Emerging From Hyperspace: Star Wars Shows Airing In 2023

This year Disney is upping its offerings of live-action Star Wars shows. One series is carrying over, but three new ones are emerging from hyperspace and landing on Disney+. While The Mandalorian is sure to keep fans and critics happy, the new series may ultimately steal the spotlight. Please read below to see our synopsis of each show and find out when they’re arriving in 2023.

The Star Wars Show We Know

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian returns for its third season on March 1. Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Din Djarin, the titular character. He’ll, of course, be joined by Grogu (baby Yoda). Katee Sackhoff, playing Bo-Katan Kryze, Djarin’s fellow Mandalorian, has also been confirmed, along with Giancarlo Esposito’s villainous alter ego, Moff Gideon.

Based on how season 2 ended and how a few episodes in The Book of Boba Fett played out, two additional characters (Jedi) might find recurring roles. This will be especially true if the series focuses on specific sectors in the Outer Rim. However, if the central themes of redemption and responsibility come to the fore, the most likely plot will be Mando returning to Mandalore and encountering Bo-Katan. This encounter will set up Mando’s evolution from a lone gunfighter to a unifier of his people. It’ll also feature more scenes with the Darksaber, which fans will greatly appreciate.

The shift to Mandalore would allow viewers to see the planet for the first time. It would help establish how badly the Empire bombarded it, how deeply Moff Gideon was involved, and how the people survived. Don’t be surprised, though, if the plot went hand in hand with one of the new series. Imperial rumblings in the Outer Rim give rise to a familiar character from the expanded universe (Legends).

The Star Wars Shows We Don’t Know

Ahsoka

For those who haven’t seen the animated shows (Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels), the character of Ahsoka Tano might be unfamiliar. She was briefly glimpsed in The Mandalorian and again in The Book of Boba Fett, accompanying a particularly well-known Jedi. Yet, her background and purpose there might have been difficult to untangle. The good news — when her series premieres later this year, that’ll be resolved.

You see, Ahsoka (played by Rosario Dawson) was once Anakin Skywalker’s padawan. However, she fell out with her master after he turned to the Dark Side. In response, she fled to the Outer Rim. Yet, with Hayden Christensen confirmed in his role as Anakin/Vader, we’ll undoubtedly see some interaction between the two. Whether it’s training, dueling, or The Duel, those encounters will likely come in the form of flashbacks. Meanwhile, the main story will follow Ahsoka exploring the Outer Rim. Her purpose? To track down and gain information from a certain Legends mega villain. The one…the only…Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Yes, our favorite blue-skinned Kriss will be making his first live-action appearance. Although, in reality, he’ll probably be withheld until the last moments of the last episode, setting up the second season. This will give more time for Ahsoka to deal with her former master, hopefully in ways Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t able to manage. Assuming the writing and production values are marginally decent, this show will be a big hit. The inclusion of two of the most beloved villains in all of Star Wars guarantees it.

The Acolyte

Talk about a new concept. The Acolyte will take viewers back in time to before the Galactic Civil War, and even before the events in the prequels, to a time called The High Republic. There, beneath the veneer of Republic and Jedi accomplishments will be a world full of shadowy secrets and emerging Dark Side powers.

The show will feature two Jedis investigating a series of crimes that’ll lead them up against forces more sinister than they anticipated. It’ll also present the Dark Side with nuance, basing parts or perhaps most of the series on characters steeped in Sith teachings. Greatest of all, especially for fans of the books, the show will cast a light on Emperor Palpatine’s master, Darth Plagueis.

Much of the show is still unknown, even though it’s slated for the middle to end of 2023. But expect it to continue a theme of strong, fan-serviced villains. Along with Ahsoka’s turn with Vader and Thrawn, this show will undoubtedly lead to the rise of the emperor. While unlikely to be the focus of season one, Palpatine will be introduced. His earliest days as an apprentice and — likely — as an acolyte will be explored. Which hasn’t been done before. With the emergence of the Sith as backdrop, this series will undoubtedly be darker than any other before it.

Skeleton Crew

Love The Goonies? Ever thought it would be cool to take The Goonies plot and place it in Star Wars? Well, you’re in luck, because that’s what Disney has done with Skeleton Crew.

The story will take place during the New Republic era, alongside The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. It’ll focus on a group of children who are lost in space and are trying to find their way home. Described as a “galactic version of classic [Amblin Entertainment] coming-of-age adventure films of the 80s,” the show is directed by Jon Watts and written by Christopher Ford. Both previously worked on Spider-Man: No Way Home. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, the pair behind The Mandalorian and Ashoka, are executive producers.

The show will feature Jude Law in an unknown role. It’s likely he’ll be some sort of guide or mentor to the children, but it’s not clear if he’ll be good or bad. Joining Law, according to rumors, will be Kyriana Kratter (Bunk’d) and Ravi Cabot-Conyers (Encanto and #BlackAF) as two of the four children.

Skeleton Crew is expected at or near the end of 2023.