Will we get 'Star Wars' spinoffs before 'Episode VIII' and 'IX'?

We now live in a world where Disney owns Star Wars, and today that means that the galaxy far, far away is going to become larger than previously expected.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the recently announced writers for Episodes VIII and IX, Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg, may actually just be working on spinoffs of the series, expanding the cinematic universe a la The Avengers.

IGN says that Lucasfilm plans to follow the footsteps of Marvel and create a wider universe on the big screen that includes main titles like the new planned trilogy and spinoffs featuring side characters.

Michael Arndt is still signed on and confirmed to be writing Star Wars Episode VII, likely to be the first film released under the new management.

With Kasdan and Kinberg’s roles now as clouded as the dark side, the film that follows Episode VII may not be Epsiode VIII. As Obi Wan said, “you have taken your first step into a larger world.”

George Lucas will serve as creative consultant for the films. Star Wars Episode XII is set for release in 2015.