Kathleen Kennedy Gives Major Updates on Star Wars Movies — Including Mangold “On Hold” and Kinberg’s “New Trilogy”

Star Wars isn’t short on announced projects — it’s short on clarity.

But Kathleen Kennedy just delivered one of the most direct “here’s what’s actually happening” updates we’ve had in a while, giving status checks on multiple major in-development films.

Some projects are alive. Some are stalled. And at least one is being framed as the next real centerpiece of Star Wars on the big screen.

Why this matters now

With Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership and the studio shifting into a new structure (Filoni on creative direction, Brennan on business), fans are asking a simple question:

Which Star Wars movies are real — and which ones are just names on a whiteboard?

Kennedy’s answers don’t confirm release dates across the board, but they do confirm what’s moving forward, what’s paused, and what’s still possible.

The big update: Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi is “on hold”

Kennedy confirmed that James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi project is currently on hold.

That’s significant, because this film has been one of the more intriguing “new era” concepts—something that could expand the mythos without leaning on familiar characters.

For now, it sounds like Lucasfilm’s priorities have shifted.

The Hunt for Ben Solo is “a possibility” (not a promise)

Kennedy also addressed The Hunt for Ben Solo, describing it as a possibility rather than an active greenlight.

That wording matters.

It’s not dead, but it’s also not something Lucasfilm is presenting as locked in. It sits in that Star Wars limbo zone: ideas with momentum, but not necessarily a slot.

Taika Waititi has turned in a script

After years of “Taika is still working on it” updates, Kennedy confirmed Waititi has turned in a script.

That’s not the same as a production date, of course—but it’s the first time in a while this project has sounded like it has something tangible behind it.

Simon Kinberg’s films are “the new trilogy”

This is the headline hiding in plain sight.

Kennedy referred to Simon Kinberg’s movies as “the new trilogy,” suggesting that this is the most structured, franchise-forward plan currently in motion.

Not “a trilogy idea.” Not “in development.”

The new trilogy.

That’s a major signal that Lucasfilm wants a clearer theatrical backbone again—something Star Wars has lacked since the sequel trilogy ended.

Donald Glover turned in a script for Lando

Kennedy also confirmed that Donald Glover has turned in a script for the Lando movie.

This is a big deal because Lando has been one of those projects fans assumed might quietly vanish. Instead, it now sounds like it’s at least creatively active.

Whether it becomes a film or evolves into something else (Star Wars loves doing that) is still open—but the project clearly hasn’t been abandoned.

Star Wars: Starfighter might have a sequel

And finally: Kennedy suggested that Star Wars: Starfighter could potentially have a sequel.

That’s notable because Starfighter has been positioned as a theatrical step into the next era—something more standalone, more accessible, and potentially a new launchpad.

Talking about sequels this early is basically Lucasfilm thinking in franchise planning terms again, not just single films.

Why this matters to Star Wars fans

This update says something bigger than the individual projects:

Star Wars films are being reshuffled into tiers.

• Some projects are paused
• Some are possible
• Some are real and actively being shaped
• And Kinberg’s trilogy sounds like it’s being positioned as the next mainline anchor

It also suggests Lucasfilm wants a healthier pipeline: fewer “announced and vanished” projects, and more development that actually reaches script stage.

What Comes Next

If you’re reading this as “Star Wars is cancelling everything,” that’s not the picture here.

This sounds more like Lucasfilm tightening the map before the next era begins:

• keep what’s strongest
• pause what doesn’t fit the new schedule
• build a clear trilogy spine again
• and expand outward from there (Lando, Waititi, Starfighter follow-ups)

It’s not the end of the chaos completely—this is Star Wars, after all.

But it is a rare moment of clarity.

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