At Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, Lucasfilm unveiled plans for three ambitious films: James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, Dave Filoni’s New Republic project, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Jedi Order. Almost three years on, these announcements have seen little concrete progress. Mangold’s entry remains paused amid efforts to refine its innovative script and premise. The New Jedi Order has undergone several script revisions to solidify its narrative. Meanwhile, as Filoni steps into his role as Lucasfilm co-president, his film appears sidelined for the moment.
Uncertain Path for Filoni’s New Republic Film
Recent developments suggest Filoni’s New Republic movie is not yet locked in. While it remains in consideration, the upcoming release of The Mandalorian and Grogu this summer could determine its trajectory. If the film underperforms at the box office, Lucasfilm might adapt it into a limited Disney+ series rather than pursuing a theatrical version. Additionally, Ahsoka Season 3 has not received official approval and could potentially be shelved.
Why This Shift Makes Strategic Sense
These possibilities align with Lucasfilm’s current strategy, treating The Mandalorian and Grogu as a key benchmark for bringing New Republic narratives from Disney+ to cinemas. A strong performance would likely encourage more feature films in this timeline, building on the success of interconnected streaming stories. Conversely, disappointing results might prompt a reevaluation, steering toward alternative projects.
Although Disney has signaled a reduced emphasis on streaming by informing the Andor team that the model is no longer viable, the studio continues to develop Disney+ content. Repurposing Filoni’s crossover event as a series would allow closure to ongoing arcs from The Mandalorian and Grogu and Ahsoka Season 2. This mirrors past decisions, such as converting planned Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi films into television formats.
Potential Finale for the New Republic Era
Should Lucasfilm opt for a series adaptation, it could serve as a conclusive chapter for the New Republic storyline. With significant investment in elements like Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return, the studio is unlikely to abandon these threads entirely. Filoni would have the chance to deliver a satisfying resolution, distinguishing it from shorter-lived projects like The Acolyte. As the original flagship Disney+ series, The Mandalorian merits a thorough send-off, whether on screen or streaming.
Box Office Expectations for The Mandalorian and Grogu
The film’s prospects appear solid, bolstered by the Star Wars brand’s track record, which includes just one notable underperformer. That outlier, Solo: A Star Wars Story, was Disney’s previous summer release. Current promotional efforts for The Mandalorian and Grogu have generated modest buzz, but upcoming materials could build anticipation and drive strong ticket sales.
