 |
| Cal Kestis seen in Star Wars Jedi trilogy |
The Star Wars gaming galaxy is set to expand in a big way in 2026, with titles like Star Wars: Zero Company on the horizon. But amidst the expected reveals, a tantalizing rumor is gaining force: the third chapter in Cal Kestis’s story, Star Wars Jedi 3, might be aiming for a surprise debut this very year.
While far from confirmed, the buzz originates from a compelling source. On a recent Kinda Funny Games podcast, co-founder Tim Gettys shared his belief that the follow-up to 2023’s Jedi: Survivor has a “solid chance of coming out this year.”
This offhand comment has sent forums into a frenzy. After all, EA and Respawn Entertainment confirmed the title was in development back in 2022, but details have been scarcer than a peaceful day on Tatooine since. The focus at last year’s Game Awards was on the distant future with Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, leaving fans of the current saga wondering when they’d get their next fix.
You can hear Gettys’s comments in context for yourself right here, where the panel delves into Star Wars gaming’s future.
Gettys even noted that he and his co-hosts will be keeping a close eye on Star Wars Celebration this May for a potential announcement. But is a 2026 release date for Star Wars Jedi 3 actually realistic? The evidence is mixed, and significant hurdles stand in the way.
The Case For Caution: Development Turbulence at Respawn
There are solid reasons to temper expectations. The project has faced notable headwinds. Stig Asmussen, the visionary director behind both Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor, departed Respawn in late 2023. Furthermore, the studio endured layoffs in both 2024 and 2025, which reportedly impacted the team working on this very trilogy. Industry reports suggest morale took a hit as other projects were canceled, painting a picture of a studio under pressure.
During the podcast, Gettys alluded to “drama” surrounding these events without going into detail, further clouding the development picture. Additionally, the standard timeline for modern, cinematic AAA games often stretches to four or five years—a window that would make a 2026 release seem rushed.
The Case for Hope: A Precedent for Speed
Yet, there’s a counter-argument rooted in this series’ own history. The previous two games were developed on relatively accelerated schedules.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was revealed at E3 2018 and shipped in late 2019.
- Jedi: Survivor was showcased at Star Wars Celebration 2022 and released almost exactly one year later, in April 2023.
If Respawn has been working from a solid foundation and reuse of assets, a three-year cycle from Survivor to a potential late-2026 release isn’t implausible. It would buck the industry trend but follow its own precedent.
Will Cal Kestis Return in 2026—And Should He?
The biggest question isn’t just could it happen, but should it? Fans still remember the rocky technical launches that marred both previous games at release, particularly Jedi: Survivor, which battled performance issues despite its critical and commercial success. The idea of a rushed third entry, developed amidst studio turmoil, might inspire more trepidation than excitement.
For now, the fate of Star Wars Jedi 3 remains shrouded in mystery, much like the dark side caves of Dagobah. Tim Gettys’s insider speculation has undoubtedly lit a beacon of hope for a 2026 reveal and release. But whether Respawn can navigate its internal challenges and deliver a polished conclusion to Cal Kestis’s saga that quickly is a challenge worthy of a Jedi Knight itself. All eyes now turn to May and the potential for news from a galaxy far, far away.