Sequel Trilogy

Definition

The Sequel Trilogy is the three-film arc Episode VII–IX (2015–2019), the first under Disney-Lucasfilm:

• Episode VII — The Force Awakens (J.J. Abrams, 2015)
• Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (Rian Johnson, 2017)
• Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker (J.J. Abrams, 2019)

Conflict

First Order (the Empire’s successor) vs. the Resistance (Leia, Poe, Rey). Pulling strings behind it: Snoke, then ultimately Palpatine.

Reception

One of the most divisive film runs of the 2010s. Episode VII landed broadly, Episode VIII split fans, Episode IX took most of the negative reviews.

Why it matters

The Sequel Trilogy establishes Rey as the central hero, Kylo Ren as the most complex Skywalker antagonist, and a new canon conflict — the foundation for Resistance, the Battlefront II story and upcoming films.