5 Disney-Era ‘Star Wars’ Movies Suddenly at Risk After Lucasfilm Leadership Shakeup

For years, Lucasfilm has built excitement by announcing ambitious new Star Wars movies long before cameras ever rolled. Some made it to theaters, while others quietly disappeared into development limbo. Now, the biggest leadership change at the studio in more than a decade could determine which of those long-awaited projects survive.

It’s important to be clear: none of these movies have been canceled.

However, a recent report from The Direct argues that five announced Disney-era films now face greater uncertainty following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure as Lucasfilm president. With Dave Filoni stepping into a new leadership role alongside co-president Lynwen Brennan, the studio appears poised to reassess its entire theatrical strategy.

The timing makes sense.

Lucasfilm has announced far more films than it has actually released over the past several years. Between changing release schedules, creative overhauls, and projects that never moved beyond development, Disney has struggled to establish a consistent roadmap for Star Wars on the big screen.

A leadership transition naturally gives the studio an opportunity to decide which ideas still fit its vision.

Dave Filoni’s MandoVerse Event Film

When Lucasfilm unveiled Dave Filoni’s crossover movie in 2023, it looked like the franchise’s next major theatrical event. The film was expected to unite characters from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and other Disney+ series.

That confidence has faded.

According to The Direct, the project slipped behind The Mandalorian & Grogu in Lucasfilm’s priorities. Now Filoni also has the responsibility of leading the studio while continuing to oversee multiple television productions, making the film a much bigger challenge to complete.

James Mangold’s Jedi Prime

James Mangold’s origin story about the first Jedi remains one of Lucasfilm’s most original concepts.

Set thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga, the film would explore completely new territory for the franchise. Despite praise for the screenplay, Kennedy previously confirmed the project was on hold, and there is still no production timetable.

With new leadership evaluating every project, the extended delay could become even more significant.

Rey’s New Jedi Order

Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey generated enormous excitement when it was announced.

Unfortunately, the project has experienced repeated creative changes. Multiple writers have come and gone, and the film has yet to begin production despite years of development.

The Direct reports that the movie has reportedly been shelved for the foreseeable future without being officially canceled. Whether Filoni and Brennan decide to revive it remains one of Lucasfilm’s biggest unanswered questions.

Rogue Squadron

Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron has become one of Hollywood’s longest-running development stories.

Originally announced in 2020 with a planned release just a few years later, the project has endured delays, scheduling conflicts, and creative uncertainty. Jenkins has said she remains attached, but tangible progress has been difficult to find.

Now, Lucasfilm must decide whether the film still belongs in its future theatrical lineup.

Taika Waititi’s Untitled Film

Few announced Star Wars movies have taken longer to develop than Taika Waititi’s mystery project.

Despite years of work, the film still lacks a release date, cast, or official title. Kennedy expressed confidence in the script before leaving Lucasfilm, but she also acknowledged that the decision now belongs to the studio’s incoming leadership.

That means Waititi’s film could face its biggest evaluation yet.

Lucasfilm’s Next Chapter Begins

None of these five projects have officially been removed from Lucasfilm’s plans.

Still, leadership changes rarely happen without major strategic reviews. Disney didn’t install new leadership simply to continue business as usual. The company clearly wants Lucasfilm to establish a stronger theatrical future, and that could require difficult decisions about projects that have spent years in development.

For now, every one of these movies remains alive. But after Lucasfilm’s biggest executive shakeup in years, their futures suddenly feel far less certain.