Disney and Lucasfilm Announce New ‘Star Wars’ Movie from Director Taika Waititi #MayThe4thBeWithYou

Today is Star Wars day. According to the online resource Wookieepedia, it is typically celebrated by sci-fi fans the world over with parties, movie marathons, Star Wars-themed toys, the occasional light-saber duel, and movie-quote exchanges on Twitter. You could also celebrate by reading one of themany Star Wars-related novels, playing a video game, or gazing at your collection of action figures in their original packaging. “It’s nice that this particular date seems to observe and celebrate the power of the Force, and we’re thrilled that Star Wars fans continue to find new ways to connect with a galaxy far, far away,” said a Lucas Films spokesperson.

So it was the prefect time to announce the newest entry in into the franchise, the as yet untitled new film from Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit director Taika Waititi.

Comic Book reports: “[on] Monday, Disney announced that Waititi has officially signed on to direct a live-action Star Wars movie, which is set for a release in theaters, not on the Disney+ streaming service. Waititi will be directing and co-writing the brand new Star Wars movie, joined on the screenplay by Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Though not quite as well known as Waititi, Wilson-Cairns is a fantastic screenwriter and was just nominated for an Oscar for her work co-writing 1917 with director Sam Mendes. She also co-wrote Edgar Wright’s upcoming film Last Night in Soho. Even though this will be his first Star Wars feature film, Waititi is no stranger to the Star Wars universe. Last year, Waititi directed the critcally-acclaimed season finale of Star Wars: The Mandalorian on Disney+, which proved that his style and comedic timing translate well to the popular franchise.”

Despite the fervor of some of its fans, Star Wars Day is not a religious holiday yet, although the Church of Jediism is lobbying hard. May 25 is the anniversary of the film’s release, but we like to say… May the Fourth be with you.