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What Should We Expect From Future ‘Star Wars’ Anthology Films?
As we march toward the release of J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens later this year and the beginning of production on Gareth Edwards’ Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One (2016), the eyes of fans are starting to turn toward the projects beyond both. We know that Rian Johnson is directing and co-writing Episode VIII. We know that the second Anthology film, with its focus on bounty hunter Boba Fett, is coming together as we speak. And we know that Episode IX will follow afterwards. But what of plans beyond this new sequel trilogy?
First on deck after we close out this new chapter in the Star Wars saga will be a third Anthology film, tentatively expected to be released sometime in 2020. Yes, that is five years away, but such is the life of a film fan when it comes to tracking upcoming projects these days. What plans do Lucasfilm have for this entry? According to Schmoes Know, the currents plans are for this project to “be much more “mythological and spiritual” based” and possibly center on a Jedi. Past rumors about prequels centering on Mace Windu and/or Yoda are cited, as is the notion that it may be the final Anthology film.
According to our own sources, Lucasfilm has no intention of tabling the Anthology side franchise after only three entries, so we can put a stop to that rumor right there. But what of the idea of exploring Jedi outside of the main saga? Honestly, it’s inevitable. While the first two Anthology films seem to be delving into the criminal underworld of the Star Wars universe, it wouldn’t surprise this reader at all if we get some sort of serialized one shot Jedi adventure. Could it be with Yoda or Windu? Of course, but I think we’d be far likelier to see it center on someone younger, be it a new character or an existing one? Getting Ewan McGregor on the horn might not be a bad idea, for instance. A younger Obi Wan tale has been rumored before, after all, and I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing him go on some damned fool adventure.
The truth is that we really don’t know what the third Anthology film will turn out to be. This has less to do with a lack of concrete information and more to do with the fact that Lucasfilm has a lot of plates spinning right now when it comes to this very subject. Beyond a Jedi-centric entry or two, there have been countless other rumors about potential Anthology films. A Top Gun-esque fighter pilot tale, a Han Solo film, and numerous potential spin-offs for other existing characters. All are rumors that have sprung from trusted sources over the past few years and all are likely being considered. It’s just a matter of which one is ready first.
As we march towards the inevitable 2020 release of a still mysterious third Star Wars Anthology film, what would you like to see both it and future Anthology films explore in the Star Wars universe beyond whatever tales are being told in the main saga? The day-to-day lives of the Ugnaughts in Cloud City? The Good, The Bad, and the Bantha Poodoo: Life As A Tusken Raider? Wookiee Sky Cab Confessions? I’m sure someone out there has a burning desire for a third Ewok adventure. Not myself, but I guarantee at least one of you wants one. Tell us your deepest, darkest Star Wars Anthology desires in the comments below…
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‘The Blob’ and ‘Dream Warriors’ Filmmaker Chuck Russell Has Passed Away at 74
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.

Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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