Waititi’s shelved Star Wars film highlights Lucasfilm’s stalled cinema slate
Taika Waititi’s proposed Star Wars film, announced six years ago, has been put on ice, adding to a growing list of projects that Lucasfilm has announced but not brought to cinemas. The article argues that repeated delays risk stalling the franchise’s creative renewal, as the studio appears reluctant to back films that could take it in unfamiliar directions.
Since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, only The Mandalorian and Grogu has reached cinemas; it reportedly cost $165m and grossed $346m worldwide. Other shelved or uncertain projects include films associated with Patty Jenkins, Kevin Feige, David Benioff and DB Weiss, Rian Johnson and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The article contends that familiar characters and franchise recognition have not guaranteed success, and urges Lucasfilm to commission a distinctive film-maker and let them make the film.
In short
- Waititi’s Star Wars film has been put on ice.
- Several announced projects have yet to reach cinemas.
- Lucasfilm is urged to back a fresh creative direction.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Lucasfilm’s repeated delays may be limiting the creative renewal needed to keep Star Wars compelling, especially when familiar characters and brand recognition alone do not guarantee cinema success. Backing a distinctive film-maker and giving them room to pursue an unfamiliar direction could offer audiences a fresh reason to return.
The case against
A long list of announced projects does not mean each is ready or right to make: scripts, schedules, budgets and creative differences can justify delaying or shelving films. Given the cost and uncertainty of theatrical releases, Lucasfilm may reasonably prefer to proceed only when a project is strong enough to protect the franchise’s long-term prospects.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Taika Waititi’s Star Wars film is the latest to hit the buffers. At some point Lucasfilm is going to have to actually make a movie”.