A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Taika Waititi was supposed to make a Star Wars movie. Unfortunately, much like several other projects announced by Lucasfilm over the last decade, the filmmaker’s proposed adventure has spent considerably more time in development than anybody originally anticipated. First announced in 2020, the movie was supposed to bring some of the humor and adventure of George Lucas‘ original trilogy back to the big screen. Six years later, however, it appears that particular trip to a galaxy far, far away isn’t happening anytime soon.
Waititi has officially confirmed that his long-awaited Star Wars movie has been put on hold indefinitely, revealing that he and screenwriter Tony McNamara (Poor Things) have moved on to another project. Speaking to Inverse while promoting his latest film, Klara and the Sun, the director admitted that the project was no longer an ongoing concern. “I hate to break this to you, but we’re going to actually put it on ice, and we’re working on a different thing together,” said Waititi.
In a moment that spoke volumes, Waititi consulted his publicist to see what else he could say, and his subsequent answer said it all: “Well, there’s your answer. I don’t even know how to dress it up or make it even vague.” He added that the project was “very iced,” explaining that he currently has several other movies competing for his attention. However, he left the door open for a potential revival, noting that “Ice ages do come to an end. Who knows?”
What Happened to Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie?
Lucasfilm originally announced Waititi‘s involvement in May 2020, with the filmmaker attached to direct and co-write the screenplay alongside Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917). The project subsequently underwent several years of development, with McNamara eventually joining as a writer. As recently as January 2026, former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy suggested that the movie still had a future, praising the screenplay Waititi had submitted, while he’d also explained what he was trying to achieve.
“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.”
Waititi is already familiar with the franchise, having directed an episode of The Mandalorian and voiced the bounty-hunting droid IG-11. His previous directing credits include Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Love and Thunder. The franchise is nevertheless continuing on the big screen, with Shawn Levy‘s Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for release in 2027.
via Collider