Patty Jenkins’Rogue Squadronfilm seems to have been put on the back-burner, but she should still get to direct aStar Warsmovie. Jenkins’ direction of theWonder Womanmovies was defined by expelling the word “cheesy” from her vocabulary and telling the story with real sincerity. Speaking toThe New York Times, when the interviewer used the word “cheesy,” Jenkins took the opportunity to explain her approach: “‘Cheesy’ is one of the words banned in my world. I’m tired of sincerity being something we have to be afraid of doing.” This approach is perfect for theStar Warsfranchise.Star Warsmovies and TV shows work best when they empathize with their characters and tell their stories earnestly.
The official plot synopsis onStarWars.compromises thatRogue Squadron“will introduce a new generation of starfighter pilots as they earn their wings and risk their lives in a boundary-pushing, high-speed thrill-ride.” According toTotal Film,Rogue Squadronwill follow an original story, but Jenkins noted that her film will take “great influence from the games and the books.” She said that she’s “so psyched” to directRogue Squadronand that she’s setting out to make the “greatest fighter pilot movie ever.” Since Jenkins made this comment, the bar for fighter pilot movies has beenset pretty high byTop Gun: Maverick. Jenkins didn’t just want to make aStar Warsmovie as aStar Warsfan; as the daughter of a fighter pilot, she also wanted to make a movie honoring the heroic efforts of fighter pilots.Rogue Squadronis one of the most exciting announcedStar Warsprojects, but there hasn’t been a lot of movement on it. WhetherRogue Squadrongoes ahead or not, Jenkins should still get the chance to direct aStar Warsmovie.
RELATED:Disney Made Two Whole Movies To Explain Star Wars Plot Holes
Has Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron Movie Been Canceled?
Whether or notRogue Squadronhas been scrapped at Lucasfilm or simply deprioritized is a little fuzzy. The film was originally set to be released on July 14, 2025, with Matthew Robinson working on a script. But, in the interim between its announcement and the planned release date,Rogue Squadronwas removed from Disney’s release schedule. When James Gunn and Peter Safran took control of DC Studios andscrapped Jenkins’Wonder Womanthreequel,IGNreported that Jenkins was refocusing her efforts onRogue Squadron.
Jenkins confirmed that herStar Warsmovie was in active development, but did add that it might not get made.IGNlater reported thatLucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedyhad spoken to them atStar WarsCelebration and told them thatRogue Squadronis “something that we still talk about.” Kennedy mentioned that the movie could happen at some point in the future or get retooled into a streaming series. It’s clear thatRogue Squadronis not a top priority at Lucasfilm, but the project isn’t completely dead yet, either. Jenkins may still get the opportunity to put her own artistic stamp on a galaxy far, far away.
Why Jenkins Is A Perfect Fit For The Star Wars Universe
Jenkins would be a perfect fit for theStar Warsfranchise, because she knows how to strike the balance of action and heart and she’s just as interested in the emotions of a story as the spectacular set-pieces it can deliver. The Marvel Cinematic Universe and other recent blockbusters have become notorious for using a too-cool-for-school technique known as “bathos.” They undercut any genuine moment of drama with a goofy sight gag or a self-aware one-liner, as if they’re afraid to express an emotion. Withits roots in fairy talesand classical myths,Star Warsneeds to avoid bathos at all costs.
From Yoda lifting the X-wing from the swamp inThe Empire Strikes Backto Luke refusing to fight his father inReturn of the Jedi, the greatest moments inStar Warshistory take themselves seriously. Some fans have their issues withThe Mandalorian’s side questsand lack of meaningful consequences, but the show strikes this tone beautifully. There can be plenty of humor in aStar Warsstory –The Mandaloriancertainly has its fair share of laughs – but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the drama. Jenkins gets that more than almost any other blockbuster filmmaker working today.
Of all the filmmakers announced to be working onStar Warsmovies –Thor: Love and Thunder’s Taika Waititi,Logan’s James Mangold,The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson, etc. – Jenkins is the most promising hire. Waititi might fill hisStar Warsmovie with too much winking self-deprecation; Mangold might go too dark and gritty with hisStar Warsmovie; and Johnson has already proven that his own deconstructive take on theStar Warsmyth drains it of all its fun. But, based on the style of herWonder Womanfilms, Jenkins would hit all the right notes, imbue all her action scenes with human emotion, and capture the familiar magical feel of theStar Warssaga.
