Summary
WithD23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Eventbeing Disney’s biggest event for new announcements within the company, many of us expectedStar Warsto show up with quite a few new announcements in order, but this wasn’t the case. In the past,Star Warshas made use of the opportunity D23 gives them to provide updates onupcomingStar Warsprojects. At the last D23 in 2022,Star Warspublicly released three new trailers, confirmed three TV show release dates, and provided updates on two brand-new live-action TV shows. This year’s D23 did not match that past energy.
Two trailers were released publicly this year, one of which was for a show that had already previously released a trailer (LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy) and another that had certainly been a long time in the making (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew), and only one new release date was revealed. Everything was exclusive to the present audience aside from the two trailers, including sizzle reels forAndorseason 2andThe Mandalorian & Grogumovie. WhileStar Warsdoesn’t really owe us anything, especially with Star Wars Celebration 2025 coming up, I’m still disappointed by this, and here’s why.
Every Major Star Wars Reveal At This Year’s D23
A number of shocking announcements have already been made at D23 2024—here’s everything the event has revealed about Star Wars' upcoming projects.
I Was Highly Anticipating New Announcements Every Day
There’s a delicate balance that has to be struck in a line of work like this, where you’re actively standing by for exciting news to report on and also trying to digest it as a massive fan of the content or brand. This is how I was all weekend, at the ready for any kind of newsStar Warswould drop.I was utterly consumed by those two feelings of focused preparedness and barely-contained excitementduringStar Wars’biggest panels. These included the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday,The Acolytepanel on Saturday, and the Lucasfilm Animation panel on Sunday.
At the Disney Entertainment Showcase, however, I was shocked by how little they actually discussed. OnlySkeleton Crew,Andorseason 2, andThe Mandalorian & Grogugot either a trailer or a sizzle reel, along with release date/year confirmations. The weekend ended with no news aboutThe Acolytebeing renewed for season 2 or canceled, no new details aboutAhsokaseason 2or other movie projects currently in development, and no announcements of any brand-new upcoming animated or live-action TV shows. I kept myself on edge all weekend waiting for news, and nothing came.
… But They Didn’t Announce Anything We Didn’t Already Know
Even the “New” Things Weren’t That New
Oddly, the thingsStar Warscovered were things we already knew, even if a few new minor details were confirmed. TheSkeleton Crewtrailerhad been a long time in the making, so it shocked no one when it finally dropped, though it was at least an absolutely excellent first look at the series. Hearing about the cast forLEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxywas thrilling, especially Mark Hamill’s return as Luke, but it’s already had a trailer released. Even the return of both Director Krennic and K-2SO inAndorseason 2 had already been previously confirmed or expected.
I was exhausted by the end of the weekend by how much I anticipated, with little reward to show for it.
The biggest surprises of the weekend came from the sizzle reel ofThe Mandalorian & Grogu, which revealed that theRazor Crestis returning, as well asStar Wars Rebels’Zeb Orrelios. Even these surprises, however, weren’t released to the public, as the sizzle reel remained exclusive to those who physically attended the showcase. After Friday night,there was little to no news at all, despite there being two prime opportunitiesfor bothThe Acolyteand Lucasfilm Animation news. I was exhausted by the end of the weekend by how much I anticipated, with little reward to show for it.
Upcoming Star Wars Shows: Story, Casts & Everything We Know
Several exciting Star Wars TV shows are set to be released on Disney+ in the coming years from the realm of both live-action and animation.
Why Is Star Wars Holding On To Their Secrets So Tightly?
They Must be Waiting for Star Wars Celebration 2025
I think there are a few very real reasons why Lucasfilm decided to withhold these secrets during D23 this past weekend. For starters,they have another Star Wars Celebration coming up in 2025, which is where they prefer to make most of their big announcements. This will likely be when we get to hear about the newest animated projects and, hopefully, perhaps even a brand-new live-action TV show. GivenStar Wars’more troubling history with unfinished projects, however, there is an even more likely reason why little was announced at D23.
Star Warshas been known to announce projects that never end up seeing the light of day, particularly when it comes to movies. That has made Lucasfilm a little more reserved in what they choose to share, which is totally understandable - and, honestly, it’s the right move. The downside is that it keeps fans waiting longer to have the kind of security they want in knowing what the future holds for their favorite franchise. Either way, I’m still disappointed thatStar Warshad a small presence at D23, though I have faith they will pull through later on.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
