Lucasfilm Unveils Ambitious Publishing Plans for 'Star Wars' Franchise with Rey and Leia at Center Stage

Lucasfilm Unveils Ambitious Publishing Plans for 'Star Wars' Franchise At the New York Comic Con today, Lucasfilm revealed a slate of new books and comics set to expand the galaxy far, far away. Among the announcements was Penguin Random House Legacy, a novel pairing Rey and Leia in a story set during the climax of the sequel trilogy era. According to Madeleine Roux, author of the upcoming book, "Legacy" will delve into the emotional aftermath of Luke Skywalker's death and Kylo Ren's apparent descent into darkness. The young Jedi and the scion of the Skywalker family embark on a mission to repair Rey's damaged lightsaber, leading them to the ancient Jedi temple on Tython. "We're excited to explore the complexities of their relationship in this new story," Roux said in an interview. "Rey and Leia will face numerous challenges as they navigate their roles as heroes of the Resistance." Lucasfilm's publishing plans also include a first for the franchise: Eyes Like Stars, a young adult romance novel set a year after the events of The Last Jedi. Ashley Poston is penning the book, which will be released in summer 2026. "Eyes Like Stars offers a fresh perspective on the 'Star Wars' universe," said Lucasfilm's publishing team in a statement. "We're eager to introduce readers to new characters and storylines that expand our understanding of the galaxy far, far away." The announcements come as part of Lucasfilm's efforts to diversify its publishing offerings and reach a broader audience. "Lucasfilm is committed to creating content that resonates with fans worldwide," said a spokesperson for the company. "Our publishing plans reflect this commitment, offering something for everyone in the 'Star Wars' universe." The global popularity of the franchise has made it an attractive market for publishers. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the global box office revenue for the latest installment, The Rise of Skywalker, exceeded $1 billion. As Lucasfilm continues to expand its publishing presence, fans can expect more stories from beloved characters like Rey and Leia, as well as new introductions to the galaxy far, far away. Background: The 'Star Wars' franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 1977. With a global fan base spanning generations, the series has inspired countless books, comics, and other media. Lucasfilm's publishing plans reflect the company's efforts to engage with fans worldwide. The announcements come as part of a larger strategy to expand the 'Star Wars' universe through various forms of storytelling. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts note that Lucasfilm's publishing plans are a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for science fiction and fantasy content. "The global popularity of franchises like 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Lord of the Rings' has created a surge in demand for immersive, epic stories," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a media studies expert at New York University. "Lucasfilm's publishing plans are well-timed to capitalize on this trend." Current Status: Penguin Random House Legacy is set to release in 2025, with Eyes Like Stars following in summer 2026. Fans can expect more announcements from Lucasfilm as the company continues to expand its publishing presence. As the galaxy far, far away continues to captivate audiences worldwide, one thing is clear: the future of 'Star Wars' publishing has never looked brighter. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*