‘Rogue Squadron’ Grounded: Patty Jenkins’ ‘Star Wars’ Film Taken Off The Schedule & Delayed Indefinitely

Almost a year ago, Lucasfilm finally pulled back the curtain and revealed which project will be the first “Star Wars” film in theaters since 2019’s ‘Rise of Skywalker.’ The new film, titled “Rogue Squadron,” was introduced by filmmaker Patty Jenkins, coming off her huge blockbuster success with “Wonder Woman.” However, since that announcement, there hasn’t been any news about casting or production on the film, even with its 2023 release date. And now, it appears we know why things have been quiet.

According to THR, Lucasfilm has taken “Rogue Squadron” off its production calendar, effectively delaying the film for an unspecified amount of time. The report claims that Lucasfilm wanted to begin production in 2022 on the feature but Patty Jenkins’ busy schedule is preventing that from actually happening, so the film is now undated.

READ MORE: Patty Jenkins Blasts Films On Streaming Services: “They Look Like Fake Movies To Me” 

Obviously, it’s already been two years since ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ and fans were already anxious to know what Lucasfilm plans to do with the “Star Wars” film franchise in the future. “Rogue Squadron” seemed like an interesting choice, but with that film off the schedule no one knows if the studio has another project that can take its spot or if the delay between ‘Skywalker’ and the next “Star Wars” film is going to lengthen even more?

It’s also unclear what exactly is preventing Jenkins from beginning production on “Rogue Squadron” in 2022. The report claims that Jenkins is in development of a Cleopatra film and, of course, “Wonder Woman 3,” with the latter expected to start filming after “Rogue Squadron” was completed. However, with Jenkins’ “Star Wars” duties freed up, it’s not known if she will fast track “Wonder Woman 3” or if there’s another project that will get announced in the mean time? 

READ MORE: Patty Jenkins’ ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’ Will Be Penned By ‘Edge Of Tomorrow 2’ Writer Matthew Robinson

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the elephant in the room— “Wonder Woman 1984.” When “Rogue Squadron” was announced, all eyes were on Patty Jenkins as she was set to replicate her “Wonder Woman” success with ‘1984.’ However, the sequel ended up turning into a critical and box office failure (though the box office was clearly impacted by the HBO Max day-and-date release and the pandemic). But it has to be said that fan enthusiasm about Jenkins’ work has decreased a bit since the release of “Wonder Woman 1984.” While the report claims that the hope is that Jenkins will return to “Rogue Squadron” once her schedule clears up, perhaps the filmmaker and Lucasfilm, both, aren’t entirely keen on her rushing into another blockbuster so soon after ‘1984?’

Regardless, it’s clear “Rogue Squadron” is not going to be in production anytime soon, if ever. So, we’re back at square one, wondering which “Star Wars” project is next up? Is Taika Waititi ready to go? Maybe Kevin Feige? Hopefully we find out soon.