‘Poor Things’ Writer to Pen Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie

Last year, Taika Waititi told Variety that his ‘Star Wars’ movie, which is apparently still happening, “will be a Taika Waititi film.” He added, “It’s gonna piss people off.” This set off the fanbase.

During an interview with Screen Rant, which happened this weekend at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan, Kathleen Kennedy provided an update on Waititi’s long-gestating Star Wars project.

Although Waititi has been attached to the film for some time, progress has slowed due to his other commitments. Still, Kennedy expressed continued optimism, emphasizing that the film will be ready when he is, and revealed that “Poor Things” screenwriter Tony McNamara is has now been hired to write the script.

Now, don’t automatically connect McNamara with quality writing as, yes, he did pen two acclaimed Lanthimos films (“The Favourite,” “Poor Things”), but also wrote “Cruella” and “The Roses.”

Regardless, Kennedy's comments make it clear that the delays surrounding Taika Waititi’s Star Wars film stem not from Lucasfilm or development troubles, but from waiting on the filmmaker to wrap up his existing projects.

“Taika is on Taika time... I’ve always told him, when you’re ready and can fully commit, we’re on board. We’ll be here, waiting. I’m hopeful we’ll get there—it’s going to be a great Star Wars movie.”

Kennedy concluded by praising Waititi’s distinct storytelling style and expressing her hope that they can successfully move through development to deliver a standout Star Wars story.

If I were Waititi, I’d move forward quickly on this project while Kennedy’s still around—wouldn’t risk her replacement shelving it.