Star Wars franchise (Alternity)

The Star Wars franchise is a series of epic space operas created by writer/producer/director George Lucas. It began with the first film, Star Wars, in 1976. It was later renamed Episode IV: A New Hope following the release of sequel film Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and later Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in 1980. These three films later became referred to the original trilogy when a fourth film, Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released and two more films, Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith were released in following years. Currently, a sequel trilogy of three more films are underway, starting with Episode VII: The New Republic, which is currently in the post-production phase and is set to be released in 1998. Plans for an eigth episode have been announced by Lucas. Current hypothetical names for Episode VIII include Episode VIII: Dark Force Rising, Episode VIII: Fight of the Foes, and Episode VIII: Rebirth of the Empire. Rumors and speculation have also given name to Episode IX, the most common being Episode IX: The Last Command, Episode IX: The Republic Reigns Again, and Episode IX: Veiled Victory.

In all current seven films, John Williams has scored the soundtrack and is expected to return for the next two films.

Episode VII: The New Republic (1998)
In post-production phase.

Episode VIII: Dark Force Rising (2002)
Recently announced. Lucas has expressed that it will take four years until a new film come out. He has also stated that the making of Episode VIII will be most complicated.

Episode IX: Legacy of the Jedi (20??)
The name "Legacy of the Jedi" is the most popular fan given name, and had been confirmed when Lucasfilms had a "Episode IX: ?" contest, asking fans to come up with names. "Legacy of the Jedi" was chosen. Lucas himself has said that it will most likely not be released before 2005.