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Credit: LucasfilmLucasfilm seems to be spinning its wheels when it comes to theatrical releases despite an ever-growing list of announced projects. It’s been more than five years since a Star Wars film graced the big screen, and fans will have waited nearly seven years by the time the next one hits theaters.
Following Disney’s polarizing sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm has shied away from theatrical releases, instead focusing on its streaming platform. Since the arrival of The Mandalorian in 2019, Disney+ has become the hub for Star Wars storytelling, with shows like The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew expanding the New Republic era. Additional projects like Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Bad Batch flesh out other areas of the timeline.
Now, after three successful seasons, Jon Favreau is set to take The Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen. This feature-length installment—slated for a May 22, 2026, release—may replace The Mandalorian Season 4, but that is yet to be confirmed. However, in true Lucasfilm fashion, plans remain fluid.
Originally, a second Star Wars film was scheduled for December 2026. That date was rumored to belong to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey Skywalker project. But now, Disney has replaced the slot with Ice Age 6 under 20th Century Studios. For now, The Mandalorian and Grogu stands as the only confirmed Star Wars movie with a release date.
Amid this uncertainty, reports are emerging about other films in development. Insider Daniel Richtman recently claimed that Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars project has been shelved. The Thor: Ragnarok (2017) director has seemingly taken a backseat as Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron flies back into active development.
But another director is making moves in the galaxy far, far away. Shawn Levy, the creative force behind Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), revealed in a recent IndieWire interview that he’s still developing a Star Wars film with The Adam Project screenwriter Jonathan Tropper: “There’s a Star Wars movie that I’m developing,” Levy said. “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 attracted A-list talent. No word yet on who that A-list talent is, but another report has surfaced claiming that Levy’s movie may be getting bumped up the production line.
“[A]ccording to insider Daniel Richtman, it may start shooting as early as this Fall in the UK,” Comic Book Movie wrote. “He also reveals that it was originally going to feature Daisy Ridley as an older Rey Skywalker.”
It was in late 2024 that sources claimed that Ridley’s Rey, who was last seen taking on the name Rey Skywalker in the finale moments of Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker (2019), was the most valuable cinematic asset the Star Wars franchise has. While this could be argued, especially with the explosion of the Mando-Verse, it’s not the first time a Rey-centric project has been in the works.
Aside from the currently developing Rey movie from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Damon Lindelof was once attached to write a Star Wars movie. He eventually exited the project, but information about him wanting to focus on a time 60 years after The Rise of Skywalker with an Older Rey–potentially played by Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren–surfaced during its development.
Beyond these projects, Lucasfilm is juggling several other ambitious plans. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey Skywalker film will explore the creation of a new Jedi Order, while James Mangold is set to direct a movie delving into the origins of the Force. Mangold recently spoke about his project, confirming his earlier comments that the “Dawn of the Jedi” film will be set 25,000 years before anything Star Wars has done before.
Meanwhile, Dave Filoni’s film will take place in the New Republic era with what many believe to be an “Heir to the Empire “-inspired tale.
Adding to the intrigue, Simon Kinberg is working on a new Star Wars trilogy—one that could move beyond the Skywalker Saga entirely. This series might even serve as the next Episodes X through XII, potentially overshadowing Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-focused story.
With so many projects in various stages of development, the Star Wars universe continues to expand in fascinating ways. Whether these bold new ventures will soar or crash remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this galaxy is far from finished.
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