Is a huge name about to join the Star Wars franchise?
It’s been over five years since Star Wars fans last experienced the thrill of a galaxy far, far away on the big screen. With Lucasfilm juggling countless projects, it’s hard to ignore the glaring absence of tangible progress in theaters. Now, it seems the long wait for another Star Wars film will stretch to nearly seven years.
Following Disney’s divisive sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm has been reluctant to dive back into cinematic storytelling, instead turning its gaze toward streaming. Since the groundbreaking debut of The Mandalorian in 2019, Disney+ has become the hub for Star Wars content, introducing fans to a slew of new series.
Now, after three successful seasons, The Mandalorian and its beloved pair, Mando and Grogu, are heading to the silver screen. Helmed by Jon Favreau, this upcoming film appears to have taken the place of the previously planned The Mandalorian Season 4, further enriching the New Republic era. This timeline has already been explored through shows like The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew.
Set to release on May 22, 2026, The Mandalorian and Grogu was initially slated to be followed by another Star Wars movie in December 2026. However, Disney recently swapped that December spot—once believed to be linked to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey Skywalker project—with Ice Age 6 under 20th Century Studios.
For now, The Mandalorian and Grogu stands as the only officially confirmed Star Wars film. Meanwhile, whispers of new projects in development continue to make waves.
According to insider Daniel Richtman, Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars project has been shelved. Known for promising to “piss people off,” Waititi’s likely daring vision–if his back catalog is anything to go by–has been set aside as Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron makes its way back into the spotlight.
In March 2024, Jenkins—the acclaimed director of the Wonder Woman franchise—discussed her return to Star Wars after her work on Wonder Woman 3 was unexpectedly halted. Speaking to Collider, Jenkins shared how her collaboration with Lucasfilm reignited during the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“When Wonder Woman 3 didn’t move forward, Lucasfilm and I finalized the deal we had started,” Jenkins revealed. “I now owe them a draft of Rogue Squadron, so we’ll see what happens next.”
Acknowledging the challenge of reigniting Star Wars on the big screen, Jenkins added, “It’s a tough challenge figuring out the first movie they should release. But I’m back working on Rogue Squadron, and we’re developing it to a point where everyone’s happy.”
First announced in December 2020, Rogue Squadron was envisioned as a high-octane adventure introducing a new generation of starfighter pilots. Although the project was initially removed from Disney’s release calendar, its reported return to active development sparks fresh hope for fans eager for bold new stories.
Meanwhile, Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars film, once a source of high anticipation, has seemingly stalled. Known for his unique storytelling in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Waititi hinted at his meticulous approach during a 2023 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “I want to get it right,” he emphasized.
Another intriguing addition to the Star Wars pipeline is Shawn Levy’s film. The director of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) has been attached to a Star Wars project since late 2022, though work will reportedly commence only after Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5—produced by Levy—wraps up. In a recent interview, Levy offered a glimpse into his Star Wars aspirations.
“Because Deadpool & Wolverine was so fulfilling, I’m quite happily open to whatever’s next,” Levy told IndieWire. “And yes, there’s a Star Wars movie that I’m developing, actually with our Adam Project screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. You never know what’s going to become undeniable and get made next.”
Reports now suggest Levy’s project is moving quickly—and with a star-studded twist. “According to scooper @MyTimeToShineH, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars movie is moving fast, and they even offered the lead role to a well-known A-list actor,'” SFF Gazette reported.
Beyond Rogue Squadron and Shawn Levy’s film, Lucasfilm’s slate boasts several other ambitious projects. Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey Skywalker will see the character establishing a new Jedi Order under the direction of Oscar-winning documentarian Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Meanwhile, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) director James Mangold is set to explore the origins of the Force in a standalone film, a concept reminiscent of the abandoned trilogy from Game of Thrones creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff.
Dave Filoni’s highly anticipated movie will reportedly tie together the New Republic-era stories, seemingly drawing inspiration from the “Heir to the Empire” saga.
In an unexpected turn, Simon Kinberg is said to be developing a new Star Wars trilogy, which could mark a departure from the Skywalker Saga. If true, this trilogy might even replace Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey movie as the long-speculated Episodes X through XII.
With each new announcement, the Star Wars galaxy continues to expand, blending the rich legacy of its iconic characters with daring explorations of uncharted territories. As fans, we watch eagerly—and cautiously—to see where the Force leads next.
What’s your take on the evolving Star Wars slate? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
