Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has become quite the success as a standalone Star Wars film and it hasn’t even hit theaters yet. Since the opening of ticket sales, the film has already sold hundreds of thousands of tickets and is predicted to hit anywhere between $120 Million to $150 million in sales opening weekend. For anyone wondering if Lucasfilm is planning on making a follow up film because of the already impressive success of the first ever Star Wars standalone film, the answer is decidedly no.

Rogue One tracks the story of the Rebel Alliance at a crucial turning point in their struggle against the Empire. Our protagonist, Jyn Ersa, is recruited by the Rebel Alliance to help steal the blueprints to the Death Star which when completed would be an ultimate and decisive weapon of unchallenged power in the galaxy.

For anyone questioning at what point this story takes place and why Lucasfilm won’t be making a follow up, well that is because Rogue One is in fact intended as a precursor to the Original 1977 release Star Wars, later to be renamed Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. So no, Rogue One will not have a direct sequel because it is in fact an indirect prequel. This sentiment has been confirmed by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and seconded by both Lucasfilm chief creative officer John Knoll and director Gareth Edwards.

In the latest issue of Empire Magazine(Via Slashfilm), Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy sets the record straight and confirms they will not make a Rogue One sequel, which she jokingly refers to as Rogue Two. Visual effects legend John Knoll states that Rogue One was always intended to be a self-contained film, even though it is actually a prequel to A New Hope. And Rogue One director Gareth Edwards clarifies further saying if you were to have a sequel to Rogue One,  “that sequel will be directed by George Lucas,” a reference to that first Star Wars film.

Although Rogue One will not get a direct sequel, it will open doors for the possibility of other successful standalone films to be added to the beloved Star Wars franchise. As always stay tuned to DFTG for all your entertainment and gaming news, and May the Force be with you!