'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Has Exited Its Final Theater

Image via starwars.com

Today, is bittersweet. My most anticipated film of 2015, resurrecting my all-time favorite franchise, has ended its theatrical run. Star Wars: The Force Awakens breathed new life into a universe that we all thought had run its course. J.J. Abrams was given the daunting task of returning this beloved world back to prominence while introducing new characters that we care about, but not forgetting about those that came before. I know the naysayers are out there in regards to the quality of this film (rehash, copy, etc.), but I will continue to defend it.


Now, to get to the main point of this topic, Star Wars: The Force Awakens finished with a domestic total of $936,662,225. It now sits atop the all-time domestic box office totals, surpassing Avatar and Titanic. Ironically, they could not accomplish the same feat in the international box office. Avatar remains at #1 and Titanic at #2. Despite those numbers, Star Wars does own two other spots on the top 10 domestic box office list (Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace). I find it interesting how the first installment of each trilogy are the ones to reach those numbers, yet Empire Strikes Back and Revenge of the Sith, believed to be the best of both trilogies, do not crack the top 10. I'd very much like to see if that trend continues now with Episode VIII.

Lucasfilm does not plan on this trend to stop anytime soon. This December, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Godzilla director, Gareth Edwards is slated for release on December 15. Taking place before Star Wars: A New Hope, Rogue One is centered around the mission to steal the Death Star plans, referenced in the opening crawl of the first film. Darth Vader will be in the film and will have the feel of a war film, which I am very excited about. Then, a year later, we will get the next installment in the Skywalker Saga with Episode VIII, directed by Brick and Looper director, Rian Johnson. Following that film, six months later, returning these films back to their home in late May, will be the untitled Han Solo film. Starring Alden Ehrenreich as our new Han Solo, Phil Lord and Chris Miller of 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street fame will helm the film, slated for a May 2018 release. Then, 2019 will bring an end to this trilogy with Star Wars: Episode IX, written by Rian Johnson and directed by Jurassic World director, Colin Trevorrow. An untitled anthology film is scheduled for a 2020 release, but there are no details about story or anything else for that matter.


For all of us Star Wars fans, we have a lot to look forward to. I guarantee we'll get a lot more information about Rogue One, dispelling the rumors that these reshoots mean the film is a disaster, as well as more details regarding filming for Episode VIII. Definitely something to watch next month, especially Dave Filoni's announcement that may introduce the return of a beloved Legends character. A lot of exciting developments and I'm glad I'll be a part of it next year at Star Wars Celebration Orlando!


May the Force be with you.