Cancelled Star Wars Projects We Still Hope to See

The Star Wars universe has captured our imaginations for decades, with its epic tales of Jedi, Sith, and far-off galaxies. Yet, not every story planned for the big or small screen has made it to us, leaving a trail of intriguing projects that never saw the light of day.

From bold standalone films to ambitious TV series, these cancelled ideas still spark excitement among us, teasing what could have been. Below, we dive into every Star Wars movie and show that was scrapped, holding out hope that some might one day return.

1. Splinter of the Mind’s Eye (1978)

George Lucas once planned a low-budget sequel to ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ based on Alan Dean Foster’s novel. It followed Luke and Leia on Mimban, hunting for the Kaiburr crystal, a relic that boosted Jedi powers. Conceived as a backup if the original film flopped, it was shelved when ‘Star Wars’ became a massive hit. The story’s intimate focus on Force lore and character-driven adventure still feels like a missed gem.

2. Wookiee Film (1980)

Lucas envisioned a movie centered entirely on Wookiees, exploring their culture and lush homeworld of Kashyyyk. Life-debts and their warrior spirit were key themes. Mentioned briefly in 1980, the project faded after ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ shifted focus. A Wookiee-led story could still bring a fresh, grounded angle to the saga.

3. Droids Film (1980)

Another early Lucas idea was a film starring only C-3PO and R2-D2, with no human characters. Pitched after ‘A New Hope,’ it aimed to showcase the droids’ unique adventures. The concept was dropped as the main trilogy took priority. With the upcoming ‘A Droid Story’ animated project, this idea might find new life.

4. Star Wars: Underworld (2005-2010)

This live-action series was set to explore the gritty criminal underbelly of Coruscant during the Empire’s rise. Over 50 scripts were written, featuring characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Boba Fett in a dark, noir-style drama. Budget issues halted it in 2010. Test footage and its ambitious scope keep our hopes alive for a revival.

5. Star Wars Detours (2012-2013)

A comedic animated series from the ‘Robot Chicken’ creators, ‘Star Wars Detours’ promised wacky humor with celebrity voices poking fun at the galaxy. Dozens of episodes were completed before Disney shelved it, wary of satire before ‘The Force Awakens.’ Its lighthearted take could still charm us if released.

6. Scandal of Blood (2015)

This animated short was meant to tie into ‘The Force Awakens,’ focusing on Leia Organa’s political struggles after her ties to Darth Vader were exposed. Pitched in 2012 as a ‘House of Cards’-style story, it never materialized. A deep dive into Leia’s leadership would still resonate with us.

7. Boba Fett Film (2013-2018)

A standalone movie about the iconic bounty hunter was announced in 2013, with Josh Trank initially directing and later James Mangold attached. Set to explore Boba’s exploits, it was cancelled after ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ underperformed in 2018. The character’s popularity, boosted by ‘The Mandalorian,’ makes this a project we still crave.

8. Obi-Wan Kenobi Film (2017-2018)

Before becoming a Disney+ series, Obi-Wan’s story was planned as a solo film with Ewan McGregor returning. Stephen Daldry was in talks to direct, focusing on Obi-Wan’s hermit years on Tatooine. ‘Solo’s’ box office failure shifted it to a series. A cinematic take on this Jedi Master still feels like a missed opportunity.

9. Jabba the Hutt Film (2017-2018)

Rumored in 2017, this anthology film was set to focus on the notorious crime lord, with Guillermo del Toro and David S. Goyer involved. It was tied to a Mos Eisley story, possibly featuring Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo. Cancelled with other spinoffs post-‘Solo,’ its dark, gangster vibe could still thrill us.

10. Mos Eisley Film (2018)

Linked to the Jabba project, this movie was rumored to center on the seedy spaceport of Mos Eisley. Details were scarce, but it promised a gritty look at Tatooine’s underworld. Dropped after ‘Solo’s’ flop, it could still offer a unique slice of the Star Wars galaxy.

11. Duel of the Fates (2019)

Colin Trevorrow’s version of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ was a bold departure from ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Titled ‘Duel of the Fates,’ it featured a darker story with Kylo Ren’s descent and Rey’s growth as a Jedi. Creative differences led to Trevorrow’s exit in 2017. Leaked scripts show a vision we still wish we’d seen.

12. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss Trilogy (2018-2019)

The ‘Game of Thrones’ showrunners were set to craft a trilogy exploring the Jedi’s origins, titled ‘The First Jedi.’ Planned for a 2022 start, it was scrapped in 2019 due to scheduling conflicts with Netflix projects. Its ancient lore focus, now echoed in James Mangold’s ‘Dawn of the Jedi,’ keeps our hopes alive.

13. Rian Johnson Trilogy (2017-present)

Announced after ‘The Last Jedi,’ Rian Johnson’s trilogy aimed to explore new characters and corners of the galaxy. Despite fan excitement, it’s been on hold since 2018 due to mixed reactions to ‘Episode VIII.’ Johnson’s creative vision still makes this a project we dream of seeing.

14. Kevin Feige Film (2019-2023)

Marvel’s Kevin Feige was developing a Star Wars film, with Michael Waldron writing. Rumored to involve a major actor, possibly Brie Larson, it was quietly cancelled by 2023. Feige’s knack for blockbuster storytelling makes us hope for a revival.

15. J.D. Dillard and Matt Owens Film (2020)

This untitled project, possibly set on the Sith planet Exegol, was in early development with J.D. Dillard and Matt Owens. Details were thin, and it fizzled out quickly. Its mysterious premise still intrigues us for a potential return.

16. Rogue Squadron (2020-2023)

Patty Jenkins’ film was set to follow new starfighter pilots post-‘Episode IX,’ with a December 2023 release planned. Delayed by Jenkins’ commitments to ‘Wonder Woman 3’ and creative differences, it was shelved in 2023 but may become a series. Its high-flying action still calls to us.

17. Rangers of the New Republic (2020-2021)

This Disney+ series was meant to follow Gina Carano’s Cara Dune battling Imperial remnants post-‘Return of the Jedi.’ Cancelled after Carano’s exit from Lucasfilm, it had strong ties to ‘The Mandalorian.’ A show about New Republic heroes could still shine.

18. The Acolyte, Season 2 (2024)

Set 100 years before ‘The Phantom Menace,’ this mystery-thriller series starred Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, and Manny Jacinto. Cancelled after one season in 2024 due to high costs and mixed reception, its High Republic setting and dark tone make us hope for a second chance.

Which cancelled Star Wars project are you most eager to see revived? Drop your thoughts in the comments!