Taika Waititi To Direct And Co-Write New Star Wars Movie

Taika Waititi is set to direct and co-write a new 'Star Wars' feature film.

The 44-year-old filmmaker has been lined up to helm and write an upcoming new movie in the hugely popular sci-fi franchise, which will be set for a theatrical release, according to a press release.

Krysty Wilson-Cairns will assist Waititi in co-writing the script for the film, which does not yet have a confirmed title or release date.

In addition, Russian Dolls' Emmy-nominated writer Leslye Headland is currently developing a new untitled Star Wars series for Disney's streaming service Disney+, which will see Headland write, executive produce, and serve as showrunner for the series.

The show will become part of a growing list of Star Wars content on the service, including The Mandalorian — which is now in post-production on Season Two — and two other previously announced shows — one based on Cassian Andor's life prior to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and another following the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi between Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: A New Hope.

For Waititi, the new directorial role comes as he recently helmed the widely-acclaimed first season finale episode of The Mandalorian, where he also voiced droid IG-11.

The Jojo Rabbit filmmaker was previously rumoured to be taking on the role back in January, but at the time he downplayed speculation by sharing a picture of Fleetwood Mac's album cover for the record Rumours on social media.

However, Waititi did confess he would love to work on a film in the series whilst being quizzed about the potential for him to take on a feature length project.

He said: "Oh, I don't know anything about that. But Mandalorian was my chance to work with some Stormtroopers.

"Obviously I would, but I'm going to just settle for IG-11 being the hero of the entire season." — BANG