‘Star Wars’ Shakes up Slate Once Again as Rey Movie Suspended: Report

The Force may be strong with Lucasfilm, but its film slate continues to shift. According to past and recent reports, the studio has shelved several Star Wars projects—including Taika Waititi’s long-rumored film and the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Rey movie—as it reassesses its theatrical strategy amid an already packed production lineup.

Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars project, first announced in 2020, was reportedly scrapped last year after years of stop-and-go development. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Jojo Rabbit (2019), once teased that his take on the saga might “piss people off.” Despite his enthusiasm, insider Daniel Richtman and other reports suggested Lucasfilm decided to abandon the project.

In the wake of that setback, attention shifted to Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, the long-delayed feature originally directed by Wonder Woman’s Patty Jenkins. Once intended for a December 2023 release, the film was described as back in active development.

But just as that momentum seemed to return, a new report hinted that Waititi was still on Lucasfilm’s radar. Kathleen Kennedy stated she’d love to work with him when his schedule opens up, keeping the door slightly ajar for his potential return.

That ongoing uncertainty highlights a recurring issue for Lucasfilm’s movie division. Since Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker (2019), no feature film has reached theaters, while Disney+ series like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka have carried the brand.

Now, reports suggest the “New Jedi Order” film remains paused, while the long-discussed Lando project may finally move forward.

As ComicBookMovie notes, the Rey-centered movie—penned by George Nolfi after multiple creative shake-ups involving Damon Lindelof, Justin Britt-Gibson, and Steven Knight—is still awaiting script approval. While fans may have to wait longer to see Daisy Ridley’s Jedi return, Lucasfilm appears to be refocusing on Lando, with Donald Glover expected to reprise his Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) role in what has evolved from a Disney+ series into a theatrical feature.

For now, The Mandalorian and Grogu from Jon Favreau and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter (2027) remain the only officially dated features. Additional films still in development include Dave Filoni’s New Republic-era crossover, James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg that will explore corners of the galaxy beyond the Skywalker saga.

Meanwhile, Disney’s shifting release calendar suggests ongoing recalibration. The December 2026 slot once reserved for a Star Wars film was quietly filled by Ice Age 6 before that film was moved to 2027. Patty Jenkins once admitted that choosing the “first movie” after The Rise of Skywalker proved difficult—a sentiment that mirrors Lucasfilm’s careful approach today, emphasizing focus and creative cohesion over rapid-fire announcements.

With Rogue Squadron, Waititi’s movie, and the Rey feature in limbo, Lucasfilm’s next theatrical milestone looks set to be The Mandalorian and Grogu—a story that may guide Star Wars’ next cinematic chapter.