November 16, 2024: In a surprising shift, Disney has removed an untitled Star Wars movie from its 2026 release slate, which had originally been set for December 18, 2026. The gap left by the Star Wars movie will now be filled by Ice Age 6, the latest installment in the beloved animated franchise.
While details about the Star Wars film initially slated for that date were scarce, it was expected to be a significant entry in the Star Wars universe. The announcement had fueled excitement, but Disney’s recent move indicates that the project will not make its originally planned release. This shift comes amidst ongoing changes and developments within the Star Wars franchise, as Disney and Lucasfilm reassess their future film slate.
Last week, Disney revealed that Simon Kinberg, known for his work on the X-Men series and Star Wars Rebels, had been tapped to write and produce a new Star Wars trilogy. This trilogy, which will be overseen by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, is expected to explore new characters and stories that are not connected to the Skywalker Saga, which concluded with The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. The trilogy’s direction will be a fresh chapter in the Star Wars galaxy, leaving behind the legacy of Rey Skywalker and the saga’s familiar heroes and villains.
However, while this trilogy is under development, Star Wars fans will also be seeing another key film from the franchise soon. Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey, will return in a separate Star Wars film currently being directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. This movie, which was first teased at Star Wars Celebration in London in April 2023, will focus on Rey’s journey after the events of the sequel trilogy and will explore the rebuilding of the Jedi Order.
As for the Ice Age franchise, which now occupies the former Star Wars release date, Ice Age 6 has been confirmed to be in production. The movie will see the return of voice cast favorites like Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, and John Leguizamo, reprising their roles as Manny, Ellie, and Sid, respectively. The film’s announcement at D23 Brazil last week has generated considerable excitement among fans of the long-running animated series. The Ice Age films, known for their mix of slapstick comedy and heartwarming moments, continue to resonate with audiences, making it a fitting replacement for the Star Wars film in 2026.
While this change is sure to disappoint some Star Wars fans eagerly anticipating the next big-screen chapter in the franchise, it also underscores the evolving landscape of major film franchises, as Disney seeks to balance both legacy projects and new ventures. Fans will have to wait a little longer for new Star Wars films, but with multiple projects in development, the galaxy far, far away will undoubtedly continue to expand in exciting new ways.
