The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi & The Rise of Skywalker (2015–2019): Disney’s Star Wars Trilogy | EP25

After acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney relaunched the Star Wars saga with a new trilogy set decades after the events of Return of the Jedi. The films — The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) — form the sequel trilogy, continuing the story of the Skywalker saga while introducing a new generation of characters.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore how the Disney trilogy attempted to revive the spirit of classic space opera while expanding the galaxy far, far away for modern audiences.

Across the three films, a new conflict emerges between the authoritarian First Order and the heroic Resistance, as scavenger Rey discovers her connection to the Force and becomes entangled in the legacy of the Jedi and Sith.

LISTEN BELOW:

It's the big daddy of Space Opera but this time the House of Mouse is running the show. We discuss the Disney Star Wars trilogy, The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) on the podcast. 

We unpack what happened to the much beloved Star Wars saga once Goegre Lucas handed over the keys to Bob Iger, JJ Abrams, Rian Johnson and Colin Trevorrow for a new trilogy of films following on from episode six of the 'Skywalker Saga'. 

Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• how Disney revived the Star Wars saga with a new trilogy

• the introduction of Rey and the next generation of heroes

• the creative differences between the three films

• the legacy and controversies surrounding the sequel trilogy

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

Director: J. J. Abrams

Writers: Lawrence Kasdan, J. J. Abrams, Michael Arndt

Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams, Bryan Burk

Studio: Lucasfilm / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Release Year: 2015

The Force Awakens marked the first new Star Wars film in a decade and reintroduced audiences to the franchise after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. The story follows Rey, a scavenger from the desert world of Jakku who becomes caught in the struggle between the Resistance and the First Order.

The film also reunited original trilogy actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, connecting the new characters to the legacy of the earlier saga.

A huge commercial success, the film grossed over $2 billion worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in history and the biggest film of 2015.

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson

Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, Ram Bergman

Release Year: 2017

The Last Jedi continues the story as Rey seeks guidance from the legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, while the Resistance struggles to survive against the advancing First Order.

The film explores the relationship between Rey and the conflicted dark-side warrior Kylo Ren, deepening the mythology of the Force and challenging traditional ideas about heroism and legacy.

Released in December 2017, the film grossed $1.33 billion worldwide and received strong critical acclaim, including multiple award nominations.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Director: J. J. Abrams

Writers: J. J. Abrams & Chris Terrio

Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams, Michelle Rejwan

Release Year: 2019

The final chapter of the trilogy brings the Skywalker saga to its conclusion. Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron lead the Resistance in a final confrontation with the First Order while uncovering the return of the Sith.

The film resolves the conflict between Rey and Kylo Ren while bringing back the shadow of Emperor Palpatine, tying the story back to earlier chapters of the saga.

Despite mixed reviews, the film still grossed over $1 billion worldwide, completing a trilogy that collectively earned more than $4.4 billion at the global box office.

The Legacy of the Sequel Trilogy

The Disney trilogy introduced a new generation of heroes including Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron, while revisiting the legacy characters of the original saga.

Key themes explored across the trilogy include:

• the enduring conflict between light and dark

• the legacy of the Jedi and Sith

• the struggle between authoritarian power and rebellion

While the films generated intense debate among fans, they also demonstrated the continuing cultural and commercial power of the Star Wars franchise in the 21st century.

Listen to the Episode

Listen to Space Opera E24: Star Wars – The Disney Trilogy (2015–2019) wherever you get your podcasts.

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi Space Opera series to follow the evolution of cosmic adventure across the history of science-fiction cinema.