The phrase "second Star Wars" can refer to two distinct eras within the sprawling saga, and understanding the release timeline requires looking at both the original sequel trilogy and the sequel trilogy. When most fans ask about the second Star Wars, they are usually referring to the continuation of the Skywalker saga that began thirty years after the original films concluded. This era introduced a new generation of heroes while attempting to navigate the complex legacy of the Galactic Civil War, bringing both nostalgic callbacks and fresh narrative directions to a galaxy far, far away.
The Original Sequel Trilogy: The First "Second Star Wars"
To truly answer when the second Star Wars came out, one must first acknowledge the original sequel trilogy, which served as the immediate continuation of the original saga. Following the events of Return of the Jedi, this trilogy—comprising The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—directly answered the cliffhanger left by A New Hope. These films were released in the space of three years during the early 1980s, providing a satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga for the audiences of that time.
Key Release Dates of the Original Sequels
The Empire Strikes Back arrived in 1980, immediately following The Empire Strikes Back, and is often regarded as the darkest and most narratively complex of the original films. Three years later, Return of the Jedi concluded the Skywalker saga, delivering the redemption of Anakin Skywalker and the defeat of the Galactic Empire, effectively closing the chapter on the main storyline that began in 1977.
The Sequel Trilogy: The Modern "Second Star Wars"
For the generation that grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, the second Star Wars manifested as the sequel trilogy. This series was designed to pick up the story thirty years after Return of the Jedi, exploring a new political landscape and a fresh conflict involving the Resistance and the looming threat of the First Order. The release of these films represented a significant cultural event, bridging the gap between the original fans and a new demographic eager to explore the galaxy.
Chronological Release of the Sequel Films
The journey began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, a film that reintroduced the magic of the saga to a new century. Following a six-year gap, The Last Jedi arrived in 2017, deconstructing the expectations set by the previous film. The saga concluded in 2019 with The Rise of Skywalker, which aimed to provide a definitive end to the Skywalker bloodline and the conflict with the resurrected Emperor.
Navigating the Expanded Universe
While the trilogies define the main cinematic timeline, the question of when the second Star Wars came out extends to the broader Expanded Universe, now known as Star Wars Legends. Between the original and sequel trilogies, a wealth of novels, comics, and animated series kept the story alive. The release of new canon material accelerated significantly after Disney's acquisition, integrating these stories into the official lore and ensuring the galaxy remained vibrant even between film releases.
