Growing the galaxy

The Force is strong with these Star Wars spin-offs.

The expanded universe has been an integral part of Star Wars since its inception, and planned spin-offs are plentiful. First up: Forces Of Destiny, a series of animated shorts premiering online in July that will showcase the heroines of the Star Wars universe, from Rey and Leia to Ashoka Tano and Jyn Erso. Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones and more will reprise their roles for the shorts, which will “remain true to Star Wars canon”.

Speaking of canon, videogame Star Wars Battlefront II is set to explore a surprising corner of the Star Wars universe. Adding a much-requested single-player story mode, the canon story will follow Rebel-slaying Imperial Officer Iden Versio over 30 years from the death of the Emperor to the rise of The First Order, and will also feature appearances from Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren. It’s due out in November.

Disney theme park representatives were also on hand to tease Star Wars Land, which is set to open its blast doors in 2019. Set around a new planet located in the Outer Rim, the Westworldstyle theme parks in Florida and California will give guests the opportunity to control the Millennium Falcon and put them in the middle of a battle between The First Order and the Resistance. Where do we sign up?