— BIG SHOCKER INCOMING —
As what I’m sure will come as a surprise to absolutely no one, another creative has departed an upcoming Star Wars movie.
Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson have departed their Star Wars movie. Apparently, they turned in a draft earlier this year and then said, “Byeeeee,” in February. There have been no reports as to why they left so let’s chalk this up to our good friend “Creative Differences.”
However, all is not lost because Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) has already been hired to write a new screenplay for the film, which still has Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel) attached to direct. Knight is quite in demand all of a sudden. Between this and a Vertigo remake, he’s giving fans exactly what they didn’t ask for. Bravo!
Plot details are scarce for what exactly this new Star Wars film is supposed to be, but there were rumors that it might be set after 2019’s Rise of Skywalker and feature Sequel Trilogy characters. We’re reportedly supposed to learn more about the movie, including a possible title, next month at Star Wars Celebration in London.
For those keeping track at home, Lindelof and Britt-Gibson join a long list of creatives who have abandoned Star Wars films at Lucasfilm. It was recently reported that Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron and Kevin Feige’s untitled film were both shelved after years in development. Director J.D. Dillard also told TheWrap in November 2022 that his film had been scrapped.
Then there’s Game of Thrones executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss who walked away from a series of Star Wars films they were set to write and produce. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were fired from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Colin Trevorrow was fired from Rise of Skywalker. Rian Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, might still make another trilogy of Star Wars films, but honestly, I’d rather see him do 10 more Benoit Blanc mysteries.
All that said, there are now three Star Wars films still in active development. Besides this post-Episode IX film, Taika Waitit is writing and directing a film he will likely also star in (yay?) and Shawn Levy is directing a film as well, which he will get to after Deadpool 3.
Lucasfilm, I don’t think you know what you want and you certainly don’t know what the fans want. Please, wipe clean everything you’ve touched and just leave the fate of the Star Wars galaxy to Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. They seem to actually have a plan for these characters whereas you seem to be greenlighting anything and everything with no care whether it makes it to the big screen or not. Do better.
We’ll let you know when Steven Knight departs this Star Wars film in a few months. Until then, take care out there in the Wasteland.
Do you think Steven Knight can write a great Star Wars movie?
