Disney Rejected David Fincher’s Star Wars Movie Pitch Over Creative Control

Acclaimed director David Fincher recently pitched a new Star Wars film to Lucasfilm. The project would have been set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. According to a report from The InSneider, the talks ultimately fell apart.

The primary point of contention was creative control. Fincher, known for his exacting vision, requested final cut privileges on the project. Lucasfilm, which maintains tight oversight of its flagship franchise, was unwilling to grant that level of autonomy. Budget disagreements also contributed to the stalemate.

A History with the Galaxy Far, Far Away

This was not David Fincher’s first involvement with Star Wars. His film career began in the trenches of the original trilogy. He served as an assistant cameraman on 1983’s Return of the Jedi.

His recent pitch highlights a growing trend of major directors engaging with the franchise. However, it also underscores the studio’s firm command over its storytelling. This creative tension is not unique to Fincher’s experience.

Broader Implications for Star Wars Films

This news follows another high-profile revelation about a shelved Star Wars project. Actor Adam Driver recently told the AP that he and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy developed a sequel idea focused on his character, Ben Solo. That pitch was also rejected by Disney leadership.

The dual rejections signal a specific direction for the franchise’s future. Studio executives appear focused on stories that fit a clear, predefined narrative continuity. Standalone projects requiring significant creative latitude face a steeper path to approval.

The rejection of David Fincher’s Star Wars movie pitch illustrates the careful balance Disney seeks between auteur vision and brand consistency. While fans may dream of bold directorial takes, the galaxy’s future remains firmly in the hands of its studio stewards.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: Why was David Fincher’s Star Wars movie rejected?

Lucasfilm rejected the pitch primarily over creative control. Fincher requested final cut approval, which the studio was not willing to grant. Budget disagreements were also a contributing factor.

Q2: What Star Wars movie did Adam Driver want to make?

Adam Driver pitched a sequel film centered on his character, Ben Solo. He developed the idea with Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, but Disney executives ultimately said no to the project.

Q3: Has David Fincher worked on Star Wars before?

Yes, David Fincher has a history with the franchise. Early in his career, he worked as an assistant cameraman on the 1983 film *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi*.

Q4: When would Fincher’s movie have taken place?

The proposed film was set to take place after the events of 2019’s *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*. It would have explored a new era in the galaxy’s timeline.

Q5: What does this mean for future Star Wars movies?

These rejections suggest Disney is prioritizing narrative continuity and studio oversight. Projects that deviate from a central plan or demand excessive director control may struggle to get approved.