Lucasfilm has reportedly halted development on another Star Wars series.
The studio returned Star Wars to theaters in May 2026 with The Mandalorian and Grogu, marking its first theatrical release since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). However, its streaming output has slowed considerably, with no new live-action Star Wars series scheduled to premiere on Disney+ this year.
Now, fresh reporting suggests that another planned addition to the Star Wars universe has quietly stalled — despite months of development and the involvement of a director already closely associated with Lucasfilm.
Lucasfilm's Unannounced ‘Star Wars' Series Faces Uncertain Future
According to Knight Edge Media, director Jon Watts spent much of 2026 developing an eight-episode live-action Star Wars series alongside Christopher Ford, his collaborator on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024).
The project reportedly assembled a writers' room in January, with development continuing through August. Unlike Skeleton Crew, which followed four children who become stranded in a distant part of the galaxy, the untitled series was conceived as a western.
However, the show's future is now uncertain. Knight Edge Media reports that it remains unclear whether Lucasfilm has temporarily shelved the series or abandoned it altogether. The studio declined to comment on the original report.
No cast members, filming dates, or plot details have been revealed. The series was also never officially announced, meaning Disney has not publicly confirmed its existence or cancellation.
Watts previously directed Tom Holland's first three Spider-Man movies, including Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), before joining the Star Wars franchise as co-creator of Skeleton Crew.
That Disney+ series starred Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious Force-sensitive character who encounters four children searching for their home planet. Its eight episodes premiered between December 2024 and January 2025.
Watts may now have another major Lucasfilm commitment taking priority.
In September 2026, reports emerged that the filmmaker had been selected to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars trilogy written by Simon Kinberg, whose previous credits include X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Star Wars Rebels.
The trilogy has been linked to a potential continuation of the Skywalker Saga following The Rise of Skywalker. However, conflicting reports have suggested it could instead tell a standalone story, and Lucasfilm has not confirmed its narrative direction.
Daisy Ridley's Rey has been mentioned as a possible returning character, although casting details remain unconfirmed. There is currently no announced release date for the first film.
Whether Watts' involvement in the trilogy directly affected his unannounced Disney+ series is unknown. Neither Lucasfilm nor the filmmaker has publicly explained what happened to the television project.
‘Star Wars' Continues to Reshape Its Disney+ and Movie Plans
The uncertainty comes as Lucasfilm prepares for another major theatrical release while its live-action television slate remains relatively quiet.
The franchise's most recent live-action Disney+ series was Andor Season 2, which concluded in May 2025. Its next confirmed live-action release is Ahsoka Season 2, which premieres January 20, 2027, more than three years after its predecessor debuted.
Originally expected to return in 2026, the Rosario Dawson-led series will continue Ahsoka Tano's story alongside characters including Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Hayden Christensen will also return as Anakin Skywalker.
On the theatrical side, Lucasfilm has confirmed Star Wars: Starfighter for May 28, 2027. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, the standalone movie takes place five years after The Rise of Skywalker.
The film will arrive during the franchise's 50th anniversary year, following the theatrical return of Din Djarin and Grogu in May 2026.
Other announced Star Wars movies have faced considerably less certain futures.
Daisy Ridley's standalone Rey film, first unveiled in 2023 with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attached to direct, still lacks an official release date. The project was originally presented as a continuation of Rey's story as she attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron, meanwhile, was initially announced for a December 2023 theatrical release before being removed from Disney's schedule. Despite subsequent discussions about its development, the film has yet to receive a replacement date.
James Mangold's proposed Star Wars movie exploring the origins of the Jedi has also faced delays, while Taika Waititi's long-discussed contribution to the franchise remains without a confirmed production schedule.
Watts' reported western series now joins the growing list of Star Wars projects whose futures remain unresolved. Unlike several of those films, however, it was never officially unveiled to audiences.
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