Taika Waititi says his Star Wars film is put on ice indefinitely

Waititi told Inverse the project is “very iced” and that he is focusing on four other movies.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:52:27 GMT

Director Taika Waititi confirmed that his long‑planned Star Wars film is on hold indefinitely, telling Inverse the project has been “put on ice” while he works on other movies.

What happened

During promotion for his latest film “Klara and the Sun,” Waititi said the Star Wars movie, announced by Lucasfilm in May 2020, would not move forward for the foreseeable future. He added that he has “about four other movies” in development and that “ice ages do come to an end… Who knows?” The comment was made on 18 October 2026 according to Variety and reiterated on 19 October 2026 by The Independent.

What the reports add

Variety reported that Waititi’s publicist asked him not to elaborate further, prompting the director to reply, “Well, there’s your answer.” The Independent added that the Star Wars project was originally set to be co‑written with Krysty Wilson‑Cairns and that Lucasfilm’s then‑president Kathleen Kennedy had noted in April 2023 that Waititi was taking his time with the screenplay. Both outlets quote the same Inverse interview but the Independent provides the earlier development background.

What was said

“I hate to break this to you, but we’re going to actually put it on ice and we’re working on a different thing together,” Waititi told Inverse, as reported by Variety.
“Well, there’s your answer. I don’t even know how to dress it up or make it even vague. It’s very iced. I’ve got about four other movies I’m trying to do,” he added, according to The Independent.

How it came about

Lucasfilm announced the collaboration with Waititi and screenwriter Krysty Wilson‑Cairns in May 2020, launching a new theatrical Star Wars feature. The project lingered in development for years without entering production. In April 2023, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said Waititi was still working on the script. Earlier this year, Felo News covered other Star Wars developments, including Jon Watts being tapped to direct a new Skywalker trilogy (Jon Watts tapped to direct new Skywalker trilogy) and George Lucas opening a museum that referenced his unrealized film plans (George Lucas opens $1B museum). Waititi’s recent statement adds another pause to the franchise’s slate of upcoming projects.

Key facts

Taika Waititi confirmed his Star Wars film is on hold indefinitely. (variety.com)
Waititi said he has about four other movies in development. (independent.co.uk)
Lucasfilm announced the project in May 2020 with Waititi directing and co‑writing with Krysty Wilson‑Cairns. (independent.co.uk)

Timeline

2020-05-01 — Lucasfilm announced Taika Waititi would direct and co‑write a new Star Wars film.
2023-04-01 — Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said Waititi was still working on the screenplay.
2026-10-18 — Waititi told Inverse the project is put on ice.