What a year 2017 was for Star Wars. With 2018 on the horizon, we’re looking back at some of the biggest news moments over the past 12 months.
From director shake ups, cast announcements, Star Wars land updates and so, so much more, 2017 was a veritable treasure trove for fans of the galaxy far, far away.
With Solo: A Star Wars Story due to be released, the back half of the final Rebels season airing, and Episode IX news to glean, 2018 is going to be just as busy – if not more so.
So let’s remind ourselves of some of the biggest Star Wars news stories from the last year.
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ trailer drops at ‘Star Wars Celebration’ – Watch! ?
The first Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer arrived and lived up to the anticipation we’d all been feeling!
‘The Force Awakens’ Maz Kanata may appear in ‘Last Jedi’… and ‘Han Solo’?
A Funko employee might’ve let slip that a new character who first appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens may be heading to the next spinoff.
Rian Johnson’s ‘The Last Jedi’ is the longest ‘Star Wars’ movie yet
With a 12A certificate and a 152-minute runtime, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is officially the longest film in the franchise.
Who are Rey’s parents in ‘Star Wars’? J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson independently came up with the same answer
Star Wars: The Last Jedi was poised to reveal Rey’s parentage. Apparently, Rian Johnson was free to decide, but chose the same parents for her as J.J. Abrams.
‘The Last Jedi’ killed it at the box office
Star Wars Episode VII: The Last Jedi is officially in theaters, and had a pretty impressive opening weekend at the box office.
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ deleted scenes included a love triangle and grouchier Luke
Star Wars: The Last Jedi deleted scenes will add even more length and story to the longest Star Wars movie yet.
Lando Calrissian almost showed up in ‘The Last Jedi’
According to director Rian Johnson, Lando Calrissian almost had a part in The Last Jedi.
‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’
Woody Harrelson joins ‘Star Wars’ Han Solo spinoff
Actor Woody Harrelson landed a key role in the next Star Wars spinoff following a young Han Solo.
‘Atlanta’ postponed ’til 2018 so Donald Glover can do ‘Star Wars’
FX’s award-winning Atlanta will be on hiatus while Donald Glover does a little movie in a galaxy far, far away.
Han Solo movie director announces start of production with throwback ‘Star Wars’ pun
The Star Wars anthology film about Han Solo officially began filming. Former director Chris Miller marks the start of production by releasing a clever ‘first look’ image.
Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge in talks to join the ‘Star Wars’ Han Solo movie
The origin story of Star Wars’ Han Solo was reportedly looking to add Thandie Newton and Phoebe Waller-Bridge to its cast.
First photo: Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo in upcoming ‘Star Wars’ spinoff
The Star Wars spinoff following a young Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich, had been filming since February. We finally got our first look at the actor in his coveted role.
‘Star Wars: Han Solo’ directors Lord and Miller leave mid-production
Han Solo directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller parted ways with Lucasfilm, leaving the film with production nearly wrapped.
Star Wars: Ron Howard takes over direction on the Han Solo film
Ron Howard took over as director of the then-untitled Han Solo film after Lord and Miller’s departure.
More ‘Han Solo’ drama: Lucasfilm not ‘satisfied’ with Alden Ehrenreich
The drama around the untitled Star Wars Han Solo film intensified, as news leaked that Lucasfilm hired Alden Ehrenreich an acting coach.
Michael Kenneth Williams’ Star Wars character cut from ‘Han Solo’ due to reshoots
The Star Wars Han Solo spinoff suffered another loss.
Paul Bettany joins ‘Star Wars: Han Solo’ for Ron Howard-directed reshoots
Avengers star Paul Bettany re-teamed with Ron Howard for the Han Solo anthology movie.
Star Wars: Han Solo film wraps production, Ron Howard reveals official title
The Star Wars spinoff starring Han Solo finally wrapped production, and to celebrate, director Ron Howard unveiled the official title.
First look at ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ hits the internet
Our first look at Solo: A Star Wars Story surfaced on the internet, offering a glimpse of Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, and more.
Star Wars Land
Disney Parks offer ‘Avatar,’ ‘Star Wars’ land opening dates, reveal new concept art
Excited for the new Avatar and Star Wars lands coming to Disney Parks in the next few years? Here’s when you can visit them.
Star Wars Land’s AT-ATs, two rides revealed in new preview
Star Wars Land is currently under construction at Disneyland and Disney World, and guests noticed two AT-ATs being constructed in one of the show buildings at the former park.
Photos: Disney unveils huge Star Wars Land model at D23 Expo
Before Disney’s official fan conference kicked off, the media got a first look at a special Star Wars Land exhibit featuring a huge model.
‘Star Wars’ Land will bring fans to the brand-new planet of Batuu
The planetary setting of Disney’s forthcoming Star Wars Land was revealed, inviting travelers to an unseen corner of the galaxy.
‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
Lucasfilm addresses rumors of digitally recreating Leia in future ‘Star Wars’ movies
Lucasfilm issued a statement regarding their plans for Carrie Fisher’s Leia in Episode 8 and beyond.
It’s official: Carrie Fisher will not be in ‘Star Wars: Episode 9’
Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Carrie Fisher will not be in Star Wars: Episode IX.
Disney sets ‘Frozen 2,’ ‘Star Wars 9,’ ‘Lion King’ release dates (and many more)
Disney announced a slew of scheduling changes, including release dates for Star Wars: Episode 9 and their live-action Lion King.
Colin Trevorrow’s ‘Book of Henry’ reviews make Star Wars fans anxious
Colin Trevorrow’s latest film got dismal reviews, creating anxiety among already skeptical Star Wars fans.
Colin Trevorrow steps down as director of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
Colin Trevorrow is out as the director of Star Wars: Episode IX, Disney announced.
J.J. Abrams to write and direct ‘Star Wars 9,’ release date announced
Lucasfilm announced that J.J. Abrams is returning to a galaxy far, far away.
J.J. Abrams wants to ‘go elsewhere’ with ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
While the new Star Wars trilogy appears to roughly follow the structure of the first, returning director J.J. Abrams hints that they’re changing it up for the finale.
Misc.
Carrie Fisher tribute at ‘Star Wars Celebration’ offers insanely emotional farewell
Star Wars Celebration’s kickoff event, celebrating 40 years of George Lucas’ creation, spent the back half saying farewell to Carrie Fisher.
Lucasfilm sets next ‘Star Wars’ spinoff movie, Stephen Daldry tapped to direct
The slate of Star Wars standalone films is poised to expand with a new movie focusing on Obi-Wan Kenobi!
Disney announces ‘Star Wars,’ Marvel, ‘Monsters Inc.,’ ‘High School Musical’ TV series for forthcoming Netflix competitor
During an earnings call with investors on Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced some big news: Several new TV series based on popular Disney brands are in development.
Holy Star Wars! Rian Johnson to helm an all-new Star Wars trilogy
Thank the Maker! Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson will create an all-new Star Wars trilogy!