Star Wars Prequel Prequel

The release of Episode III was to mark the end of the Star Wars saga on the big screen. But some people are intent on stoking the rumors that there will be more Star Wars adventures to be had in the movie theatres.

They aren't talking about the sequel trilogy, though. Rumors are now circulating that a new Star Wars movie will be set some 88 years before the events of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and will focus on Yoda leading the Jedi to a victory over the Sith, and restoring peace to the Galactic Republic.

Lucas has said repeatedly that he will not make another Star Wars movie, but that doesn't rule out someone else making one. Remeber, he did not direct either The Empire Strikes Back, or Return of the Jedi, and with the creation of the new TV series, the Star Wars dynasty certainly won't be over soon. My one issue with this rumour is that it doesn't seem to fit with established Star Wars lore. The Republic was to have experienced more than 1000 years of peace prior to episode I, not merely one hundred. Also, the only source of the info is a "movie insider." Call this one sketchy at best. (source Cinescape via MovieHole and FemaleFirst)

UPDATE: I was right! Well, at least in terms of my extremely nerdy knowledge of the Star Wars universe. People never check their facts. Here's the quote from the source (the good stuff is in bold at the bottom):

Another scooper, MK, wrote in with his story of meeting none other than George Lucas, while in Hawaii on his (MK's) honeymoon. MK had this to say about his chance encounter with the Master:

I was vacationing at the Mandarin Oriental in Hawaii for my honeymoon in 2004. I ran into George Lucas and his family on the beach there. I was sitting in a hammock, just about to get up, and he asked me if I was done. I said yes and began to leave....

He said so "Where are you from" ... I said I was from NY. He said "Are you here for the shoot?" I said no, "Here on my honeymoon."

I told him I was a big STAR WARS fan and was anxiously awaiting the conclusion of the most recent trilogy.

I asked him if STAR WARS was going to end with this next installment and.

He said, "'Star Wars' will never end. My involvement may, but the story will go on...."

I said what do you think would be more interesting.... telling a story prior to PHANTOM MENANCE or after RETURN OF THE JEDI?

(Lucas) said, no question about it, prior to PHANTOM MENACE. He said, that if he did ever do another storyline.... that he would do when the Jedi regained control of the universe from the Dark Lords (there were many of them) 800 years before PHANTOM MENACE. And a young Jedi named Yoda was instrumental in the effort.

None of these stories are (or can truly be) confirmed at this moment, so only time will tell.

Please note, this is all unconfirmed, and even if it was confirmed, it's all a "what if" story anyway.