Damon Lindelof is in the limelight yet again thanks to the success of his most recent TV show, “Mrs. Davis,” on Peacock now. But Lindelof also had a “Star Wars” movie in the works over at Disney/Lucasfilm that has since fallen through. And according to him, he didn’t exit the project by choice.
Esquire reports that in the latest episode of the outlet’s “Explain This,” Lindelof confirmed he had a “Star Wars” movie in the works but then was asked to drop the project. “I was in more than talks to join the “Star Wars” universe,” he said. “I joined the “Star Wars” universe and was asked to leave.” This follows up comments Lindelof made to Variety about his exit, calling his script a “true labor of love.” He also told Variety that there’d still be new film with Daisy Ridley‘s Rey, “but unfortunately not with me.”
That begs the question: what happened between Lindelof and Lucasfilm to force his exit? It’s likely creative differences, as Kathleen Kennedy has a clear idea of where she wants the future of “Star Wars” to go, as evident at the “Star Wars Celebration” earlier this month. But Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is now director for the upcoming film that centers on Rey, not Lindelof.
Does that mean Lindelof is done with the “Star Wars” universe for good? That’s the case right now, but never say never. “Will I get back in line outside the club and try to get back in again?” Lindelof asked himself in the interview. “Absolutely.” Lindelof went on to say that “Star Wars” was the first film he ever saw in theaters, and that he still loves the franchise. “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again,” Lindelof laughed, “or again again try, as Yoda would say.”
So, for the time being, Lindelof has “Mrs. Davis” to focus on, and that’s a whole different kind of sci-fi compared to “Star Wars.” But hey, if Kathleen Kennedy & co. scuttle their new plans for “Star Wars” again maybe Lindelof will pivot back to the galaxy far, far away.