Taika Waititi Skillfully Avoids A Question About Lucasfilm Wanting Him To Direct A 'Star Wars' Film

If you’ve been following the trajectory of the “Star Wars” franchise over the last several years, one thing is certain—the galaxy far, far away is in flux. Gone are the days of the Skywalker Saga and George Lucas’ very specific plan. In the new Disney era of Lucasfilm, we’ve entered uncharted territory, where no one seems to know which way to go with the franchise. This ultimately leads to rumors and speculation. And recently, those rumors included Taika Waititi.

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For those that haven’t kept up with all the hot “Star Wars” gossip, the latest involves the filmmaker behind “Jojo Rabbit” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” Apparently, as Lucasfilm attempts to court a new filmmaker to lead “Star Wars” into this bold new frontier, reports surfaced that Taika Waititi is someone that the studio has approached about a new film in the franchise. Of course, even if that was true, the fact that Waititi is finishing up a new film, “Next Goal Wins” and will immediately jump into “Thor: Love & Thunder” after, leaves the “Star Wars” rumor as just that, a rumor. But it’s a damn interesting one, isn’t it?

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at a recent Oscars event, Waititi was flat-out asked if Lucasfilm has approached him for a new “Star Wars” film. After hearing the question and shaking his head, he gave a very political, non-answer.

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“Listen, what does ‘approach’ even mean? I’ve seen ‘Star Wars,’ that’s about as far as it got,” said Waititi.

If the filmmaker does end up helming a “Star Wars” film, it wouldn’t be the first work that Waititi has done with Lucasfilm. Recently, the director lent his skills to a couple of episodes of “The Mandalorian,” as both director and voice talent.

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Judging by his answer, it appears that perhaps the news is premature on Waititi taking over a “Star Wars” film. But he doesn’t flat-out deny it, either.

Either way, Lucasfilm needs to get the ball rolling, as the studio is expected to release a new “Star Wars” film in December 2022.