The next batch of Star Wars movies is finally on its way, with Disney and Lucasfilm expected to announce all of their upcoming projects soon. But, one of these reported films has had an unusual change in writers. With Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson exiting, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is now taking charge.
After the announcement of major layoffs in Disney’s entertainment division, with almost 7000 jobs being cut, eyes are now on their biggest-selling franchises to see how they perform. Star Wars is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular franchises under the Disney umbrella, but they have yet to release a new movie since the debut of their streaming service.
Instead, on Disney Plus, we have seen stories such as The Mandalorian, Andor, The Bad Batch, and Kenobi play out in an episodic format. But fans are eager for some fresh Jedi and Sith characters to make their return to the big screen.
There is now major pressure on Kathleen Kennedy and the team at Lucasfilm, after a significant chunk of their fan base was unhappy with the resolution of the Sequel Trilogy. The next Star Wars movie will have to hit the mark, but one of the earlier projects they had lined up with the touted writer Damon Lindelof has seemingly derailed.
Why did Lindelof exit Star Wars film?
According to a recent report, from Above the Line, screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson exited the film just days after they were expected to turn in their script for the Star Wars project. It was also reported that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who was set to direct Lindelof’s new movie, will stay involved in the production.
At this point, there is only speculation as to why Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson left the project. But, as Kathleen Kennedy had already selected Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy for the film, and seems to be sticking by her, one theory Star fans have suggested is creative differences between the writers and director.
Another suggestion is that Lindelof’s script for the upcoming movie might not have hit the mark that Disney was hoping for with their comeback Star Wars movie. Following the controversial Sequel Trilogy, it is possible that Disney could have a pre-planned idea for how they want to re-introduce the franchise and what events they want to unfold.
What is Steven Knight’s Star Wars about?
In Lindelof’s absence, British screenwriter Steven Knight will now take the helm and work alongside Obaid-Chinoy in the new Star Wars. Steven Knight is best known for his excellent work in the Peaky Blinders series. While this highly anticipated movie probably won’t be as gritty as the gangster drama, his writing could present a unique tone for Star Wars.
We know that this undertaking is expected to be a standalone movie and that it will take place after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. But, how far exactly remains to be seen. Plans for a new trilogy were put on hold indefinitely after the Skywalker Saga wrapped up, due to the release of Disney Plus.
As of now, few other details have been revealed about Steven Knight’s script, but he will have a myriad of options. Rey actress, Daisy Ridley, revealed that she would be “open” to returning. So, a narrative on Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order and potentially returning to the Jedi Temple in Coruscant could be on the cards.
The upcoming Ahsoka show is set to feature “The New Beyond”, an unexplored region where Ezra and Thrawn are brought by the Purgil in Star Wars: Rebels. With this new region being introduced, there is plenty of potential for Steven Knight to take advantage of.
We will know more details about this future Star Wars movie when it is officially announced at Star Wars: Celebration, on April 7.