How will Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss follow up finishing one of the most successful TV shows of all time? By joining the Star Wars universe.

The Primetime Emmy Award-winning writing and producing duo are making the jump from the World of Westeros to a galaxy far, far away in order to create brand-new films set within the Star Wars universe.

These movies will be completely separate from the Skywalker Saga currently expected to conclude in Star Wars Episode IX, and are also unconnected to Rian Johnson's upcoming trilogy set in "a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored".

"In the summer of 1977 we travelled to a galaxy far, far away, and we've been dreaming of it ever since," David Benioff and D. B. Weiss said on Tuesday (February 6).

"We are honoured by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete."

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Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

Benioff and Weiss are going to have more time to devote to these new Star Wars movies because they have no involvement with five Game of Thrones prequel spin-offs currently being developed at HBO. However, they'll be busy for the time being getting Thrones' final season ready to air next year.

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The duo had also been working on an alternate history Civil War drama for HBO called Confederate, but not much has been heard about that project since its slavery theme sparked a huge backlash last summer.

Kathleen Kennedy attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Women In Film lunch at Claridge's Hotel on October 6, 2017 in London, England.pinterest
Dave M Benett//Getty Images

Of recruiting the Game of Thrones writers to Star Wars, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said on Tuesday (February 6): "David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today.

"Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting."

There are no storyline details or release dates set for this new Star Wars film series yet.


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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.