Following the release of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, the Star Wars universe is expected to return to theaters with Rogue Squadron. Directed by Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman, Monster), the film is supposed to explore the more "grounded" side of the Galaxy Far, Far Way by focusing on a team of next-generation Starfighter pilots. Rogue Squadron was announced during Disney's 2020 Investor Day conference, and was given a December 22, 2023 release date.
However, that release date was put into question when The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the movie had been taken off Lucasfilm's production schedule. At the time, it was stated that Jenkins wouldn't be able to start production by 2022 due to other work commitments. Now, a new report points to there possibly being another reason behind the setback.
In a new opinion piece from Puck (written by former THR editor Matthew Belloni), it's claimed that Rogue Squadron 's production delay stemmed from creative differences between Patty Jenkins and Lucasfilm executives. Apparently, the parties couldn't see eye-to-eye regarding the film's screenplay. The report further claimed that Lucasfilm has become notorious for the heavy restrictions it puts in place for filmmakers working in the Star Wars universe, and Jenkins was supposedly not willing to deal with that. According to Puck, the director had much more freedom on the Wonder Woman franchise.
Rogue Squadron technically remains scheduled for release on December 22, 2023, but its production setback could point to an incoming delay. While the reported creative differences between Jenkins and Lucasfilm cast doubt on her return to the film, Deadline states that the Wonder Woman director remains attached to the project, and still intends to helm it.
Star Wars' immediate big-screen future appears to be in flux at the moment, but the Galaxy Far, Far Away will continue on Disney+, first with The Book of Boba Fett (December 29, 2021), and later on with multiple other series, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Andor and The Acolyte.