I read this article which states that the upcoming sixth Star Wars installment (the third of the "prequals") will be the last movie in the series.

As a kid in the 80's, other kids in my class were under the impression that there were in fact 9 Star Wars stories, with Episode 7 entitled "Return of the Emporor" (the speculation at the time was that the "fourth" Star Wars movie would be Episode 7 - little did everyone know that they'd have to wait 15 years to see the next movie ,and that it would in fact be Episode 1).

Given the article referenced above, there is a strong suggestion that there are only six episodes, and that this next movie is the last one.

So, my question is, who is right? Are there only six stories, or are Episodes 7-9 in existance and awaiting future production?

Wish I had a definitive answer.

I remember that there was supposed to be nine chapters to the saga, and after Jedi was released, they said there was a possibility of making more movies and I also recall the plan to move forward to Episode 7 rather than going backwards to Episode 1.

The plan may have originally been to make all nine chapters, but given how poorly the prequels have been received, I wonder if that plan was scrapped in favor of simply ending the series as it stands now (counting Episode 3).

Yeah, I've heard that as well, and their are books out there which continue post RotJ. However, I'm not sure if they will do those or not for, the prequels have for the most part been sub-par from what I personally was expecting. However, I've been told that Speilberg has asked Lucas numerous times if he can do a Star Wars movie, so maybe it's not out of the question yet...

:geek head on:

As I understand it, when George Lucas conceptualised Star Wars, after the questionable activities surrounding the release of American Graffiti, an entire back story was written. He has been remarked in saying that he wanted to wait for the special effect technology to develop, which, in part explains for the delayed releases of Episodes I, II, and III respectively.

At the start, there were (I believe) Six Episodes, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX. Epidodes seven though nine are mainly dealing with the Expanded Universe, such as the return of Emporer Palpatine, the Jedi Acadamy that Luke opened on Yavin 4,and the resultant japes that followed thanks to Exar Kun. One of the big story lines was the reemergance of Grand Admiral Thrawn on the Outer Rim territories (such as Sullust and Dagobah), and the large fight that ensued. Much of this has been satisfied with books, computer, and roleplay games.

An online chat with Rick Macallum who produced Episodes I, II, and III asked this question. The result is below:

The entire chat can be found here. It's about two-thirds of the way down. :) So I guess that's a big no then :cry:.

As a side issue, I don't think many people would want tp watch what happens to several of the major characters (killing them off). I'm sure it's old news now, but it would be nice to think that Lucas Arts was, in a way, thinking about the fans.