Taika Waititi's STAR WARS Project IS TOAST

Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Film

The panel says Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars film appears to be effectively shelved. In an interview, Waititi said he would put the project aside while working on something else, describing it as “frozen” among several films he hopes to make.

The panel notes that Waititi had previously spoken more optimistically about the film. He said he wanted to recapture the original films’ mix of serious stakes and fun while giving his story a distinct identity.

Views on Waititi and Star Wars

The discussion is largely skeptical of Waititi as a Star Wars director. One panelist praises parts of Thor: Ragnarok but considers his other franchise work mediocre, arguing that he tends to remake established material in his own style rather than respect what came before.

The speakers also argue that directors, like actors, can lose audience confidence if they stop delivering successful work. In their view, Waititi’s recent output has not sustained the momentum that once made his name a draw.

Starfighter and the Franchise’s Direction

The panel expresses cautious optimism about Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. They see Gosling and Matt Smith as promising, and like the possibility of a story set after The Rise of Skywalker that can stand somewhat apart from familiar material. However, they caution that strong casting and a capable director do not guarantee a good story.

More broadly, the speakers argue that Star Wars needs a clear creative vision and directors with room to carry it out. They criticize what they see as Disney’s preference for controlling creators, and say the franchise has relied too heavily on comedy, callbacks, and nostalgia instead of developing fresh stories.

They suggest possible filmmakers such as Gareth Edwards, David Lowery, Matt Reeves, Ridley Scott, and George Miller, while acknowledging that many current or proposed projects may remain stalled or be canceled.

Presenters and Contributors

Brett Dasovic and Mary