Star Wars Spin-Off Films Aren't On Hold

While no movies in the Star Wars series have been announced beyond next year's Episode IX, there have been rumors of a variety of spin-offs, including films focusing on Obi-Wan and Boba Fett. A report earlier this week stated that these might now be on hold following the commercial failure of Solo: A Star Wars Story. However, Lucasfilm has now denied this is the case.

The original report emerged on Collider, which stated that future spin-offs were now "on hold," and that the studio would instead focus upon Episode IX and the next trilogy of movies. It took a few days for a Lucasfilm response to emerge, but yesterday ABC News stated that the studio had told them that Collider's initial story was "inaccurate."

According to ABC's studio source, there are "multiple" Star Wars films currently in development, and these are separate from the two movie series that have already been announced. In December, it was revealed that Last Jedi director Rian Johnson was working on a new trilogy, while Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are developing another.

The Obi-Wan film has been rumored for some time, and it seemed to be the furthest along. Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry had reportedly been in talks to direct, while Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan in the prequel trilogy, has stated he is keen to reprise the role. In addition, Logan director James Mangold was reportedly in talks to write and direct the Boba Fett movie.

As for Solo, the movie has to date made $344 million worldwide, which is well below any of the previous three Star Wars movies. Last month, director Ron Howard commented on the film's commercial failure. "I'm proud of [Solo] and the cast and crew worked hard to give fans a fun new addition," he tweeted. "As a director I feel badly when people who I believe (and exit polls show) will very likely enjoy a movie... don't see it on a big screen with great sound."