Untitled Rey Skywalker Movie

Star Wars heroine Rey Skywalker is set to return in an untitled movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, known for her Oscar-winning documentaries. Set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, this film will follow Rey as she takes on the monumental task of rebuilding the Jedi Order.

Daisy Ridley reprises her role as Rey, now a Jedi Master, leading this new journey into uncharted territory. With Rey’s complex relationship with the Force and the Skywalker legacy, this film promises to deepen the lore of the Jedi and provide a fresh perspective on the future of the galaxy.

Dawn of the Jedi

Directed by James Mangold, Dawn of the Jedi will explore the earliest days of the Jedi Order, set roughly 25,000 years before the events of the Skywalker Saga. This film aims to uncover the origins of the Jedi and the Force itself, giving fans a unique glimpse into the ancient foundations of the Star Wars universe.

With Mangold at the helm, known for his work on Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, audiences can expect a character-driven, mythological exploration of what it truly means to wield the Force. This journey into the distant past will showcase aspects of the galaxy that have only been hinted at in previous stories.

The Mandoverse Movie

Dave Filoni, a seasoned creative in the Star Wars franchise, is set to direct a crossover movie uniting characters and storylines from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett. This ambitious project is expected to deliver a thrilling convergence of narratives as it brings together beloved characters and epic story arcs, mirroring the crossover style of Marvel’s Avengers.

While details remain under wraps, this movie is highly anticipated, as it promises to culminate many of the interconnected storylines that have been building in the Disney+ series, offering fans a cinematic spectacle of battles and alliances across the galaxy.

Taika Waititi’s Untitled Star Wars Film

Celebrated for his unique storytelling style, Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi is bringing his creative flair to a still-untitled Star Wars film. Waititi’s project is expected to provide a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, with his signature humour and bold direction shaping this new addition to the franchise.

With no release date confirmed, this movie remains shrouded in mystery, but fans can expect an inventive and original story from Waititi that explores different corners of the galaxy, possibly introducing new planets and characters with his trademark humour and heart.

Billy Zane’s portrayal of Brando is a performance to be reckoned with. The trailer showcases Zane fully immersing himself in Brando’s character, capturing his physical mannerisms and iconic charisma. Viewers will see Zane’s nuanced take on Brando’s intense personality, which elevates the film by making it both authentic and immersive. The trailer’s initial reception highlights Zane’s potential to bring depth to a complex figure known as much for his off-screen mystique as for his cinematic achievements.

A Strong Supporting Cast

Waltzing With Brando also features a robust cast, with Richard Dreyfuss, Camille Razat (Emily in Paris), Alaina Huffman (Smallville), Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World), and James Jagger (Vinyl). The ensemble cast supports the film’s ambitious narrative, bringing a balance of diverse talent that enriches the story and expands the film’s reach to a global audience.

A Festival Favourite with Strong Anticipation

Scheduled to premiere at prestigious festivals including the Tahoe Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Torino Film Festival, Waltzing With Brando is already drawing significant interest. These early showings provide a fitting launch pad for a film that delves into the personal ambitions of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic stars. Selected as the closing night feature at several festivals, it’s evident that Waltzing With Brando has captured the attention of film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, foreshadowing a strong reception when it releases to wider audiences.

Brando’s Vision for Sustainability

Set in the breathtaking scenery of Tahiti’s Tetiaroa atoll, the film does more than depict Brando’s eccentricities; it illustrates his forward-thinking approach to sustainable living. This vision was grounded in the idea that luxury and environmental consciousness could coexist. Brando saw Tetiaroa as a sanctuary where he could escape the Hollywood limelight, immerse himself in nature, and challenge the world’s ideas of ecological responsibility. Judge, an obscure architect at the time, was handpicked to turn this vision into reality, marking a unique chapter in both men’s lives.

In a pivotal scene, Brando explores inventive ways to conserve resources, showing a deep commitment to sustainability. These aspirations align with the real-life efforts of Tetiaroa today, where environmental sustainability is a key priority in protecting the natural ecosystem and promoting eco-tourism.

