Star Wars sequel trilogy of episodes "VII", "VIII" and "IX". Dale Pollock, George Lucas's biographer, revealed in a 2012 interview, that as part of his biographical research during the 1980s, Lucas had allowed him to read the plot outlines for the at the time comprising 12 planned "Star Wars" film episodes, albeit on the condition of signing a confidentiality agreement. Those plans Pollock saw, however were drastically changed after "Empire Strikes Back" released because Lucas decided not to make the sequel trilogy, and instead finish the story as a trilogy, by ending the storyline with "". This led Lucas to rework and fully incorporate
Star Wars sequel trilogy discovery for the audience". Much of the old expanded universe content would continue to be available under the "Star Wars: Legends" brand, which was created to brand the non-canonical works of the franchise. Only "Episodes I-VI" would remain canon to the franchise, along "The Clone Wars" animated film and series. Everything produced after the announcement, would also be considered remain canon. The first film in the sequel trilogy was titled "Episode VII: The Force Awakens" and written by Lucas co-writer on two sequels in the original trilogy Lawrence Kasdan, along J.J. Abrams, who also directed it. As noted by Lucas