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What Is Going On With ‘Star Wars?’ New Film Reportedly in Fast Development and Coming Soon

Lucasfilm appears to be stuck in neutral when it comes to theatrical releases, even as its roster of announced projects continues to grow. It’s been over five years since a Star Wars movie graced cinemas, and by the time the next one hits theaters, nearly seven years will have passed.

Daisy Ridley looking distressed as Rey Skywalker
Credit: Lucasfilm

In the aftermath of Disney’s divisive sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm has leaned heavily on Disney+ for storytelling instead of returning to theaters. Since the arrival of The Mandalorian in 2019, the streaming platform has become the heart of the franchise, offering series like The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew to expand the New Republic timeline. Other projects such as Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Bad Batch explore different periods of the galaxy’s history.

Now, The Mandalorian* is set to make its big-screen debut under the guidance of Jon Favreau. The feature-length installment—scheduled for a May 22, 2026, release—may replace the planned fourth season of the hit series, though Lucasfilm has yet to confirm. As always, plans are subject to change.

Kylo Ren and Rey fighting in Rise of Skywalker
Credit: Lucasfilm

Initially, Disney had scheduled a second Star Wars movie for December 2026, which was widely believed to be Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey Skywalker project. However, the slot has now been filled by Ice Age 6 under 20th Century Studios. For the time being, the Mandalorian movie is the only Star Wars theatrical release with a confirmed date.

Despite this uncertainty, reports suggest other films are still in the works. Insider Daniel Richtman recently claimed that Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars movie has been shelved, while Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron is said to be back in development.

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) flies with Grogu in-hand in concept art for Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian & Grogu'
Credit: Lucasfilm

Meanwhile, Shawn Levy, known for directing Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), recently spoke about his Star Wars project, which he is developing with The Adam Project screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. In an interview with IndieWire, Levy revealed: “There’s a Star Wars movie that I’m developing. You never know what’s going to become undeniable and get made next.”

According to scooper @MyTimeToShineH, Levy’s project is “moving fast” and has already begun attracting A-list talent. While the identities of those involved remain unknown, reports suggest the movie could begin filming in the UK as early as this fall.

Rey, Poe, Fin, and Chewbacca sitting inside the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon
Credit: Lucasfilm

As Comic Book Movie reported: “[A]ccording to insider Daniel Richtman, it may start shooting as early as this Fall in the UK. He also reveals that it was originally going to feature Daisy Ridley as an older Rey Skywalker.”

Back in late 2024, sources suggested that Ridley’s Rey—who was last seen in Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker (2019)—remains one of the franchise’s most valuable characters. Whether this holds true amidst the explosion of the Mando-Verse is debatable, but it’s far from the first time a Rey-centric project has been pitched.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s current film is set to follow Rey as she establishes a new Jedi Order. Damon Lindelof, who was once attached to a different Star Wars project, reportedly envisioned a timeline 60 years after The Rise of Skywalker, potentially featuring an older Rey played by Academy Award winner Helen Mirren.

L to R: Finn, Chewbacca, Rey, C-3PO, and Poe on Pasaana in 'The Rise of Skywalker'
Credit: Lucasfilm

In addition to these, Lucasfilm is juggling several ambitious projects. James Mangold is developing a film exploring the “Dawn of the Jedi,” a story set 25,000 years before any previous Star Wars narrative. Mangold himself has confirmed the timeline, stating that the movie will delve into the origins of the Force.

Dave Filoni’s upcoming movie, set in the New Republic era, could be inspired by Timothy Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” storyline, featuring a large-scale battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).

Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson)
Credit: Lucasfilm

Elsewhere, Simon Kinberg is working on a new trilogy that may break away entirely from the Skywalker Saga. This potential new series could serve as the next Episodes X through XII, raising questions about whether it might overshadow Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-centric story.

With so many projects in the pipeline, the galaxy far, far away shows no signs of slowing down. Whether these efforts will succeed in revitalizing the theatrical Star Wars experience or fall short remains to be seen.

What do you think about the future of Star Wars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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