It was one heck of a pipe dream to have three “Star Wars” films over the course of a year and a half, but it looks like it was just that: a pipe dream.

According to THR, “Star Wars Episode VIII,” which was originally slated for release on May 26, 2017, has been pushed back to December 15 of the same year. In its place, Disney has pushed up “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” which is about a month and a half earlier than its original July 7 release date. 

The outlet goes on to explain that the decision was made so that the franchise may continue to capitalize on the holiday release date. Right now, “StarWars: The Force Awakens” has made nearly $2 billion worldwide, and it may be because it had very little competition for the longest time. Were Disney to go forward with a summer release date, “Star Wars Episode VIII” would be up against some heavy hitters a lot sooner following its release.

There’s been no confirmation from Disney as of this writing, but if this is true, then Disney is likely to continue with a holiday release for each successive “Star Wars” film. While it is a bit disappointing that “Episode VIII” is getting pushed back, being treated to a new “Star Wars” flick the same time every year isn’t a bad holiday tradition to embrace.

What do you think of this new release date? Let us know your thoughts down below!

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is still slated to hit theaters on December 16, 2016.

SOURCE: THR