The long-anticipated Taika Waititi-directed Star Wars film finally enters a new phase of development — and the updates are more exciting than many fans expected! If you've been following the saga’s behind-the-scenes progress, you know that this project was first announced back in 2020, but since then, its journey to the big screen has been somewhat slow and filled with delays. Last year, during the Star Wars Celebration, then-Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy humorously acknowledged the slow pace, commenting that “Taika is on Taika time,” a playful way of saying that the creative process was taking longer than usual — especially while waiting for the script to be finalized. Now, with Kennedy stepping down from her role and co-presidents Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping in as Lucasfilm’s new leadership, the picture is beginning to clear. And here’s where it gets interesting: they have revealed that Taika Waititi has actually completed his screenplay for the film!
At present, Waititi is busy promoting his new family comedy, Fing!, but during these interviews, Variety (https://x.com/variety/status/2015131564535885964) took the opportunity to ask about his Star Wars project. According to Waititi himself, he’s deliberately aiming to recapture the playful spirit and fun of the original trilogy — a nostalgic, lighthearted tone that many fans cherish. He described his approach by saying, “The stakes are very high, and there are serious things going on, but there’s also a lot of fun to be had,” emphasizing that his film will strike a balance between meaningful storytelling and entertaining moments.
In fact, Waititi specifically mentions that his upcoming Star Wars movie at Lucasfilm will “harness a little more of the fun from the original films,” suggesting it will incorporate the whimsical, adventurous tone that made the early entries so beloved. The excitement is palpable—yet, as often happens with big franchises, the question remains: will this film truly become a priority for Lucasfilm?
Given Waititi’s track record — from Thor: Ragnarok, which was widely praised for reinvigorating the Thor franchise, to Thor: Love & Thunder, which received mixed reviews — it’s evident he has a knack for blending humor with action. His script for the Star Wars film seems poised to reflect this style, emphasizing a lively, vibrant atmosphere filled with humor and fun. Even though his star has dimmed somewhat since he began working on this screenplay in 2020, he remains a highly respected filmmaker whose creative input is valued highly.
With Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm, the future of Star Wars now rests in the hands of Filoni and Brennan. While Kennedy is still involved as a producer on projects like The Mandalorian and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter directed by Shawn Levy, the decision to move forward with Waititi’s film will depend on whether it aligns with the new strategic direction they envision for the franchise. There’s evidence that plans may have shifted somewhat during this transition period, but the fact that Waititi’s script is still actively being developed suggests the project remains a strong contender for future release.
As for timeline predictions, the Star Wars universe’s next big theatrical chapter will likely revolve around a new trilogy penned by Simon Kinberg (https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-trilogy-simon-kinberg-episode-10-confirmed-kathleen-kennedy/), with many speculating that it might feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey. Assuming that this trilogy and other upcoming projects fit within the new direction guided by Filoni and Brennan, a release date no earlier than 2029 seems plausible for Waititi’s film — if it happens at all. For now, fans will have to wait patiently for more concrete updates.
So, which upcoming Star Wars project do you think Dave Filoni should prioritize? Do you believe Waititi’s unique touch is what the franchise needs right now, or should new voices take the lead? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the lively discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
