Rogue Squadron was supposed to be Lucasfilm's next Star Wars movie; it was even announced via an expensive and flashy promo video showcasing director Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman) boarding an X-Wing while talking about her love of fighter pilots due to her family history.
Unfortunately, the movie stalled due to the filmmaker supposedly having other shooting commitments, though no one knows exactly what those are. As of right now, the chances of Rogue Squadron meeting its planned December 2023 release date are slim, and this feels like yet another Star Wars movie that's found itself trapped in development hell (similar to Rian Johnson's trilogy).
Star Wars fans have, however, spotted a positive update on social media this weekend as author Mike Stackpole - who is credited with creating the Rogue Squadron concept in the original "Expanded Universe" - says he was contacted by Jenkins early on in the movie's development. Some believe that conversation happened recently, though we'd bet it was before the pause button was hit on the movie.
Last year, Hollywood insider Matthew Belloni suggested the issue of movies like this not getting off the ground is a "laughably recurring problem at Lucasfilm under president Kathleen Kennedy." He added that, "Top filmmakers are dying to make a Star Wars movie - until they sign on and experience the micromanagement and plot-point-by-committee process."
After the reaction to the Star Wars sequels, it's no wonder Lucasfilm is looking to stop filmmakers veering too far off the rails (Johnson and J.J. Abrams made some very questionable creative decisions). Kevin Feige and Taika Waititi are both developing separate movies, though there's no word on when they could see the light of day or if they're similarly bogged down by creative issues.
Rogue Squadron still has a December 22, 2023 release date, so keep checking SFFGazette.com for updates as that site is your #1 source for all the latest news on this Galaxy Far, Far Away.
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