Since Disney’s 2012 acquisition, Lucasfilm grapples with director turnover in the Star Wars universe. The hiatus post-“The Rise of Skywalker” aimed for a 2022 return, now delayed. Controversies marred most new-era projects, hinting at Lucasfilm’s turbulent history under Disney’s ownership.
The Force Awakens
Michael Arndt
On October 30, 2012, after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, a new era of Star Wars began with Episode VII. The initial writer, Michael Arndt, was replaced by J.J. Abrams, who collaborated with Lawrence Kasdan to craft The Force Awakens. Despite Lucasfilm’s desire for a delayed release, Disney opted for December 2015.
Rogue One
Gary Whitta
John Knoll, a veteran ILM supervisor, proposed Rogue One to Kathleen Kennedy as an anthology film. Originally conceptualized from an episode for the unreleased Star Wars: Underworld series, Gary Whitta initially wrote the script. However, he was later replaced by Chris Weitz, leading to substantial differences in the final drafts compared to Whitta’s original work.
Gareth Edwards
Director Gareth Edwards was dismissed from Rogue One during the advanced post-production phase, retaining only his directing credit. Subsequently, Tony Gilroy took charge of the editing process, orchestrating substantial emergency re-shoots and extensively restructuring the film’s plot. Gilroy earned a screenwriting credit for his significant contributions.
Solo
Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Originally envisioned by George Lucas, Solo emerged as Star Wars’ initial major box office disappointment. Co-scripted by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, the project initially saw Phil Lord and Chris Miller as directors. Unhappy with their improvisational style, comedic approach, and prolonged on-set time, Kennedy dismissed them midway through production.
Ron Howard swiftly assumed the directorial role, successfully completing production with additional re-shoots, albeit with a doubled budget. The film hit theaters in May 2018 under Disney’s push, facing various challenges that hindered the possibility of sequels. However, Ron Howard remains open to a return if there’s substantial fan support.
The Rise of Skywalker
Colin Trevorrow & Derek Connolly
To bring the Skywalker saga to a close, director Colin Trevorrow was selected to helm Episode IX in 2015, collaborating on the script with frequent partner Derek Connolly. Despite later revisions by Jack Thorne in 2017, the narrative failed to meet the expectations of Kennedy and Lucasfilm. In September 2017, Trevorrow and his writing team were dismissed from the project titled Duel of the Fates.
With limited time and a rescheduled release to December 2019, J.J. Abrams was brought in to both write and direct the final installment. Teaming up with Argo screenwriter Chris Terrio, Abrams crafted The Rise of Skywalker in just 18 months. The film faced criticism from fans and critics alike for its creative decisions, prompting Abrams to express regret about the lack of comprehensive planning for the sequel trilogy.
Boba Fett Anthology Film
Josh Trank
In 2014, Simon Kinberg was enlisted to pen a standalone Anthology film featuring Boba Fett. Josh Trank was subsequently chosen as the director, with an anticipated release in 2018. However, upon learning of Trank’s tumultuous experience with the disastrous production of Fantastic Four, his scheduled appearance and the unveiling of the film at Star Wars Celebration in 2015 were abruptly canceled, leading to his subsequent removal from the project.
James Mangold
In early 2018, indications surfaced of a renewed attempt at a Boba Fett film, with plans for it to be both written and directed by James Mangold, known for his work on Logan. However, when the film was omitted from Disney’s planned release schedule for the anticipated 2020 timeframe, Bob Iger clarified that there would be a deceleration in the production of Star Wars films, influenced by the underwhelming performance of Solo. Notwithstanding, Mangold maintains a robust association with Lucasfilm, as evidenced by his role as the director for the upcoming Indiana Jones 5.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Anthology Trilogy
Stephen Daldry
Before receiving approval for a Disney+ series, a project centered on Obi-Wan Kenobi was initially in the works as a film. In 2015, Lucasfilm initiated discussions with Ewan McGregor, urging him to reprise his role as the Jedi Master, prompted by the actor’s keen interest in a spin-off film. A swift agreement was reached, kickstarting the development process. By 2017, Stephen Daldry was enlisted for both writing and directing duties, with additional contributions from Hossein Amini in the writing team.
