Credit: LucasfilmLucasfilm has announced a new Star Wars project that’s likely to surprise many fans. For nearly five decades, the faraway galaxy has leaned heavily into epic sci-fi fantasy adventure through its heroes, villains, storylines, settings, and, of course, space-opera action spectacle.
While the franchise often experiments with genres (Westerns, romance, etc.), it’s usually a minimalist approach. It is first and foremost sci-fi fantasy — anything else resides under that umbrella. But Star Wars is finally venturing into mostly uncharted territory: horror.
A Brand-New Star Wars Horror
Lucasfilm has announced a brand-new project set to release this year, and for the first time, Star Wars will embrace the dark side of the Force like never before. An untitled novel, written by Kiersten White (2022’s Star Wars: Padawan), is set for release on September 1.
Per TheDirect, the book is described as a “chilling horror-themed middle grade novel” that follows a young girl who’s being haunted by an evil presence. It adds: “Venture beyond the dark side in this chilling horror-themed middle grade novel based on the Star Wars galaxy.”
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While the book targets readers aged 8-12, suggesting something closer to Goosebumps than The Exorcist, it’s still an interesting step forward for a brand that has almost exclusively relied on accessible, universal storytelling for nearly 50 years.
It’s worth noting that the franchise has explored the dark side in print many times before. In animation and live action. we’ve also seen zombies and witches in shows like The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. But the upcoming novel might pave the way for full-on Star Wars horror.
Another Horror Project Is in the Works
Meanwhile, there’s another horror project in the works at Lucasfilm, according to Andor director Tony Gilroy. Details are unknown, including whether it’s a film or Disney+ series.
But for those looking to sink their teeth into something dark a lot sooner, the upcoming animated series Maul — Shadow Lord looks like one of the darkest Star Wars entries yet. The two-episode premiere arrives on April 6 on Disney+. Watch the official trailer below:
Star Wars will also experiment with genre outside horror, with Ashley Poston‘s upcoming novel Eyes Like Stars described as a “charming young adult romance” that follows “a couple in search of their happily ever after in the galaxy far, far away.” The book releases on July 21.
What other genres would you like to see Star Wars experiment with? How would you feel about a full-fledged horror set in the faraway galaxy? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!