Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie Aims to Recapture Original Trilogy Fun

Director Taika Waititi has provided an update on his long-gestating Star Wars film, teasing a creative direction inspired by the tone of the original trilogy. During an interview at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival with Variety, Waititi expressed his goal to inject a sense of fun reminiscent of the classic films while maintaining the franchise’s signature high stakes.

Creative Vision and Direction

Waititi’s central aim is to harness the specific blend of excitement and humor that defined the original Star Wars adventures. He stated that while serious events and high stakes were present, he remembers “a lot of fun to be had in those films,” and that is the feeling he wants to bring back. This approach suggests a shift in tone compared to some of the franchise’s more recent big-screen outings.

Project Status and Delays

The director’s Star Wars project has faced significant delays, with a combination of factors from both Waititi’s schedule and Lucasfilm contributing to the holdups. As of 2026, the film still lacks a confirmed release timeframe. It is slated to debut after other confirmed Lucasfilm projects, including The Mandalorian and Grogu in May 2026 and Shawn Levy’s Starfighter, which stars Ryan Gosling.

Waititi’s Previous Star Wars Work

While this will be his first feature film for the galaxy far, far away, Waititi is no stranger to the franchise. He previously directed the Season 1 finale of The Mandalorian, titled “Chapter 8: Redemption,” which is widely regarded as one of the series’ best episodes. He has also provided the voice and performance for the droid characters IG-11 and IG-12.

The Broader Star Wars Theatrical Landscape

The franchise is preparing for a return to theaters after a hiatus since 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. That film grossed over $1 billion worldwide but received a mixed critical response, holding a 51% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Waititi’s film is part of a new wave of cinematic stories planned by Lucasfilm.

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