Star Wars at the movies, where are we? That’s the thorny question we’ll try to answer during Episode IV, A New Hope, airing on TFX. After the commercial failure of Solo and the disappointment of The Rise of Skywalker, despite raking in billions, Lucasfilm toned down the movies in theaters.
The company created by George Lucas and bought by Disney preferred to focus on series from the intergalactic world. From Mandalorian to Boba Fett, including Andor, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, Star Wars has expanded its universe on the Disney+ platform. It will continue to do so with newly announced series such as The Acolyte or Skeleton Crew.
However, as of 2019, it is the Tatar desert on the cinema side! When is Return of the Jedi coming to the big screen? While Star Wars 8 director Rian Johnson’s trilogy project is still on the table, Lucasfilm has not released any news on the subject at this time. Besides, the director is currently very busy with his Knives Out saga with Daniel Craig.
Ray’s return
During the Star Wars Celebration held last April, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy provided information about the official projects slated for theaters. First up will be Rey, the protagonist of the latest Star Wars trilogy played by Daisy Ridley. The announcement surprised fans as the character is not the most popular in the franchise.
The feature film will be written by Stephen Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, and directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel). This episode does not have an official title at this time. The action takes place 15 years after the rise of Skywalker. We follow Rey on her quest to create a new Jedi Order. He is accompanied by two Padawans, a boy and a girl. The latter would generate amazing power.
So the story will take place after the fall of the First Order. “The Jedi are in chaos – it’s even a question of how many still exist – and Rey is building a new Jedi order based on the text Luke gave her and provided her.”said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. The film, titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, is expected to begin shooting in April 2024. The release date is May 20, 2026.
Origin of the Jedi
The second official project will be directed by James Mangold, director of Logan and the recent Indiana Jones 5. The story takes us 25,000 years before the Phantom Menace in an almost religious atmosphere. The filmmaker wants to tell the story of the first Jedi who managed to master the Force and use it as a liberating force in an era of chaos and oppression.
“Where did the Jedi Order come from? Who founded it? Was it difficult to control the force? When was the first light bulb made? How did they learn to do it?” . The film will focus on this emergent moment when the most unlikely of people find the most powerful force imaginable.”– James Mangold confided. The release date is December 15, 2027.
Finally, the 3rd feature film officially unveiled will be presented by Dave Filoni, the big man behind the Disney+ series. This work will focus on the New Republic, which is already at the center of the Mandalorian, Boba Fett and Ahsoka books. It will hit theaters on December 16, 2026.
The end of the Mandoverse
This feature film will complete what Kathleen Kennedy has called the MandoVerse. Dave Filoni, introduced at Star Wars Celebration, told us he wanted to “Very nice story telling, precise and clear. I could have been bombarded with many ideas, but the Jedi Master himself trained me well.”
“I’m going to try to take all the good advice from George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy and talk about what I loved about Star Wars growing up. It’s always been my goal to explore that feeling of why I love it so much. A lot? Why has it been a part of my life for so long?” During? And how do you translate that? And at the same time, you have to make sure you’re offering something new and original.”
The Thor director is heading for the stars
Note that Taika Waititi’s Star Wars project doesn’t appear to have been abandoned, unlike Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron, which was canceled. Last April, Kathleen Kennedy told Variety that the film, which was announced for 2020, was being written, but “A slight delay in the development of the third act”.
He clarified: “Taika Waititi writes the script himself. He doesn’t really want to involve other people in the process, and I don’t blame him. He has a very unique voice. So we want to protect him, and that’s what he did. We’re going to make this movie one day.”.
Taika Waititi spoke about his friend’s career at a tribute to Sean Levy at the Toronto Film Festival on September 11; He said that one day the latter could direct a Star Wars movie. Jokingly, the artist then said: “Unlike me, we hope he can finish the script by now.”
Taika Waititi pays tribute to Sean Levy at the TIFF Tribute Awards: “Sean has resisted the comfort of uniformity in his career, resulting in work that is bold in its genres.” https://t.co/XkWfqBFsIz pic.twitter.com/kKBOz9In2W
— Variety (@Variety) September 11, 2023
Please note that this should be an independent film and not connected to other parts of the saga. Earlier in the year, Taika Waititi discussed starting production on his film in 2024, but with the actors’ strike still going on in Hollywood, that seems to be in jeopardy.
While you wait to find out more, you can find his new film, A Dream Team, in theaters on December 20th. Additionally, according to some rumors, the Lando series will eventually be directed by Donald Glover. But there is nothing official about it yet.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.