Taika Waititi Says ‘Star Wars’ Film Will “Harness a Little More of the Fun” and Discusses ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Filmmaker Taika Waititi recently offered a fresh update on his long-awaited film set in the ‘Star Wars’ universe while attending the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The director has been attached to the project for several years and fans have been eager for concrete news regarding its tone and direction. Waititi explained that his primary goal is to capture the specific energy that made the original trilogy so beloved by audiences worldwide. He noted that while those early movies had high stakes and serious dramatic elements they also possessed a distinct sense of enjoyment. His intention is to bring that specific balance of excitement and levity back to the franchise with his upcoming contribution.

The director elaborated on his creative approach by emphasizing the need for his project to stand apart from other recent entries in the saga. He expressed a desire to create something that feels unique rather than simply retreading familiar ground or strictly adhering to established formulas. According to Waititi the original films are remembered fondly because they managed to be fun despite the galactic conflict and peril the characters faced. He believes that recapturing this spirit is essential for his movie to succeed and resonate with viewers. This perspective aligns with his history of injecting humor and heart into major franchise installments.

During the same conversation the filmmaker also took a moment to discuss the future of the character Thor who he previously directed in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. With Chris Hemsworth set to reprise the role in the highly anticipated ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Waititi expressed his enthusiasm for seeing the actor return. He stated that he is looking forward to watching Hemsworth’s performance in the massive crossover event. Although Waititi is not helming the new ‘Avengers’ film himself he remains supportive of Hemsworth and the continuing journey of the God of Thunder.

The development of Waititi’s ‘Star Wars’ feature has seen its share of schedule shifts and delays since it was first announced in 2020. Reports indicate that a script has been completed and described as hilarious by studio executives. However the project has moved slowly as the studio refines its slate of upcoming theatrical releases. Despite the wait the director remains committed to his vision of a film that honors the roots of the series while carving out its own space. His latest comments suggest that the project is still very much alive and that he has a clear tonal target in mind.

As the franchise continues to expand with various shows and movies the debate over the right tone for ‘Star Wars’ remains a hot topic among the fanbase. Some prefer gritty and grounded stories while others miss the swashbuckling adventure of the classic era. Waititi seems poised to lean into the latter camp by prioritizing entertainment value and the joy of space opera. It remains to be seen exactly when this unique vision will finally hit theaters.

Do you think a lighter and more fun tone is what the franchise needs right now or would you prefer a more serious approach? Share your thoughts in the comments.