Taika Waititi Confirms Indefinite Hiatus for Star Wars Film Amid Mixed Reception of 'Klara and the Sun'

Key points

• Taika Waititi confirmed to Inverse that his Star Wars film is officially on hold indefinitely.
• Waititi and screenwriter Tony McNamara are now collaborating on a different, undisclosed project.
• The pause follows the release of 'Klara and the Sun,' which has received overwhelmingly negative reviews and a 25% Rotten Tomatoes score.
• Waititi’s current slate includes a 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' movie, 'We’re Wolves,' 'The Incal,' and 'Barn 8.'
• Waititi left the possibility of returning to Star Wars open, stating, 'Ice ages do come to an end.'

Background

Waititi’s Star Wars project has been in development since 2020, initially with Krysty Wilson-Cairns and later Tony McNamara. Previous updates suggested the script was 'hilarious and great,' but progress stalled. This pause follows the critical failure of 'Klara and the Sun,' which critics cited as a tonal mismatch between Waititi’s comedic style and the source material’s melancholy.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Dark Horizons report the news straightforwardly, focusing on Waititi’s confirmation of the hiatus and his current project slate. Inverse emphasizes the 'silver lining' of Waititi and McNamara continuing to collaborate on a new project. ComicBook.com frames the news as a disappointment, noting fan frustration with Lucasfilm’s pattern of attaching and then dropping directors, and citing the poor reception of 'Klara and the Sun' as a potential factor in the project’s stagnation.

Why it matters

This marks the first official confirmation that a high-profile Star Wars project is paused, reflecting broader challenges in the franchise’s development pipeline. It also highlights the impact of critical reception on a director’s future projects, as Waititi’s recent struggles with 'Klara and the Sun' may influence his trajectory within major franchises.

What to watch

Waititi and McNamara will focus on their undisclosed new project. The Star Wars film remains in development limbo, with no confirmed timeline for a potential revival. 'Klara and the Sun' is set for theatrical release on October 23, 2026.