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The future of Star Wars is definitely in television for the next few years, although Lucasfilm plans to continue releasing theatrical films. What the next Star Wars film will be and when it will end up in this galaxy is largely unknown, although Kathleen Kennedy has stated her intention that Taika Waititi’s project will be the next. That The director is currently putting the finishing touches on it Thor: Love and Thunderand presumably all his attention next will be on his new space opera.
patty jenkins rogue squadron was originally intended to be the next Star Wars to hit theaters, marked with a December 2023 release. However, the project has hit a snag as problems with the script have caused the film to be delayed while Jenkins works on rewrites. Waititi’s film, which has been in development since 2019, is now set to take over the next Christmas board, jumping off what is believed to have been the Star Wars film that came previously in 2025.
For those wondering how the director will pull off such a quick turnaround, it seems there are more questions than answers. Kennedy has been silent on all theatrical Star Wars topics during the celebrations, though she recently insisted the films will receive an update in the coming months. As for Waititi, there is still a long way to go. The director recently explained why his film is taking so long to develop and the importance of getting Star Wars right during the writing phase.
Waititi focused on nailing the Star Wars feel
In an interview with Screen Rant, director Taika Waititi shared that he’s still early in the design process for his Star Wars film and unsure when it will be released:
“That’s still to be seen. I dont know. I’m still writing. I still have ideas and stories and just wanted to make sure it felt like a Star Wars movie.”
Above all, the writer/director takes his time to carefully ensure that the story has a place in a galaxy far, far away:
“Because I could say, ‘Oh yeah, we’ll just write some old thing and put it in space and then bring Star Wars to the front lines.’ But it wouldn’t be a Star Wars movie without certain elements and a certain treatment, so it has to.” I just make sure he stays in that wheelhouse.
Will Waititi’s film be released in 2023?
It seems Kathleen Kennedy’s hopes of a 2023 holiday arrival for Waititi’s Star Wars film were overly optimistic. With the director still in the early stages of ideation and story development, there probably isn’t even a script out there – let alone one that’s ready to shoot. There were also no details on the cast or filming locations, further suggesting that a release next year is little more than a pipe dream.
That’s not exactly a bad thing, although it will be a disappointment for fans eager to see Star Wars back on screens. The Rise of SkywalkerThe development of was notoriously short, as the entire project was completed in 18 months from conception to release. In a way, Lucasfilm is still paying the price for such a rushed product, as reception has shifted many away from elements of the franchise, and new stories must account for the messy lore introduced by the film.
Waititi should take the time he needs to ensure his Star Wars film is the best it can be. Another thing that fans should encourage is the director’s understanding of how to handle things for Star Wars. Known for his silly and funny tones in his films, Waititi recognizes that there are certain directions that Star Wars shouldn’t be taken. This will hopefully allow the film to avoid criticism of inappropriate likes The Last Jedi received, and a story that feels authentic to Star Wars will be worth the wait.
A release in December 2023 seems almost impossible. Maybe Disney is moving avatar around and give Waititi’s film the 2024 Christmas board instead, giving you plenty of time to get the project right. rogue squadron should be poised to go at that rate the year after, assuming it’s actually manufactured. From there, it’s anyone’s guess as to what the theatrical future of Star Wars holds.