New Update on the Star Wars Film by Taika Waititi
The Thor director wants to focus on the fun factor
Many "Star Wars" projects have been announced in recent years – and many have been shelved again over time. However, the as yet untitled film by "Thor" director Taika Waititi has not yet been affected by this. Kathleen Kennedy recently spoke briefly about the current status of the project in her farewell interview with industry magazine Deadline. The long-time Lucasfilm president recently announced her resignation. Her successor will be franchise veteran Dave Filoni.
Waititi has already submitted a script to Lucasfilm. Kennedy describes it as "hilarious and great". However, she also emphasizes that the realization of the film is not only her decision due to her withdrawal.
Taika Waititi talks about his approach
In recent days, Waititi has also spoken to the portal Variety. He talked about his chosen approach. Above all, he seems to be aiming for a humorous adventure feel.
"I'm just trying to go back and harness a little bit more of the fun from the original films, which is what I remember [from] them. The stakes are very high, and there's serious things going on, but there's also a lot of fun to be had in those films."
In recent years, the filmmaker has already gained his first experience in the "Star Wars" universe. The director staged the season finale of the popular first season of "The Mandalorian". There he also voiced the droid IG-11. Waititi is best known for his directing work on the last two "Thor" films.
However, the exact schedule for Waititi's film is not yet known. Following Kennedy's withdrawal, it also remains to be seen to what extent the plans behind the scenes will change. For now, however, another film awaits us in the "Star Wars" universe anyway. "The Mandalorian & Grogu" will be released on May 22, 2026. The movie continues the story of Mando and Grogu on the big screen. You can take a look at the trailer here!
The next film: Star Wars: Starfighter
Of course, there are also other projects in development. After "The Mandalorian & Grogu", "Star Wars: Starfighter" awaits us. The film tells a completely new story, with Ryan Gosling in the lead role. Director Shawn Levy announced a new adventure with new characters at Star Wars Celebration 2025. The film is set around five years after "Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker".
Gosling plays a man who protects a boy (Flynn Gray) from dark pursuers. Other roles include Mia Goth, Matt Smith (as the new big villain), Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre and Daniel Ings. According to rumors, Eva Mendes could also play a part, but this has not been officially confirmed. Filming began in August 2025 and is now complete. The film is scheduled to be released on May 28, 2027. Find out all the other details in our movie preview!
New Jedi Order
"New Jedi Order" is another major Star Wars project that is currently in development. A new movie about Daisy Ridley's Rey was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023. The plot is set around 15 years after "The Rise of Skywalker" and revolves around the establishment of a new Jedi Order. However, the title "New Jedi Order" is only a working title so far. Due to the significant time jump, Rey could already be training several Force-sensitive students. Specific details about the story are not yet known – much remains pure speculation so far.
Behind the scenes, the production has been anything but smooth. Several writers were already working on the script (including Damon Lindelof and Steven Knight), but left the project due to creative differences. George Nolfi, known for films such as "Ocean's Twelve" and "The Bourne Ultimatum", has since been hired as the new screenwriter. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who will be the first woman to direct a "Star Wars" movie, will take over as director. The two-time Oscar winner most recently directed episodes of the series "Ms. Marvel".
So far, only the return of Daisy Ridley has been officially confirmed. Other appearances by well-known characters such as Poe Dameron, Finn or Chewbacca are considered possible. At the same time, it could be that Lucasfilm wants to focus more on new characters alongside Rey in order to give the franchise a fresh look. Due to the ongoing production problems, a specific start date is currently unclear. "Star Wars: Starfighter" is much further along in development and will be released earlier. "New Jedi Order" can therefore probably not be expected until 2028.
