Rogue One: A Star Wars story won’t get a sequel

LOS ANGELES — Although Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is breaking records before it has even hit theatres, a sequel will not happen, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed.

In an interview with Empire Magazine (according to Slash Film), Ms Kennedy joked that they will not be making a Rogue Two. Visual effects artist John Knoll said that Rogue One was always meant to be a self-contained film, although it’s a prequel to A New Hope.

In the issue, director Gareth Edwards also said if there were to be a second installment for Rogue One, “that sequel will be directed by George Lucas”, referencing Star Wars: Episode IV.

Despite the lack of a Rogue Two, Rogue One is already off to a powerful start. According to pre-release tracking, the film is expected to open to more than US$130 million (S$185 million), which comes after Star Wars: The Force Awakens ruled the box office last December.

The first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One will track the Rebel Alliance, which recruits Jyn Solo (Felicity Jones) to work with a crew that includes Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s crucial weapon of destruction.

Rogue One opens in theatres on Dec 16. VARIETY.COM/REUTERS