Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Film Finds Writer Ahead of Deadpool and Wolverine Debut
We’ve known for a while now that Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy has been in discussions with Lucasfilm about directing a Star Wars movie. A new report reveals that the project has taken a significant step forward by finding a writer.
Lucasfilm has been exploring numerous Star Wars ideas in recent years, but many have not materialized on the big screen. However, the mystery project directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, is now gaining momentum. According to The Insneider, the filmmaker has brought on long-time collaborator Jonathan Tropper to write the script for his first venture into the Star Wars universe.
This development isn’t entirely surprising, given their history of working together over the past decade. Their previous collaborations include This Is Where I Leave You, Kodachrome (produced by Levy and written by Tropper), and Netflix’s The Adam Project, which is perhaps their most famous project together. Tropper also has an extensive list of television credits, including Banshee Warrior, Your Friends and Neighbors, and Jason Momoa’s See, where he served as showrunner.
As for Levy, he is rumored to be next in line to direct Avengers 5, suggesting that his Star Wars movie might still be a long way from production. Levy recently shared his thoughts on the project, saying, “When Kathy Kennedy brought me on board to make a ‘Star Wars’ movie, her central mandate to me was ‘I want a Shawn Levy movie. I want a story and a tone that reflects you and your taste and what you bring to your movies – with a ‘Star Wars’ story.”
Levy continued, “So I have felt extremely empowered. We are in the early days, unfortunately, because the development process was abruptly paused [due to the WGA strike], but I feel very empowered to trust my instincts in the development of this story and movie.”
He also drew parallels between his experience with Marvel and his upcoming Star Wars project. “The experience that I’m currently having with Marvel on ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is showing me firsthand that it is indeed really possible to feel empowered and personal about making a movie within a universe that is bigger than any one film,” he said. “My ‘Deadpool’ movie is turning out to be exactly what Ryan [Reynolds] and I had hoped when we started off.”
“So I’m going into the development of my ‘Star Wars’ movie with a similar optimism and faith that my instincts will be allowed to lead the way,” Levy added.
Lucasfilm announced three Star Wars movies at last year’s Celebration event in London. These included James Mangold’s (Logan) First Jedi story, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s (Ms. Marvel) Daisy Ridley-led Rey project, and Dave Filoni’s (Ahsoka) Mandoverse crossover. Since then, The Mandalorian and Grogu movie has also been announced, and Wonder Woman filmmaker Patty Jenkins is believed to still be attached to the long-delayed Rogue Squadron.
Levy’s Star Wars movie is still in the early stages of development, and with his busy schedule, it remains to be seen when it will move forward. In addition to his work on the final season of Stranger Things, which he produces and directs episodes of, Levy’s name has been mentioned in connection with Marvel Studios’ next Avengers movie, though it is unclear if that will come to fruition.
Lucasfilm hasn’t released a Star Wars feature in theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Instead, the franchise has expanded its presence on Disney+ with various TV properties. Jon Favreau is set to direct the next Star Wars movie, Grogu & The Mandalorian, which will bring characters from The Mandalorian TV show to the big screen. This film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 22, 2026.
Jonathan Tropper, who is represented by CAA, Kaplan / Perrone Entertainment, and Felker Toczek, is a seasoned writer with a strong track record of successful collaborations with Levy. Their partnership on this Star Wars project is expected to bring a unique and compelling story to the beloved franchise.
As always, stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the Star Wars universe.
Source: The Insneider, SFFGazette.com, The Hollywood Reporter
