What Star Wars Is After Revenge of the Sith
After Revenge of the Sith (2005), the Star Wars saga enters a long gap known as the Dark Times, followed by the rise of the Resistance against the First Order. The main onscreen story resumes with The Force Awakens (2015), continuing the Skywalker saga through The Rise of Skywalker (2019). This overview orients you to the era that follows the Clone Wars, covering films, canonical TV series, timelines, and where each major storyline fits within the sequel cycle.
Defining the Post-Revenge of the Sith Era
Revenge of the Sith closes the prequel trilogy and marks the fall of the Jedi and the Galactic Republic. In its aftermath, the galaxy enters roughly two decades of Imperial consolidation, which writers and fans often call the Dark Times. No full-length films dramatize this period in the Skywalker saga, but canon novels, comics, and series like The Bad Batch and Rebels explore how characters adapt under Imperial rule. The era sets up the conditions that lead to the Resistance, the First Order, and the return of conflict.
Key Timeframe and Milestones
Years are measured relative to the Battle of Yavin (0 BBY/ABY). The fall of the Jedi occurs around 19 BBY, followed by the early Imperial Period, the construction of the Death Star, and the Galactic Civil War beginning around 0 BBY. The defeat of the Empire and the rise of the New Republic occupy the next three-plus decades. The sequel era begins roughly 30 years after Return of the Jedi, culminating in the final conflict around 35 ABY.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 19 BBY | Clone Wars end; Order 66 executed | Jedi are all but destroyed; the Empire rises |
| 19 BBY–0 BBY | Imperial consolidation and expansion | Resistance begins to form in secret |
| 0 BBY–4 ABY | Galactic Civil War (original trilogy) | Death Star destroyed; Empire defeated at Endor |
| ~21–34 ABY | New Republic era and Cold War | First Order rises in the Unknown Regions |
| 34–35 ABY | Resistance–First Order war; sequel trilogy | Final Skywalker conflicts and legacy conclusions |
The Sequel Era Films (Skywalker Saga)
The sequel era begins roughly three decades after Return of the Jedi and centers on a new generation of heroes while confronting the legacy of the Skywalkers. The sequel trilogy — The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker — forms the backbone of this period. Together, these films address the fall of the First Order, the enduring influence of the Jedi, and the conclusion of the Skywalker bloodline. Outside the main saga, anthology films like Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018) fit into the timeline between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, expanding the galaxy’s history without shifting the saga’s core arc.
Sequel Trilogy Snapshot
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015): Introduces Rey, Finn, and Poe as the Resistance confronts the First Order.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017): Challenges heroes with existential threats and reshapes the galaxy’s power balance.
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019): Concludes the Skywalker saga and the war with the Final Order.
Post-Revenge of the Sith Television
Television series expand the timeline by exploring the Clone Wars’ aftermath and the rise of the Empire. Shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, Andor, and Ahsoka provide continuity and character depth between film eras. The Clone Wars series enriches the transition from Republic to Empire, while Rebels bridges the gap to the original trilogy by following the formation of the Alliance. More recent series such as Andor focus on the socio-political realities of the Imperial era, and Ahsoka connects the fall of the Jedi to the emergence of the Force-sensitive children in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Canonical TV Series Context
- The Clone Wars (2008–2020): Explores the final days of the Republic and key characters like Ahsoka Tano.
- Rebels (2014–2018): Moves from the rise of the Empire to the formation of the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
- Rogue One (2016): Film set immediately before A New Hope, focusing on the theft of the Death Star plans.
- Andor (2022–present): A grounded political thriller about the cost of rebellion.
- Ahsoka (2023): Links the fall of the Jedi Order to the wider galaxy and the emergence of new Force-sensitive figures.
Continuity, Legends, and the Sequel Timeline
Following the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the continuity landscape was divided into Canon and what is now labeled Legends. The Legends material, formerly the Expanded Universe, includes novels, comics, and games that are not part of the current film and selected TV continuity. The sequel timeline primarily aligns with the post-2014 canon, though many themes, character arcs, and world-building elements draw inspiration from Legends. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why some character histories, faction structures, and galactic politics differ between older stories and the newer saga.
Thematic Throughlines After Revenge of the Sith
Across the years that follow Revenge of the Sith, certain themes persist: the danger of authoritarianism, the complexity of redemption, and the evolving role of the Jedi. The saga examines how a democracy can decay into tyranny, how heroes confront inherited trauma, and how balance is sought within the Force. The outcome of the Clone Wars sets in motion long-term consequences, influencing politics, identity, and belief systems across multiple generations. By linking the fall of one era to the rise of the next, the overarching narrative maintains continuity while exploring new conflicts and moral questions.
Where to Engage With the Post-Revenge of the Sith Galaxy
Fans can explore the era through the sequel and prequel films, a wide range of TV series across streaming platforms, and a mix of canon and Legends content. Key starting points include The Force Awakens for the main sequel arc, Rebels for the transition to the original trilogy, and Andor for a mature look at the Imperial machinery. For those interested in deeper lore, The Clone Wars and Ahsoka provide essential connective tissue, while comics and select novels expand on factions, technology, and everyday life in the galaxy. This layered timeline allows new and returning viewers to engage at multiple entry points.