Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi, known for films such as Thor: Love and Thunder and Jojo Rabbit, has been working on a Star Wars movie since 2020. Following Kathleen Kennedy’s recent announcement that she would step down as president of Lucasfilm, Waititi shared insights about his vision for the Star Wars franchise, highlighting his focus on bringing fun back to the series. This update fuels hope for progress on his Star Wars film amid the studio’s leadership transition.
Waititi’s Star Wars movie, scripted by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, has been in development for several years with limited public updates. Speaking at the Sundance premiere of Fing!, Waititi explained his ambition for the project. He said,
I’m just trying to go back and harness a little bit more fun from the original films, which is what I remember [from] them,
highlighting his intention to recapture the lighter tone that characterized the earliest Star Wars entries.
He added,
The stakes are very high, and there’s serious things going on, but there’s also a lot of fun to be had in those films. That’s what I was trying to bring back. “I was trying to work in a world that was a little bit separate to that because they’ve got so many things going on within that space. For me to do something there, it would need to be a little different and a little bit more its own thing.
Waititi’s remarks suggest a distinct approach, aiming to balance the franchise’s complexity with a fresh, enjoyable experience.
Kathleen Kennedy Leaves Lucasfilm After 14 Years—New Leadership Takes Charge
On January 15, Kathleen Kennedy officially stepped down as Lucasfilm president after more than a decade of leadership. Her departure marked a significant shift for the company, which oversees the Star Wars universe. Following Kennedy’s exit, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan were appointed to lead Lucasfilm, tasked with steering upcoming projects and the franchise’s ongoing direction. Kennedy will continue her involvement in the industry, returning to her former role as a film producer.
Shortly after her decision to resign, Kennedy addressed the future of the Star Wars series. Reflecting on current and upcoming works, she expressed confidence in projects such as Star Wars: Starfighter and acknowledged the challenges new filmmakers face joining this vast universe. She remarked,
I think Rian made one of the best Star Wars movies,
referring to director Rian Johnson’s contributions, and further noted,
He’s a brilliant filmmaker, and he got spooked. This is the rough part. When people come into this space, I have every filmmaker and actor say to me, ‘What’s going to happen?’ They’re a little scared.
Upcoming Star Wars Releases Under New Direction
Fans can anticipate several major Star Wars projects in the coming years. Director Shawn Levy, known for work on Deadpool and Wolverine, is leading Star Wars: Starfighter, set to debut in theaters on May 28, 2027. Additionally, Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu film will arrive earlier, premiering on May 22, 2026. These releases are expected to shape the future of the franchise with fresh stories under the guidance of Lucasfilm’s new leadership.
With Taika Waititi actively developing a distinct Star Wars film alongside these confirmed projects, the franchise appears poised for renewal, blending legacy elements with inventive approaches. As Lucasfilm navigates this transitional phase, fans and creators alike remain watchful and eager to see how the evolving universe will expand in the coming years.