Subsequently, it came to light that the film in progress was intended to be the inaugural installment in a trilogy. Initially positioned as a potential candidate for the 2020 slot after Trank’s departure affected the Boba Fett film, the Kenobi movie faced a setback due to the performance of Solo. This setback led to the abandonment of any plans for future spin-off films, and Daldry was released from the project as the prospects of an Obi-Wan undertaking diminished.
Rian Johnson’s Untitled Trilogy
Rian Johnson
Impressed by the seamless production of The Last Jedi and their collaborative rapport with Rian Johnson, Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy announced the writer and director’s involvement in a dedicated trilogy. This revelation occurred during a quarterly investor’s call with Bob Iger in November 2017, just a month before Episode VIII’s theatrical release.
However, the film faced substantial backlash, a matter extensively documented since its release, leading to a lack of progress on the trilogy over the past five years. While Johnson expresses optimism, stating he “hopes” the project will materialize, his attention diverted to the Knives Out franchise has resulted in limited communication with Kennedy. With minimal advancements in the trilogy’s development and a prevailing lack of enthusiasm among fans for Johnson’s return, the realization of these movies appears unlikely, even though the official cancellation of the director’s project is yet to be declared.
Benioff & Weiss Untitled Film Series
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
In early 2018, Lucasfilm made a significant announcement, revealing that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would be spearheading a series of films alongside Rian Johnson’s trilogy, all set in a new era for Star Wars. Their involvement was slated to begin post the conclusion of Game of Thrones’ final season, a transition the duo reportedly hastened to delve into their Star Wars projects.
However, their relationship with Lucasfilm took a hit due to the poor reception of the final season of Game of Thrones and their eagerness to shift their focus to their Star Wars endeavors. Subsequently, following an unconventional deal with Netflix, it was disclosed in October 2019 that Benioff and Weiss’ Star Wars contract had been terminated. Although initial reports hinted at a project delving into the origins of the Jedi, these concepts have been set aside.
Andor
Stephen Schiff
In November 2018, Bob Iger revealed plans for a Rogue One prequel series centered on Cassian Andor, slated for release on Disney+. The series was initially envisioned as a spy/thriller project, with Stephen Schiff, known for The Americans, assigned as the showrunner. However, script complications emerged, prompting Kathleen Kennedy to enlist Tony Gilroy for a comprehensive review. Instead of a mere analysis, Gilroy crafted a manifesto outlining his vision for the show.
Joining the Andor team on a full-time basis, Gilroy, initially tasked with writing, directing, and collaborating with Schiff, eventually took over as the showrunner. In late 2019, Schiff was entirely removed from the project, allowing Gilroy to bring in a team of directors. The series underwent a transformation, evolving into a two-season format, each comprising 12 episodes. The first season garnered widespread acclaim from Star Wars enthusiasts.
J.D. Dillard’s Untitled Film
J.D. Dillard & Matt Owens
In early 2020, it was reported that J.D. Dillard, known for his work on Sleight, entered into an agreement with Lucasfilm to create an undisclosed Star Wars film. Collaborating with Matt Owens, a writer from Agents of SHIELD, the project details were kept under wraps, with initial speculation hinting at a potential focus on the Sith world Exegol. Unfortunately, the film failed to progress beyond the pre-production phase, as Dillard publicly disclosed in November that the project, along with his association with Lucasfilm, had come to an end.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Stuart Beattie
Stuart Beattie, an initial contributor to the Kenobi trilogy, invested more than a year crafting the storyline for the film that served as the foundation for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Following the cancellation of the movie, Beattie departed from the project, but elements of his work persist in various scenes of the Disney+ show, notably the inclusion of Darth Vader as the primary antagonist.
