David Fincher Almost Directed a STAR WARS Movie Set After THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

When I think about the directors of a Star Wars movies, David Fincher It’s not the first name that comes to mind. The acclaimed director behind View, Fight club, ZodiacAND The social network he built his reputation on creating dark, methodical thrillers that explore the most disturbing corners of human nature. But believe it or not, Fincher came close to making a Star Wars movie, not once, but several times!

Before JJ Abrams he was called to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens and later The Rise of SkywalkerLucasfilm reportedly considered Fincher for both projects. Now, new details have emerged revealing that Fincher has also discussed directing a separate film Star Wars film that would come later The Rise of Skywalker.

According to an industry insider Jeff SneiderFincher has had conversations with Lucasfilm about directing a film set after the events of the sequel trilogy.

The story would have centered on one of the characters of that era, although it is unclear who it would have focused on. The project ultimately fell apart when Lucasfilm rejected Fincher’s request for final cut, a creative control clause the director was unwilling to compromise on.

The situation looks similar to Christopher Nolanblocked his efforts to direct a James Bond film. Like Nolan, Fincher is known for his precise visual style and tightly controlled narrative.

Studios, on the other hand, prefer to retain final say on franchise projects to ensure they align with the property’s larger vision and remain accessible to mass audiences. It’s funny that executives think they know better. It’s a constant tug of war between artistic autonomy and brand management.

What makes Fincher’s quasi-collaboration with Lucasfilm particularly fascinating is his long history with the company and with Kathleen Kennedy. In the 1980s he worked as an assistant cameraman at Industrial Light & Magic, contributing to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi AND Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Years later, Kennedy produced Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonwhich earned a nomination for best film. So there’s a real creative story there, built on mutual respect and proven talent. But not enough respect to give Fincher the final cut.

If Fincher were to ever make his Star Wars debut, Lucasfilm would need to give him the level of creative freedom he requires. He’s not exactly a director who plays by studio rules, and he doesn’t need to, especially now.

Fincher is currently working The Adventures of Cliff Bootha sequel to Quentin Tarantino’S Once upon a time in Hollywood. With his career thriving, he’s in no rush to compromise his artistic standards for a galaxy far, far away.

Interestingly, Kennedy recently talked about a new direction for Star Wars film, one that focuses on self-contained stories rather than massive, interconnected sagas.

“We want filmmakers to come in and tell stories that interest them,” he explained earlier this year. If this approach continues, perhaps there could still be a window for Fincher to bring his vision to the franchise, perhaps with a story set in a completely different corner of the galaxy where he could fully unleash his creative instincts. But, realistically, that boat has probably sailed.

AS Star Wars prepares for his cinematic comeback with The Mandalorian and GroguA David Fincher-directed is definitely something I’d be interested in seeing.