Entertainment

Disney Scraps 2026 'Star Wars' Film, Shifts Focus to 'Ice Age 6' - What This Means for the Franchise

2024-11-15

Author: Jia

Disney's Decision to Scrap 'Star Wars' Film

In a surprising turn of events, Disney has announced the removal of an untitled "Star Wars" film that was set for release on December 18, 2026. In its place, the studio will premiere "Ice Age 6," suggesting a shift in priorities within the company’s expansive franchise lineup.

The Planned 'Star Wars' Film

The "Star Wars" film, which was shrouded in mystery, had Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attached as director, with plans to explore the continuation of Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey. This film aimed to follow Rey on her journey to establish a new Jedi Order after the events of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." However, the project has suffered significant setbacks, including the departure of screenwriter Steven Knight earlier this year, following issues with previous writers Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.

Previous Project Challenges

This isn't the first time that a potential "Star Wars" project has been shelved. High-profile announcements over the years from acclaimed directors and producers—including Patty Jenkins, Marvel’s Kevin Feige, Rian Johnson, and the duo behind "Game of Thrones," David Benioff and D.B. Weiss—have all fallen through, leaving "Star Wars" fans wondering about the future of their beloved universe.

Future Prospects for 'Star Wars'

Nevertheless, there's still hope on the horizon. The next "Star Wars" installment, titled "The Mandalorian and Grogu," directed by Jon Favreau, is set to premiere in May 2026, and an untitled "Star Wars" film is slated for December 17, 2027. This indicates that while some projects stall, the franchise remains committed to expanding its cinematic universe.

New Developments in the Franchise

In a thrilling development, Lucasfilm recently announced that "X-Men" veteran Simon Kinberg will collaborate with Kathleen Kennedy on writing and producing a new "Star Wars" trilogy, reigniting excitement among fans for future storylines and characters.

Conclusion

As Disney pivots from its vision for "Star Wars" toward familiar favorites like "Ice Age," fans are left anticipating what's next in both illustrious franchises. Will this decision mark a broader trend in Disney’s strategy? Stay tuned for more updates!