The galaxy far, far away has been full of twists and turns lately, and no, we’re not talking about the Rise of Skywalker plot. Disney and Lucasfilm are once again juggling Star Wars projects like a Twi’lek juggler at a podrace, and this time the spotlight lands on two major updates: Taika Waititi’s mysterious Star Wars movie has reportedly been shelved, and Rogue Squadron is back in development.
The question now is: What happened to Taika’s movie, and why is Rogue Squadron making a surprise return? Grab your comfiest Jedi robe because we’re diving into the latest lightspeed developments.
What Happened to Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie?
First things first, Taika Waititi, the creative genius behind Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, has been attached to a Star Wars project since 2020. Details were scarce—other than the promise of a “fresh and fun” take on the franchise. Waititi himself teased fans by saying he was cooking up something unpredictable, and let’s be honest: Star Wars could use a little unpredictability these days.
However, according to recent reports, Taika’s project has quietly been shelved. The reasons? As mysterious as Yoda’s diet plan. Disney and Lucasfilm haven’t made an official statement, but industry whispers suggest that Waititi’s busy schedule might be a culprit. The man’s been hopping from project to project like a bounty hunter collecting paychecks—Next Goal Wins, Thor 5, and other films are keeping him on his toes.
For now, it seems the Waititi Star Wars movie will remain a holocron on the shelf, but knowing Taika’s quirky brilliance, it might resurface one day in the most unexpected way.
Rogue Squadron Flies Back Into Development
While one ship gets grounded, another gets clearance to take off. After years of radio silence, Rogue Squadron—the long-awaited starfighter-focused film—has officially re-entered active development.
Originally announced in 2020 and set to be directed by Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), the film was supposed to celebrate the “next generation of starfighter pilots.” Unfortunately, production hit turbulence, and Jenkins’ packed schedule seemed to send Rogue Squadron into limbo.
Now, Lucasfilm seems to have found renewed enthusiasm for the project. Whether Jenkins will still direct is unclear, but the fact that Rogue Squadron is back on the table is reason enough for excitement. For those unfamiliar, Rogue Squadron is deeply rooted in Star Wars lore—books, comics, and video games have explored the exploits of this elite starfighter team for decades.
Expect high-speed X-wing dogfights, heartfelt camaraderie, and maybe a touch of nostalgia. If done right, Rogue Squadron could recapture the magic of Top Gun—but, you know, with lasers and hyperspace.
Why Does This Matter for Star Wars?
You might be wondering: Why all the shuffling? Well, Star Wars has struggled in recent years to maintain a steady release schedule for its movies. While Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka have been crushing it, the big-screen side of the franchise has been more chaotic than an Ewok disco party.
Taika Waititi’s unique take on the franchise seemed like a bold move—something fresh to shake up the formula. Meanwhile, Rogue Squadron feels more traditional, a return to the space battles and pilot stories that many fans loved about the original trilogy.
The focus on Rogue Squadron suggests that Lucasfilm might be leaning into what works rather than taking risks. And honestly? That’s probably not a bad strategy.
What Could This Mean for Future Star Wars Projects?
With Rogue Squadron back in the spotlight, it seems like Lucasfilm is prioritizing safe bets over experimental takes—at least for now. That doesn’t mean creative voices like Taika Waititi won’t eventually get their shot, but it might mean Lucasfilm is playing things cautiously as they rebuild Star Wars’ cinematic momentum.
Other projects are still in the works, of course. Upcoming films from James Mangold and Dave Filoni are set to expand the Star Wars universe in new and exciting ways. But for now, all eyes are on Rogue Squadron as it prepares to take flight.
Final Thoughts: A Bumpy but Promising Flight Path
While it’s a little disappointing to hear that Taika Waititi’s movie is on ice, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the Star Wars galaxy. Rogue Squadron has the potential to deliver thrilling dogfights and a much-needed return to the big screen.
Lucasfilm’s approach might feel cautious, but sometimes playing it safe isn’t the worst idea. After all, it’s not about how fast you fly—it’s about getting there in one piece.
So, whether you’re hyped for more X-wing action or hoping for a surprise comeback from Taika Waititi, one thing is certain: Star Wars will always find a way to keep us talking.
