The rollercoaster ride of Patty Jenkins’ involvement with the “Star Wars” universe continues as she hints at a potential revival of the long-stalled project Rogue Squadron. This announcement comes after a whirlwind of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the film’s fate, leaving fans wondering about the direction of the beloved franchise under Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership.
Initially announced with much fanfare during Disney’s 2020 Investor Day, “Rogue Squadron” was slated to be a thrilling addition to the “Star Wars” saga. It promised to introduce a new generation of starfighter pilots in a boundary-pushing adventure. However, creative differences and script issues reportedly plagued the project, leading to its eventual removal from the release schedule in September 2022 and shelving by March 2023.
She told the Talking Pictures podcast, “When I left ‘Star Wars’ to do ‘Wonder Woman 3,’ and I started working on that, we talked about, ‘Well, maybe I’ll come back to “Star Wars” after “Wonder Woman 3,”‘ so we started a deal for that to happen,” Jenkins said. “When ‘Wonder Woman 3’ then went away, Lucasfilm and I were like ‘Oh, we’ve got to finish this deal.’ We finished the deal right as the strike was beginning, so I now owe a draft of ‘Star Wars.’ So we will see what happens there. Who knows.”
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“They have a hard job in front of them of, ‘What’s the first movie they’re going to do?’” Patty Jenkins then said. “They have other directors who have been working, but I am now back on doing ‘Rogue Squadron.’ We’ll see what happens. We need to get it to where we’re both super happy with it.”
Patty Jenkins’ recent revelation that she is once again developing the script for “Rogue Squadron” raises questions about the film’s tumultuous journey and the broader state of affairs at Lucasfilm. While Jenkins’ enthusiasm for the project is palpable, her return to the fold comes amidst uncertainty and speculation regarding the future of “Star Wars” under Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership.
Kathleen Kennedy’s tenure as president of Lucasfilm has been marked by controversy, with fans divided over the direction of the franchise. The handling of beloved characters, the prioritization of certain narratives over others, and the perceived lack of cohesion in storytelling have all been points of contention among the fanbase.
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Moreover, the apparent shelving of “Rogue Squadron” underscores the challenges faced by creatives within the “Star Wars” universe. Jenkins’ struggle to bring her vision to life amidst reported clashes with Lucasfilm executives highlights the complexities of working within a storied and highly scrutinized franchise.
As Jenkins navigates the delicate balance between honoring the legacy of “Star Wars” and carving out her own creative path, she faces immense pressure to deliver a film that resonates with audiences old and new. The weight of expectation, coupled with the challenges of navigating the intricate lore of the “Star Wars” universe, makes for a daunting task for any filmmaker.
Ultimately, the fate of “Rogue Squadron” and the future of “Star Wars” remain uncertain as Jenkins continues to work on the script. Whether the film will see the light of day and reignite excitement among fans remains to be seen. In the meantime, the ever-evolving landscape of the galaxy far, far away continues to captivate and intrigue audiences, offering both promise and uncertainty for the future of the franchise.
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I hope she gets to make her movie. Patty seems like a nice lady so if anyone should make a Star Wars movie it should be her.