Variety has a big story on a bunch of new movie release dates from Disney. Of particular note, the as-of-yet untitled Episode IX has been given a date of May 24, 2019. For those of you keeping track, the as-of-yet-Untitled Han Solo movie is set for May 2018 (still), and that's only 6 months after The Last Jedi hits theaters in December of this year.
We don't know exactly why they're changing seasons for Star Wars, although it might have something to do with getting the heck out of the way of Avatar sequels or positioning Star Wars to take over for Marvel, which may be undergoing a retool of its own. Indiana Jones 5 was also delayed to July of 2020.
From a toy business perspective, this could actually be really good news for Star Wars fans.
While not Star Wars, it's worth noting that Disney announced the date for the next Indiana Jones movie. Steven Spielberg will direct, Harrison Ford will star, and George Lucas was not mentioned. 2019 is the 30th anniversary of The Last Crusade and the 11th for The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. At this time no licensors have been announced, as classic and even new product has been in short supply since the brief offering during the last adventure.
They said it would never happen - or did they? Funko posted a new announcement with a Star Wars thumbs-up BB-8 with torch, Han Solo with bowcaster, and Indiana Jones! Really! He's got the idol and the whip, so choke on that Satipo.
In a move surprising no one, Disney now has sequel rights for upcoming Indiana Jones films so says Variety. From TFA:
"The Walt Disney Studios and Paramount Pictures have reached a distribution and marketing agreement for the Indiana Jones franchise.
Under the arrangement, Disney gains distribution and marketing rights to future films, in addition to retaining the ownership rights it secured when it acquired Lucasfilm."