Taika Waititi is set to infuse his upcoming Star Wars film with the lively spirit of the original saga, aiming to restore the classic franchise energy fans cherish. Though still in development, the project has garnered attention as Waititi pursues a tone balancing serious stakes with playful elements, a direction confirmed by Lucasfilm during ongoing franchise expansion.
Waititi’s Vision to Revive the Original Trilogy’s Spirit
Originally announced in 2020, Taika Waititi’s Star Wars project has navigated shifts within Lucasfilm’s evolving film lineup but remains an active endeavor. Kathleen Kennedy, who recently stepped down as Lucasfilm president, revealed that Waititi submitted a script she describes as “hilarious and great,” keeping the movie on the list of films still under active consideration amid new leadership changes.
Waititi shared his creative intentions in an interview with Variety, emphasizing a desire not to overhaul the Star Wars universe but to reconnect with its foundational vibe. He said,
“I think you’ve seen it before, but I’m just trying to sort of go back and harness a little more of the fun from the original films. Which is what I remember. The stakes are very high, and there are serious things going on, but also there’s a lot of fun to be had in those films, and that’s what I was trying to bring back.”
– Taika Waititi, Director
Current Star Wars Film Plans and Cinematic Horizon
Following the conclusion of the Skywalker saga with 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker—which earned over $1 billion globally—the Star Wars franchise shifted focus primarily to Disney+ series like The Mandalorian, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka. Meanwhile, the feature film schedule has experienced various changes, with some projects delayed or restructured.
The franchise’s return to theaters is scheduled to begin May 22, 2026, with The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, continuing the journey of Din Djarin and Grogu. Afterwards, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter is planned for release in May 2027, set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Other movies include a new film centered on Rey and the rebuilding of the Jedi Order, a trilogy from Simon Kinberg, and a James Mangold-directed movie exploring the earliest period of the Jedi.
Taika Waititi’s film currently has no official title or release date, and its placement in this expanding lineup remains uncertain, though its approach to tone appears to be the clearest focus so far.
Implications for the Star Wars Franchise’s Future
Waititi’s commitment to recapturing the fun and excitement of the original Star Wars films signals a potential shift toward balancing gravity with humor and energy in upcoming stories. As the franchise continues branching into new projects across theaters and streaming, this fresh tone may help rejuvenate audience enthusiasm and broaden appeal.
With multiple filmmakers like Shawn Levy, Simon Kinberg, and James Mangold contributing to the evolving Star Wars landscape, fans can expect a dynamic mix of narratives. Waititi’s unique artistic style and playful sensibility could offer a distinctive addition to the saga as the franchise enters this new cinematic phase.
Taika Waititi says his #StarWars movie in development at Lucasfilm will “harness a little more of the fun from the original films.”
“The stakes are very high, and there are serious things going on, but there’s also a lot of fun to be had.”
Waititi is promoting his new family… pic.twitter.com/Akli1pSo2t
— Variety (@Variety) January 24, 2026
