Fans are never satisfied. Here we are, finally enjoying the first batch of footage from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and we’re already wondering about Star Wars: Episode IX and beyond. The resurgence of Luke Skywalker in particular has us wondering a bit about the franchise’s endgame. The Star Wars movies have always been tied to the emotional journeys of one father and one son; can this universe maintain a new Skywalker narrative after the main one is complete? Or will Star Wars: Episode IX bring this chapter in the Star Wars universe to a close?

After today’s panel discussion at Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy spoke with Fandango (via /Film) about whether the Skywalker saga will continue past the as-yet untitled Star Wars: Episode IX. Here’s what she had to say:

I certainly foresee movies past nine. Whether or not we carry on the Skywalker saga… you know, George always intended nine movies, and whether we continue that or not is something we’re talking about right now. If the story warrants it, we’ll absolutely do it. If it actually inspires new ideas, then we’ll probably head in that direction. We just don’t know yet.

One of the complaints you often hear levied against the Star Wars franchise is its tunnel vision. Despite creating one of the biggest and most interesting sandboxes in film history  —  an entire universe full of magic, technology, and fascinating creatures  —  the Star Wars films have always been a little fixated on the Skywalker family and their small network of planets and lives. Regardless of Luke’s fate in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the end of the Skywalker storyline might not be a bad thing for the franchise, freeing up future writers to delve into some of the more interesting corners of the Star Wars universe. We’ve already seen Lucasfilm start to tinker with this via the Rogue One standalone film; speaking only for myself, it’s an approach I’d rather the studio take once the main Star Wars storyline has been put to rest.

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