Director Patty Jenkins’ planned Star Wars movie Rogue Squadron has been in development for a long time. First announced in December 2020 as the next major theatrical feature for the franchise, with Jenkins attached to direct, the project generated significant excitement for its focus on high-speed starfighter action. However, it faced delays and reports of being shelved in 2023, leaving its status unclear amid broader changes at Lucasfilm.
In a recent interview with Polygon, screenwriter Matthew Robinson, who co-wrote the script with Jenkins, opened up about his experience working on the film. Robinson, currently promoting his upcoming sci-fi comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die directed by Gore Verbinski, reflected on the project despite the typical secrecy surrounding unreleased Star Wars endeavors. He described the collaboration positively and provided insight into the personal nature of the story, noting that it centered on fighter pilots in the Star Wars universe. Robinson highlighted how the script drew from Jenkins' own background, as her father was a fighter pilot, making it a deeply personal narrative for her.
“Patty Jenkins is one of my favorite artists in the world. I think she's absolutely brilliant. We had a great time working together. I don't currently know what Lucasfilm wants to do with it. They're in a pretty big state of flux at the moment, after Kathleen [Kennedy] leaving, and who knows what the future holds for them theatrically,” Robinson said. His comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding the project, especially following Kennedy's departure as Lucasfilm president, which has contributed to a period of transition for the company and its slate of Star Wars films.
Robinson expressed satisfaction with the work he and Jenkins produced, calling it a "great thrill" to write and emphasizing the strong script they developed together. He conveyed hope that audiences might one day see a version of the film, even as Lucasfilm navigates its current challenges. The Rogue Squadron concept builds on iconic elements from the Star Wars saga, particularly the legacy of Rogue Squadron pilots introduced in the original trilogy and expanded in various media. The film aimed to deliver an adrenaline-fueled story of aerial combat and heroism, positioning it as a potential bridge to new eras in the galaxy far, far away.
In 2020, StarWars.com shared an official description for the Rogue Squadron film, stating: “a new generation of starfighter pilots as they earn their wings and risk their lives in a boundary-pushing, high-speed thrill-ride, and move the saga into the future era of the galaxy.” This announcement positioned the movie as a fresh entry that would honor the franchise's roots in starfighter battles while pushing the narrative forward. Originally slated for a 2023 release, the project has remained in limbo, with no recent official updates from Lucasfilm confirming its revival or cancellation in theatrical form.
As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve—with successful streaming series maintaining momentum—the fate of Rogue Squadron as a big-screen spectacle remains one of the more intriguing unanswered questions. Robinson's candid remarks offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes, illustrating both the creative passion invested in the project and the real-world uncertainties that can impact even the most anticipated films in one of Hollywood's biggest universes. Whether it eventually takes flight in theaters or finds another path remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from those involved suggests the story still holds significant potential.
