It feels like every time we get close to a new Star Wars movie, something shakes up the release schedule.
This time, Disney has completely removed the untitled Star Wars film set for December 18, 2026, from its calendar.
For those of us eagerly waiting for the next big-screen adventure in a galaxy far, far away, this news leaves us wondering—what’s next for Star Wars?
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Disney Drops 2026 Star Wars Movie From Schedule
Disney’s decision to remove the 2026 Star Wars film caught many by surprise.
While the project was never officially named, speculation points to the much-discussed Rey-centered “New Jedi Order” film, which was announced earlier this year.
Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the movie was expected to explore Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
This wasn’t the only change Disney made to its schedule. The now-vacant December 18, 2026, slot has been reassigned to Ice Age 6.
While it’s great news for animation fans, it leaves a gap in the Star Wars release timeline that raises some serious questions.
Upcoming Star Wars Projects to Look Forward To
Even though the 2026 Star Wars film has been removed, there’s still a lot for us to look forward to.
In May 2026, we’ll finally see Jon Favreau’s Mandalorian & Grogu movie hit theaters, bringing together major storylines from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett into one massive event.
And just a year later, in December 2027, there’s still an untitled Star Wars project on the calendar. While the details about this one are still under wraps.
Disney seems to be taking a thoughtful approach, giving each project the time and care it needs to deliver something truly special.
Disney Star Wars Should Focus on Delivering, Not Teasing
While there’s still a lot to look forward to with the upcoming Star Wars projects, you and I both know the frustration that comes with these constant delays and cancellations.
As exciting as these future films sound, it’s hard not to feel a bit cautious, especially when so many announcements in the past have left us hanging.
How many times have we seen a Star Wars project revealed, only for it to face delays, creative changes, or even outright cancellation?
It’s understandable that fans feel let down when their anticipation builds, only to be met with uncertainty.
Star Wars fans have felt this frustration before. If you remember, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, directed by Patty Jenkins, was initially announced with great excitement, but by September 2022, it was removed from Disney’s release schedule.
By May 2023, reports confirmed it was no longer in active development.
Perhaps Disney could take a page from successful strategies in other franchises—wait until the project is nearly complete, or at least firmly in production, before making grand announcements.
Unveiling a Star Wars film with a finished trailer, ready to ignite excitement without the fear of delays, would have an undeniable impact.
This approach wouldn’t just manage expectations—it could rekindle the magic of surprise that Star Wars fans crave.