The galactic stage is set for a new chapter in the saga of Cal Kestis. As of 2026, the next installment in the acclaimed Star Wars Jedi series is officially in development, confirmed by EA. Cal's journey, which began with him as a fugitive Padawan in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and evolved into him becoming a formidable Jedi Knight willing to sacrifice everything in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is far from over. The community is buzzing with anticipation, and while details are scarce, the established patterns of the series provide compelling clues about the future, particularly regarding the narrative's timeline.

One of the most significant narrative devices employed by the series so far has been the strategic use of a time jump. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor didn't just pick up where Fallen Order left off; it vaulted forward a full five years. This wasn't just a random choice—it was a masterstroke for both gameplay and story. From a gameplay perspective, it gave the developers a clean slate to justify Cal's dramatically expanded arsenal of Force abilities and combat skills. You can't have a Jedi Knight running around with the same old moves, right? The jump allowed players to meet a more powerful, more refined version of the hero they knew.

But the real magic happened in the narrative. That five-year gap fundamentally transformed how players experienced Cal. When the story of Survivor began, fans were essentially introduced to a brand new Cal Kestis. The scared, uncertain young man from the first game was gone, replaced by a seasoned, albeit weary, warrior. This contrast brilliantly highlighted his growth, making his maturity in the sequel all the more impactful. It allowed players to see the story through the eyes of a fundamentally different person, adding incredible depth to his character arc.

Given this successful precedent, it seems almost a given that the next game will follow suit. To hit the ground running with the same narrative momentum as Survivor, another significant time jump is highly probable. The story demands it. Cal's journey is one of continuous evolution, and a jump forward is the most elegant way to showcase that progression without getting bogged down in the minutiae. It's the classic 'show, don't tell' approach—let players see the results of his growth, not just every step of the grind.

Furthermore, the sequel's potential new dynamic all but requires the passage of time. The most compelling thread left dangling at the end of Survivor is the fate of Kata Akuna. The prevailing theory, which has the fanbase in a frenzy, is that Cal will take her on as his apprentice. For this master-apprentice relationship to feel authentic and dynamic, Kata needs to be older. A time jump of several years would place her at the perfect age to begin serious Jedi training under Cal's guidance. Imagine the storytelling potential: we could witness not only Cal's continued growth as a Jedi Knight but also his first, likely stumbling, steps as a teacher. That's a narrative goldmine waiting to be explored.

Let's break down the potential benefits of another time jump:

• For Cal: Allows for further skill mastery and philosophical maturity. What new Force powers has he unlocked? How has his perspective on the Jedi Order and his place in the galaxy changed?

• For Kata: Transforms her from a child in need of protection into a proactive character with her own agency, ready to learn and inevitably, challenge her master.

• For the Galaxy: The state of the Empire and the burgeoning Rebellion is always shifting. A jump forward can introduce new threats, new allies, and a dramatically altered political landscape.

The series has proven that these gaps are not empty spaces but fertile ground for character development. The time between games becomes a canvas for players' imaginations, wondering what trials and triumphs Cal endured off-screen. That sense of mystery, that feeling of catching up with an old friend who's been through a lot, is part of what makes the storytelling so engaging. It leaves just enough unsaid for fans to fill in the blanks with their own theories and excitement.

While the exact length of the jump is anyone's guess—will it be another five years, or perhaps even longer?—the rationale is crystal clear. The pattern is there, and it works brilliantly. The next Star Wars Jedi game isn't just continuing a story; it's preparing to leap forward into the next defining era of Cal Kestis's life. The wait for official news continues, but one thing feels certain: when we next see Cal, he won't be the man we left at the end of Survivor. He'll be someone new, shaped by unseen years of struggle and growth, ready for whatever the dark times throw at him next. The galaxy isn't done with him yet, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.