We knew that Disney and Lucasfilm spent quite a hefty amount to complete “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” after production delays and a major creative overhaul on the film’s story after J.J. Abrams stepped in to replace director Colin Trevorrow, but the true costs of the movie are coming to light, which makes it one of the most expensive movies ever made.
A report from Forbes this week claims that Disney is placing the costs of the “Star Wars” sequel around the $593.7 million mark. As big as that number is, it puts it behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Jurassic World: Dominion” as the third most expensive film. Those numbers are being shared with the public (normally, we don’t always learn the full costs of shoots in the United States) because U.K. tax benefits require studios to show what they spent in the country to secure a percentage of reimbursements from government subsidies.
The costs of three main installments, combined with the weak box office of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (also saw production costs balloon after Ron Howard took over directing duties from Phil Lord and Chris Miller), we could maybe understand why Disney pumped the brakes on the theatrical side of the franchise to focus on Disney+ shows and specials.
Disney is back making franchise movies with two more films on the horizon: Jon Favreau‘s “The Mandalorian & Grogu” set for release on May 22, 2026, and Shawn Levy‘s “Star Wars: Starfighter” starring Ryan Gosling has a big screen debut on May 28, 2027.
Other features in development include Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy‘s “Star Wars: New Jedi Order” with Daisy Ridley attached to return as Rey Skywalker, and there is an expectation that James Mangold‘s “Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi” is looking less likely after the filmmaker signed an overall deal with Paramount Pictures.
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
