to return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new series on Disney+, reprising the role he played in Episodes I-III (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith).

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20, and you won’t want to miss it. Be sure to check out and subscribe to our Classic TV & Film Podcast for interviews with your favorite stars!