Disney Makes a Surprising Move: 2026 'Star Wars' Film Pulled! What's Next?

In an unexpected announcement on Friday, Disney has officially pulled its untitled 2026 "Star Wars" movie from the release calendar. Fans are left wondering what this could mean for the beloved franchise. In a surprising twist, the film will be replaced by "Ice Age 6," which is now slated for a December 18, 2026 release.

Speculation has surrounded the scrapped "Star Wars" project, which was reportedly set to tell the story of rebuilding a new Jedi Order a daunting fifteen years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” The talented Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy was rumored to be at the helm of this film, with Daisy Ridley poised to reprise her iconic role as Rey. Obaid-Chinoy is no stranger to impactful storytelling; she's an accomplished filmmaker recognized for her documentaries like "Saving Face" and her recent work on the Marvel series "Ms. Marvel."

Originally, there were high hopes for this project, as it promised to take fans further into the "Star Wars" timeline than any live-action entry has before. However, those plans appear to have stalled, and even the much-anticipated script by acclaimed writer Steven Knight—one that was supposed to focus on Rey's efforts to establish a new Jedi Academy—has now been scrapped. This news comes as Knight, known for his recent critically acclaimed work, was set to replace original screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, who had previously envisioned a radically different storyline with an elderly Rey.

As fans hold their breath, the future of the "Star Wars" cinematic universe hangs in the balance. The last live-action film, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," directed by J.J. Abrams, marked the end of the Skywalker saga that has captivated audiences since 1977 with "Star Wars: A New Hope." Yet, while the potential for new stories and characters within this expansive universe seems endless, the path forward in cinema is now unclear.

Amidst these changes, excitement builds for the upcoming film "The Mandalorian & Grogu," which began filming in 2024 and is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. Could this be the refreshing revival the franchise needs in light of recent developments? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned as we await more news and updates on the future of "Star Wars" and its galaxy of characters!