Denis Villeneuve Explains Why He Will Not Direct a Star Wars Film

The acclaimed director cites his disillusionment with the franchise since 1983’s Return of the Jedi as the key reason.

Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Arrival, revealed on The Town podcast that he has no interest in directing a Star Wars film.
Villeneuve's passion for Star Wars began with A New Hope and peaked with The Empire Strikes Back, which he described as a transformative experience.
The director expressed disappointment with Return of the Jedi, citing the introduction of the Ewoks and a tonal shift toward a more child-focused narrative as pivotal issues.
Villeneuve criticized the franchise for becoming too formulaic and rigid, stating that it now lacks the surprises and creative freedom he values in filmmaking.
Currently, Villeneuve is focused on completing his Dune trilogy, with Dune Messiah in development as the potential final installment.