Star Wars’ Most Exciting Upcoming Movie Is Officially on Hold, 3 Years After Being Announced

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As a huge Star Wars fan, I’m so thrilled we’re finally getting new movies back in theaters! This summer we’ll get to see The Mandalorian & Grogu, and then Star Wars: Starfighter is coming next year. Everyone’s really looking forward to those, but honestly, I’m even more excited about what Lucasfilm has planned after that. They announced a bunch of new films at Star Wars Celebration Japan, with a lot of different directors and storytellers involved. The one I was most hyped about was James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, but unfortunately, I just heard some news that doesn’t sound so great about it.

In an interview with Deadline following her departure as Lucasfilm president, Kennedy discussed the future of several Star Wars films. She confirmed that Dawn of the Jedi is currently paused, despite having a fantastic script written by Jim Mangold and Beau Willimon. Kennedy explained the project is unique and doesn’t fit the usual formula, but didn’t say when, or if, it might be revisited.

Lucasfilm’s New Leadership Should Make Dawn of the Jedi a Reality

It’s a shame to learn that Dawn of the Jedi is currently paused. Of all the planned Star Wars films, this one seemed to have the most exciting possibilities. Director James Mangold imagined it as a large-scale, epic story set thousands of years before the Skywalker saga, focusing on the very beginnings of the Force and the Jedi. This would have allowed Lucasfilm to do something truly unique with the franchise, venturing into unexplored territory and introducing a completely new cast of characters. It also offered a chance to finally answer some long-standing mysteries that fans have had since the original Star Wars movie, like how the Force was first discovered.

Kennedy’s description of the Dawn of the Jedi script as “groundbreaking” is a promising sign. As Lucasfilm moves forward, taking these kinds of creative risks is essential. With Star Wars celebrating almost 50 years, it’s clear the franchise will continue for a long time. To stay fresh and engaging, it needs to evolve. Filmmakers should feel empowered to redefine what a Star Wars film can be. Lucasfilm has sometimes played it too safe, relying heavily on familiar elements and fan expectations instead of truly innovating. Exploring new directions allows them to fully utilize the vast storytelling potential within the rich Star Wars universe.

Kennedy hasn’t explained why the Dawn of the Jedi project is paused, but it might be connected to director James Mangold’s recent career changes. He’s now working on a heist film called High Side at Paramount, with Timothée Chalamet set to star, suggesting it’s a high priority for the studio. Mangold is also developing Swamp Thing for DC Studios, leaving it unclear when he’ll be free to focus on Dawn of the Jedi. Hopefully, he’ll be able to return to the project soon. He’s a skilled director who can bring a new perspective to established franchises, and his previous work with Lucasfilm (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) makes him a valuable partner – a partnership we’d like to see continue.

The future of the Dawn of the Jedi project now rests with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, the new presidents of Lucasfilm. While they worked successfully alongside Kathleen Kennedy, they likely have their own vision for the direction of Star Wars. They appear to support the new trilogy being developed by Simon Kinberg, which Kennedy has suggested could be the next major project, extending the franchise into the 2030s. It remains to be seen what they’ll decide about James Mangold’s film, but it would be a missed opportunity to abandon Dawn of the Jedi altogether, as it’s a very promising idea.

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2026-01-17 17:11