Taika Waititi says his Star Wars film is on hold

Taika Waititi’s long-developed Star Wars film has been put on hold, the director confirmed in an Inverse interview published on October 18. Waititi said he and screenwriter Tony McNamara are working on a different project together instead, without revealing its title or premise.

The update establishes a pause, not a confirmed permanent cancellation. Waititi described the film as “very iced” but did not rule out returning to it. No timetable for restarting development was provided. Variety subsequently reported his comments.

Lucasfilm originally announced the theatrical project on May 4, 2020, with Waititi directing and co-writing alongside 1917 screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns. McNamara, whose credits include The Favourite and Poor Things, later became involved in the screenplay, according to Inverse.

Waititi already has a connection to the franchise: he directed the first-season finale of The Mandalorian and voiced the droid IG-11. His proposed film, however, has not received a publicly confirmed title, cast or story synopsis.

The latest development comes directly from Waititi’s interview rather than a separate Lucasfilm announcement. His replacement collaboration with McNamara also remains undisclosed, with no confirmed production or release schedule.