Is Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie Happening? All We Know So Far

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast who has weathered the highs and lows of this iconic franchise for decades, I must admit, I am both intrigued and apprehensive about Taika Waititi’s upcoming Star Wars film. Having followed his career since his breakout film “What We Do in the Shadows,” I have come to appreciate his unique blend of humor, heart, and cultural relevance.


After the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, the Star Wars universe has experienced significant growth, with numerous new stories and timelines being added. One intriguing addition to this universe is a Star Wars film directed by Taika Waititi, which was initially announced in 2020. This movie has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans due to its comedic approach, a departure from the franchise’s typically serious narrative style.

It can be said that after gaining recognition for their comical yet emotional narratives, particularly in Thor: Love and Thunder and Our Flag Means Death, Waititi emerged as a strong candidate for the Star Wars director’s chair. On the surface, his distinctive style seemed to hold great potential for infusing the required dose of humor and originality into this distant galaxy.

2020 announcement and subsequent silence

In May 2020, Lucasfilm officially announced that director Taika Waititi was set to lead a new Star Wars film. By December of the same year, during Disney’s Investor Day, it was disclosed that Krysty Wilson-Cairns would collaborate with Waititi as co-writer for this movie, and preparatory work on the project had already commenced. Since these announcements, relatively little information regarding the film has been released.

During an interview with Variety towards the end of last year, Waititi fueled concerns among fans that the film might widen the divide within the fanbase even more. On The Kelly Clarkson Show recently, Waititi revealed the project was still in progress but moving slowly; he emphasized his desire to make it perfect. Artwork presented at Disney’s 2020 Investor Day displayed a vibrant planet and an object that resembled a diamond-shaped spaceship. Although no new information has been shared since, it’s safe to say the film hasn’t been scrapped—something Disney would have announced if it were indeed canceled.

The uncertain future of Star Wars projects

Despite lacking specifics, Waititi’s remarks and directing background suggest a humorous and distinctive take on a Star Wars movie. With the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, it might explore an alternative timeframe in the Star Wars universe. This aligns with the new Star Wars productions, such as The Acolyte set in the High Republic Era, or a film depicting Rey 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker events.

Essentially, Waititi feels that some Star Wars fans might take issue with his movie due to significant deviations from traditional elements. This could encompass a diverse cast and strong female characters, areas where the franchise has faced criticism from certain fan groups in the past. Moreover, it’s expected that the storytelling approach will veer from typical choices.

Over the course of Star Wars’ history, numerous projects have been scrapped, such as Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron and films centered around Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett. Despite these frequent cancellations, Taika Waititi continues to affirm his Star Wars movie, even as recently as late 2023, suggesting a promising outlook for its continuation.

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2024-07-31 13:25