Why We Would Love an Animated Luke Skywalker Series

Expectations vs. Reality in Star Wars

For many fans, The Last Jedi didn’t just subvert expectations—it obliterated them. After The Force Awakens, audiences speculated about Luke Skywalker’s triumphant return for two years. The cliffhanger promised greatness: Luke standing on Ahch-To, cloaked in mystery, holding the weight of the galaxy’s fate in his hands. Fans hoped to finally see Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, in his prime. Instead, we met a cynical hermit disillusioned with the Jedi Order, hiding on an island while the galaxy burned.

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It’s easy to understand why some fans felt betrayed. For 40 years, Luke represented hope, heroism, and the enduring legacy of the Jedi. Many fans were understandably heartbroken when The Last Jedi deconstructed that image. They waited decades for this moment, only to be met with a version of Luke they didn’t recognize.

But here’s the thing: The Last Jedi is still, in my opinion, a masterpiece. 

The script is tight, the character arcs are bold, and the thematic exploration of failure and legacy is profound. Luke’s arc — while controversial — is one of the most human portrayals of a hero grappling with his flaws and failures. The film dared to challenge our assumptions about heroism, and for that, I respect it.

The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy’s Missing Worldbuilding

While The Last Jedi excels as a standalone film, the Sequel Trilogy struggles with one major flaw: worldbuilding. Fans didn’t just want to know what happened to Luke; they wanted to understand how the galaxy had evolved since Return of the Jedi. What became of the New Republic? How did the First Order rise to power? How did Luke’s Jedi Academy fall apart?

Instead of answering these questions, the Sequel Trilogy largely left them hanging, forcing fans to look to supplemental material like books (Bloodline and Resistance Reborn are standouts) to fill in the gaps. While these stories are fantastic, it feels like a missed opportunity not to incorporate this depth into the films.

The Star Wars Slam-Dunk Disney is Ignoring

So, where does Disney go from here? The answer seems obvious: give fans what they’ve been yearning for — a deeper exploration of Luke Skywalker’s post-Return of the Jedi journey.

And the best way to do that? An animated series.

Picture this: an animated show following Luke, a young Ben Solo, and Lor San Tekka as they search for ancient Jedi artifacts, temples, and lost knowledge. This concept has everything — a sense of adventure, opportunities for rich character development, and the chance to build out the galaxy post-Return of the Jedi. It could even introduce elements from The High Republic, such as Wayseekers or ancient Jedi traditions, tying the franchise together in exciting ways.

An animated series could also delve into critical unanswered questions:

• How did the New Republic crumble so quickly?

• What societal failures allowed the First Order’s ideology to take root?

• What was Ben Solo’s relationship with Luke and Lor San Tekka before his fall?

The precedent for this approach is clear. The Clone Wars animated series transformed the prequels from a divisive trilogy into a beloved era of Star Wars storytelling. It expanded on the characters, enriched the lore, and added emotional depth to events we already knew. Why not do the same for the sequels?

Why This Matters

Creating an animated Luke Skywalker series isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about ensuring the longevity of the Star Wars franchise. Disney+ thrives on exclusive, ongoing content that keeps fans subscribed. A series like this could be a cornerstone, appealing to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Bring Mark Hamill back to voice Luke since voice acting is the realm he’s most proficient in anyway. Andy Serkis as Snoke is also a no-brainer.

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The animation medium offers endless creative possibilities, and Disney already has access to phenomenal studios. Star Wars has proven it can handle this type of storytelling with The Clone Wars and Rebels. An animated series centered on Luke could achieve the same cultural impact while addressing the lingering questions from the sequels.

The Bottom Line

Star Wars fans are passionate because they care deeply about this galaxy far, far away. While The Last Jedi will always spark debates, it also highlights the uncharted storytelling potential Disney has yet to explore. A Luke Skywalker animated series would be a win for the franchise—a way to bridge the gaps, enrich the lore, and create a truly unforgettable story. The ball is in Disney’s court. Let’s hope they don’t squander the opportunity.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article originally appeared on Film Explained.