The Star Wars movie that comes after The Force Awakens is Star Wars: The Last Jedi, released in December 2017. Directed by Rian Johnson, it continues the sequel storyline that began in The Force Awakens and deepens the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. This article explains where The Last Jedi sits in the saga, what changed from its predecessor, and the narrative developments that shape the path toward The Rise of Skywalker and later streaming-era series.
What Comes After The Force Awakens
After The Force Awakens launched the sequel trilogy, The Last Jedi became the direct follow-up, arriving two and a half years later in 2017. It advances the same core conflicts while shifting tone and focus in notable ways. Understanding this transition helps contextualize the broader sequel-era arc and how the saga bridges classic characters with new generations.
Why The Last Jedi Is The Clear Successor
The Last Jedi continues the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as the Resistance faces the expanding First Order. Narratively, it picks up threads introduced in The Force Awakens, such as Luke’s exile, Leia’s command, and Kylo Ren’s inner struggle. Production timelines, cast returns, and marketing all position it as the intended next chapter in the sequel trilogy.
Key Details At A Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Official Title |
| Release Date | December 15, 2017 (U.S.) | Studio Release Schedule |
| Director | Rian Johnson | Film Credits |
| Episode Number | Episode VIII | Skywalker Saga Numbering |
| Main New Characters | Rose Tico, DJ, Vice Admiral Holdo | Film Cast Listings |
How The Last Jedi Develops The Sequel Story
The Last Jedi divides audiences by challenging expectations and reframing heroism. While The Force Awakens reintroduced the galaxy to the Resistance-First Order war, The Last Jedi complicates that momentum with losses, setbacks, and philosophical debate. Key developments include Rey’s training, Finn’s crisis of purpose, and the expansion of the Resistance’s female leadership.
Narrative Shifts From The Force Awakens
- Luke Skywalker’s portrayal moves from mysterious mentor to a figure wrestling with failure.
- The film places greater emphasis on found family and chosen legacy.
- Military strategy and political stakes are scrutinized more closely than in the prior entry.
Connections To The Larger Saga
The Last Jedi sets up themes that echo through later films and series, notably The Rise of Skywalker and the High Republic era. It interrogates the Jedi idealism established in previous films and pushes newer characters into leadership roles, creating a bridge between the sequel trilogy and future storytelling.
Direct Sequel And Spinoff Influence
Events in The Last Jedi directly motivate decisions in The Rise of Skywalker, including the Resistance’s condition and character motivations. Meanwhile, series like The Mandalorian and The Bad Batch treat the film’s outcomes as established history, showing its lasting impact across timelines.
The Path Forward After The Last Jedi
While The Last Jedi represents the immediate next step after The Force Awakens, the saga continues through The Rise of Skywalker and beyond into television. Streaming shows explore earlier eras, but the sequel trilogy resolves the central journey that began with the return of the Force.
Upcoming And Related Content
- The Rise of Skywalker concludes the sequel trilogy.
- Disney+ series expand the timeline before and after the films.
- New film and series announcements continue to reference the sequel-era status quo.
Solo And Anthology Context
Outside the main Skywalker saga, standalone films like Rogue One and Solo occupy adjacent timelines but do not alter the core sequel progression. The Last Jedi remains the central continuation of The Force Awakens within the numbered episodic saga.
Reception And Impact
The Last Jedi sparked intense discussion about direction, representation, and franchise evolution. Its reputation has shifted over time from divisive to increasingly appreciated by some fans and critics, especially regarding its willingness to subvert familiar patterns.
Measurable Outcomes
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ~$200 million | Production Cost |
| Worldwide Gross | ~$1.3 billion | Box Office Performance |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 91% (Tomatometer) | Critical Reception |
| Theater Screens (U.S. Opening) | ~4,400 | Initial Release Scale |
Continuity Considerations
Viewers often ask how The Last Jedi aligns with earlier films and upcoming projects. While some character outcomes and plot choices diverge from long-running expectations, the film remains anchored in Skywalker family themes and galactic-scale conflict.
Practical Takeaways For Viewers
- Watch The Force Awakens before The Last Jedi for full context.
- Expect tonal and structural differences between the two films.
- Pay attention to sequel teases that carry into later movies and series.
Final Thoughts
What Star Wars movie comes after The Force Awakens is The Last Jedi, a consequential sequel that reshapes the saga’s momentum and deepens its themes. Its influence extends into subsequent films, television, and fan interpretation, making it a pivotal entry in the ongoing Star Wars narrative.
Understanding this transition supports long-term engagement with the franchise, whether through revisiting the saga, exploring related media, or anticipating future stories that build on the foundation established in the sequel trilogy.