The Disney Investor’s Meeting certain smashed fans over the head with a giant, Star Wars hammer. The event, however, was equally notable for the little things, the subtle things. For instance, despite announcing ten (10!) new Star Wars projects, there was no mention whatsoever of the Rian Johnson trilogy we heard about three years ago. In perhaps the most subtle reveal of the day, Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm President, may have hinted at the subject of the feature film Taika Waititi will direct: Dawn of the Jedi.
Thus far Disney and Lucasfilm have sprinkled a slew of references to the old Expanded Universe (now called “Legends”) into new Star Wars canon. Thrawn is a perfect example, as he saw action as the main villain in Star Wars Rebels. The Mandalorian though has dipped even deeper into Legends lore. This season the show took us to the ancient Jedi world of Tython. After the Investor’s Meeting, that doesn’t appear to be an isolated event. Legends saw many references to Tython, and if the Investor’s Meeting is any indication, Taika Waititi will may take Star Wars back to Tython with his feature film.
Did a background graphic reveal the subject of the Taika Waititi Star Wars film?
Take a close look at the background displayed while Kathleen Kennedy is directly speaking about Waititi’s feature film. Notice the diamond-shaped object to the left of the image? Does it look familiar? It likely should. The graphic Kennedy uses while describing the Taika Waititi film bears a striking resemblance to the cover of Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void (see below). The Legends novel from Tim Lebbon tells the tale of Lanoree Brock, member of the ancient Je’daii order:
On the planet Tython, the ancient Je’daii order was founded. And at the feet of its wise Masters, Lanoree Brock learned the mysteries and methods of the Force—and found her calling as one of its most powerful disciples. But as strongly as the Force flowed within Lanoree and her parents, it remained absent in her brother, who grew to despise and shun the Je’daii, and whose training in its ancient ways ended in tragedy.
Now, from her solitary life as a Ranger keeping order across the galaxy, Lanoree has been summoned by the Je’daii Council on a matter of utmost urgency….
Dawn of the Jedi to the big screen?
Whether or not Taika Waititi will in fact direct a Dawn of the Jedi feature film remains to be seen. But let’s be honest – the graphic featured while describing his film is far too similar to the Dawn of the Jedi cover art to be a random coincidence. Sadly, it’s going to be a while before we find out for sure. With Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron not arriving until Christmas 2023, we could be four to five years out for the Waititi film. Don’t worry though – we’ll fill you in on details as soon as we hear them.
For more information on the Lucasfilm reveals, you can watch the Disney Investors Day video HERE.
