Fans of the DCU and Star Wars franchises may need to brace themselves for further delays in the release of two highly anticipated films. Both Swamp Thing from the DC Universe and Dawn of the Jedi from the Star Wars saga are reportedly facing setbacks, and much of the blame points to director James Mangold.
Why Are DCU and Star Wars Delays Happening?
Director James Mangold is now focusing on a new film called High Side, stepping away from both projects for the time being. This upcoming movie is a motocross-themed heist thriller. It’s based on an unpublished short story by Jaime Oliveira. The story follows Billy, a fallen MotoGP prodigy. He gets pulled into a series of bank robberies with his estranged brother. The film is described as “Point Break on two wheels,” promising a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled ride.
Previously, Mangold and actor Timothée Chalamet collaborated on the critically acclaimed Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. Their reunion for High Side suggests a strong creative focus, which may further push back the timelines for the director’s other projects.
What This Means for DCU and Star Wars Fans
James Mangold’s involvement with Swamp Thing was announced over two years ago, yet progress remains minimal. Peter Safran, the producer, commented on the situation, saying,
“Swamp Thing is not integral to the larger story that we’re telling… we’re happy to wait for him.”
This indicates that while the film remains in development, it is not a priority for the DC Universe’s overarching narrative at this time.
On the other hand, Dawn of the Jedi is part of Lucasfilm’s ambitious plans to rejuvenate Star Wars on the big screen. However, with Mangold’s schedule and commitments causing delays, fans are growing concerned about the project’s future. The release calendar already includes major titles such as The Mandalorian & Grogu scheduled for May 22, 2026, and Shawn Levy’s Starfighter aiming for Memorial Day 2027. If Mangold’s Star Wars film does happen, it may not arrive before 2028 — if it happens at all.
With increasing delays, doubts are mounting within the fan communities about whether either of Mangold’s franchise films will ever reach theaters. This uncertainty is frustrating for many who have been eagerly awaiting these additions to the DCU and Star Wars universes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mangold’s Projects
As Mangold prioritizes High Side, both DC and Star Wars fans must exercise patience. The director’s unique vision has the potential to bring fresh energy to these franchises, but timing remains uncertain. Industry insiders and fans alike are watching closely to see how these plans unfold.
In summary, James Mangold’s new project could become a cinematic success. However, it is currently causing delays. These delays affect the production and release of DCU and Star Wars films. For now, fans can only wait and hope. They want these highly anticipated stories to finally reach the big screen.
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Patrick Webb