What's Going On With The Star Wars Movies From Rian Johnson, Taika Waititi? Lucasfilm President Responds

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has given an update on the new Star Wars films from Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Looper) and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Hunt for the Wilderpeople). In an interview with Variety, Kennedy suggested both movies likely won't be here anytime soon, which makes sense considering Kennedy just recently announced three different Star Wars movies that presumably are the priority for Lucasfilm right now.

Johnson was announced as the director of a new Star Wars trilogy, but lately he's been focusing on his Knives Out movies--and that is understandable given Netflix is reportedly paying him $100 million for the two Knives Out sequels, 2022's Glass Onion and one more to come.

Johnson's Star Wars movies might not be dead, but they likely are not coming soon.

"Rian and I talk all the time," Kennedy said. "He is unbelievably busy. So we're not actively involved in anything at the moment because he's doing another one of the Glass Onion movies and then God knows what else. But he really wants to step back into the space. It's a big commitment of time, so that's really on him."

As for Waititi's Star Wars movie, Kennedy said his movie is taking some time because Waititi is writing it himself without outside help. The executive sounded confident, though, that Waititi's Star Wars movie would eventually be released.

"Taika is still working away," Kennedy explained. "He's writing the script himself. He doesn't really want to bring others into that process and I don't blame him. He has a very, very unique voice. So we want to protect that and that's what he's doing. But we're going to make that one day."

Kennedy also recently discussed the fate of the Star Wars movie that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige was said to be producing. Kennedy said the movie was only reported in the press and was never confirmed by Lucasfilm, and as such, Kennedy and Feige "never discussed an idea" for it.

Another Star Wars movie that we learned more about recently was the Rogue Squadron film from Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins. The film might not be going forward as planned, but the material could come back in some form.

"Development is a complicated, long-term process. For some people, we're dealing with scheduling. Really talented people are working. So it's often not a 'shelving,' it's just, 'Is it ready?' That's really what it comes down to," Kennedy said.

As part of Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm announced three movies, one of which will feature Daisy Ridley coming back to play Rey once again. On the TV front, Ahsoka is coming this August, followed by Andor Season 2 in August 2024.

The next Star Wars video game is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which launches April 28.