‘Star Wars’ timeline: A guide to the movies from long ago and into the future

‘Episode I — The Phantom Menace’

(Director: George Lucas, 1999)

As the dark Sith lords rise in power, Jedi knights including Obi-Wan Kenobi think young slave Anakin Skywalker may be the answer to their problems.

‘Episode II — Attack of the Clones’

(George Lucas, 2002)

Grown-up Anakin grows arrogant and powerful and falls into a forbidden romance with Queen Padme Amidala. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan discovers a secret clone army that can only mean war.

‘Episode III — Revenge of the Sith’

(George Lucas, 2005)

Anakin becomes Darth Vader, destroys the Jedi Academy, force chokes a pregnant Padme and attacks Obi-Wan. Padme dies, but not before secretly giving birth to twins Luke and Leia.

Untitled Han Solo film

(Christopher Lord and Phil Miller, May 2018)

In this origin story, we’ll meet the snarky smuggler around the age of 20. From the team behind “The Lego Movie” and the writer behind Episodes V, VI and VII. Alden Ehrenreich (“Rules Don’t Apply”) steps into Harrison Ford’s iconic role. Donald Glover is sometime friend Lando Calrissian, and Emilia Clarke of “Game of Thrones” has also signed on.

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

(Gareth Edwards, December 2016)

The Rebel fighters join a mission to steal the Empire’s Death Star blueprints in hopes of exploiting a fatal flaw. Felicity Jones, Diego Luna and Forest Whitaker star.

‘Episode IV — A New Hope’

(George Lucas, 1977)

A desperate Princess Leia hides the stolen Death Star plans in the droid R2-D2 and ships them off to Obi-Wan. But the message ends up with Luke Skywalker, who learns about the Force and joins the Rebellion. Han Solo is their mercenary pilot. Darth Vader remains a formidable foe.

‘Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back’

(Irvin Kershner, 1980)

After fleeing an Empire attack, Luke goes to Yoda’s planet to step up the Jedi training, and Han and Leia seek help from Lando Calrissian. Darth Vader gives Luke some major daddy issues, and bad stuff happens to everyone.

‘Episode VI — Return of the Jedi’

(Richard Marquand, 1983)

The Rebels slay gangster Jabba the Hutt and set their sights on destroying a new Death Star, while Luke tries to make Darth Vader find his good side and dump the Emperor. Fuzzy little Ewoks sure know how to celebrate.

‘Episode VII — The Force Awakens’

(J.J. Abrams, 2015)

For Leia, Han and Luke, a Rebel’s work is never done. Thirty years later, from the ashes of the Empire, followers of the dark side create the First Order.

‘Episode VIII’

(Rian Johnson, December 2017)

All we know is “Force Awakens” stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac return with Mark “Luke Skywalker” Hamill, and Benicio Del Toro joins them. We bet he’s the villain.

‘Episode IX’

(Colin Trevorrow, May 2019)

The director of “Jurassic World” takes on the third film of the third trilogy. Will C-3PO and R2-D2 be on board for a ninth film? If the box office Force is strong with this one, it won’t be the last.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 9:47 AM with the headline "‘Star Wars’ timeline: A guide to the movies from long ago and into the future."