Looking Ahead

The 87Eleven Method: A Frugal Approach to Production

To make John Wick within budget, the filmmakers had to cut back elsewhere. Enter Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, the film’s directors, who had backgrounds in stunt work and founded 87Eleven Action Design, an action choreography company. They had a cost-effective method: choreographing and designing complex fight scenes in a gym using pre-visualization. This approach allowed them to plan every camera angle, movement, and sequence beforehand, reducing on-set expenses. By the time filming began, the entire cast and crew knew the fight sequences inside and out, minimizing wasted time and keeping costs low.

The 87Eleven method enabled them to focus the limited budget on making every scene dynamic. With Stahelski and Leitch, John Wick established a new model for cost-efficient action films, effectively prioritizing quality over quantity.

The Visual Aesthetic: Limitations Breed Innovation

John Wick also set itself apart by embracing stylistic choices born out of necessity. The long, unbroken takes in the action sequences weren’t just a creative choice—they were a budget-friendly necessity. At the time, the production couldn’t afford multiple cameras, so Stahelski and Leitch opted for single, continuous shots that not only saved money but also became a signature style of the franchise. This creative workaround ultimately made the film’s fight scenes more visceral, a refreshing contrast to the rapid cuts typically seen in Hollywood action.

Car Chases on a Budget

The final act of John Wick features an iconic car chase that might look like a big-budget set piece, but it was actually produced on a tight budget. The team chose a single location—the Brooklyn Navy Yard—and filmed at night, saving money on securing multiple locations and permitting. Using everyday cars like Dodge Challengers and Chevy Tahoes, they avoided the expense of high-end vehicles while delivering a thrilling sequence that didn’t break the bank.

The Success Formula: Budget-Friendly with a Clear Focus

When John Wick hit theatres in 2014, it generated $86 million on its $25 million budget, a 4x return that guaranteed a follow-up. The formula was simple yet effective: prioritize action, keep the plot straightforward, and deliver everything with a stylized touch. This formula allowed the filmmakers to take the franchise forward, focusing more on creativity than financial constraints.

The Sequels: Doubling Down on Action and World-Building

With each new film, the John Wick series expanded in scope without losing sight of what made it work.

• John Wick: Chapter 2: With a $40 million budget, the filmmakers introduced more sophisticated fight choreography and innovative sets, including the iconic House of Mirrors. This sequel generated $171 million, proving that audiences were still hooked.
• John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum: This time, the budget jumped to $75 million, which brought the franchise’s most impressive set pieces yet, including a scene with Belgian Malinois dogs attacking villains alongside Halle Berry. The film raked in $327 million, showcasing the franchise’s continued popularity.
• John Wick: Chapter 4: Boasting a $100 million budget, this film pushed the limits with an almost three-hour runtime packed with intense action scenes. The “car fu” fight sequence near the Arc de Triomphe demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to real stunts, even as CGI was sparingly used to enhance the visuals. The franchise peaked, delivering action that had grown in complexity without losing its gritty, grounded feel.

Lessons for Hollywood: Why Didn’t Anyone Follow Suit?

The John Wick series is a rare example of an original franchise succeeding in an era where reboots, sequels, and superhero films dominate. Its success shows that Hollywood can still produce profitable franchises without relying on established IPs or massive budgets. Yet, few studios have taken note.

Hollywood’s resistance to lower-budget original action films, despite John Wick’s success, could stem from the appeal of high-budget productions or the certainty that established franchises bring. However, John Wick exemplifies that well-crafted, lower-budget films with a unique vision can yield incredible returns.

The Franchise’s Influence and the Future of Action Cinema

John Wick not only sparked sequels but also influenced a wave of similar films, from Sisu to Nobody. These films emulated John Wick’s aesthetic and approach, though few replicated its success. By emphasizing choreography, stylized visuals, and character-driven storytelling, John Wick paved the way for a new era in action cinema.

If Hollywood could heed the lessons of John Wick, it might be able to navigate a landscape where audiences increasingly seek originality and high-quality storytelling. As audiences grow tired of over-budgeted, underwhelming blockbusters, John Wick reminds us that a modestly priced, carefully crafted film can achieve both critical and commercial success.

What’s Next for the John Wick Franchise?

While John Wick: Chapter 4 marked the supposed end of the titular character’s journey, the franchise’s universe is far from over. With a spin-off TV series, The Continental, and a planned film focusing on Ana de Armas’ character from Parabellum, the John Wick universe continues to expand.