Hossein Amini
Initially brought on to assist Daldry in crafting the Kenobi film, Hossein Amini’s storyline, deemed less optimistic by Kathleen Kennedy, led to dissatisfaction, prompting his dismissal in early 2020. The halt in pre-production occurred as a result. Joby Harold stepped in for rewrites, overseeing significant changes alongside director Deborah Chow. The focus shifted to center Obi-Wan’s narrative on Leia and explore how their relationship would ultimately impact Ben Solo. Commencing production in 2021 after COVID-related delays and script revisions, the series premiered in time for the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim.
Rogue Squadron
Patty Jenkins
At Disney’s Investor Day in December 2020, Kathleen Kennedy unveiled Rogue Squadron as the upcoming theatrical Star Wars release, targeting a holiday debut in 2023. Patty Jenkins, renowned for Wonder Woman, was announced as the director, envisioning a pilot narrative centered on X-wings. Dora writer Matthew Robinson contributed to the development team for the screenplay, although the specific details of his involvement remain undisclosed.
Taika Waititi’s Untitled Film
Taika Waititi & Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Revealed during the Star Wars Day celebrations in 2020, Taika Waititi and Krysty Wilson-Cairns were enlisted to craft a new film, with Waititi assuming the role of director. However, his primary focus shifted to Thor: Love and Thunder, drawing criticism from Marvel enthusiasts and critics alike. The untitled Star Wars project currently lingers in uncertainty, as Waititi has grappled with conceptualizing the narrative for three years. Its fate remains in question, especially with Damon Lindelof’s undertaking poised to take precedence as the next cinematic release.
Lando
Justin Simien
Out of the myriad Star Wars Disney+ series unveiled at the substantial Investor’s Day event, Lando has garnered minimal attention. Conceived to establish a connection with Solo in some capacity and spearheaded by Justin Simien of Dear White People, the primary obstacle for the project seems to be the hectic schedule of lead actor Donald Glover. Despite Lucasfilm’s ongoing commitment to the series, any potential setbacks may be attributed to the lack of progress, and Simien would not be culpable if the plans falter due to a dearth of momentum.
Damon Lindelof Untitled Film
Damon Lindelof and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
News of a Star Wars film scribed by Watchmen creator Damon Lindelof surfaced earlier this year, subsequently confirmed. Following Star Wars Celebration in May, Lindelof conducted covert writer’s room sessions for two weeks alongside Lucasfilm executives and co-writer Justin Britt-Gibson. The narrative is poised to unfold post the events of The Rise of Skywalker, potentially featuring characters from the sequel trilogy.
In an unexpected move, considering her portfolio focused on Pakistani-exclusive projects, Lucasfilm enlisted Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, known for her role in Ms. Marvel, to helm Lindelof’s project. Obaid-Chinoy joins a growing cohort of Marvel creators contributing to Star Wars, although past collaborators haven’t sustained a lasting commitment. Given the ongoing development of the film, a change in the directorial role could occur at any juncture; if Lindelof departs, Obaid-Chinoy would inevitably follow suit.
Shawn Levy’s Untitled Film
Shawn Levy
An upcoming Star Wars film—an announcement later affirmed by the director. The present strategy involves Levy fulfilling his responsibilities for Deadpool before transitioning to the Star Wars project. Described as distinct from other concurrent developments, this film lacks an associated writer, suggesting production may be delayed for over half a decade.
Kevin Feige’s Untitled Film
Kevin Feige and Michael Waldron
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s venture into the Star Wars universe, announced in 2019, has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Serving as producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy, the project lacks a set production and release timeframe due to Feige’s extensive Marvel commitments.
Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki, is tasked with scripting Feige’s Star Wars film as part of a broader deal with Disney. Despite the absence of a named director, Waldron’s close collaboration with Feige signals a dedicated effort to bring this standalone Star Wars story to fruition.
The current scarcity of Star Wars projects is intentional, reflecting a shift away from a tumultuous pattern of hiring and dismissing creatives. Kathleen Kennedy emphasizes the importance of commitment from hired talent, but the reciprocal commitment from Lucasfilm is crucial. Some dismissals, like Stephen Daldry’s, may have been avoidable, raising questions about whether Solo’s impact altered Star Wars’ approach, potentially steering the franchise in a direction that neglects valuable lessons.
