Disney Replaces Untitled ‘Star Wars’ Film with ‘Ice Age 6’ on 2026 Slate

In a surprising shift, Disney has removed its untitled Star Wars movie from its 2026 release calendar, replacing it with Ice Age 6. This move marks a significant change for the Star Wars franchise, which has seen several projects come and go over the years without materializing.

The Star Wars film, which was scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, had been widely speculated to follow the character Rey, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, as she builds a new Jedi Order. The film was set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, with a screenplay originally penned by Steven Knight (who left the project earlier this year). This film was seen as a potential continuation of the Star Wars saga after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (2019). However, following multiple changes in the creative team—including departures by screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson—the project has now been removed from Disney’s calendar.

The Star Wars franchise has faced numerous setbacks over the years. Announcements of new projects from directors such as Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), Kevin Feige (Marvel Studios), Rian Johnson (The Last Jedi), and the Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have all been made, only for these projects to eventually be shelved or canceled. Disney and Lucasfilm’s commitment to the franchise remains, but these ongoing delays highlight the complexities of continuing the beloved saga.

In the place of the untitled Star Wars film, Disney has now slotted Ice Age 6, the latest installment in the beloved animated franchise, which is set to hit theaters in 2026. The Ice Age series, which has enjoyed a long run of success with audiences, will bring back familiar voices, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg. This move reflects Disney’s ongoing confidence in the Ice Age franchise, as the series continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

In other Star Wars news, the next film in the franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, is still set for release in May 2026. Additionally, Lucasfilm recently announced that Simon Kinberg, known for his work on the X-Men films, will write and produce a new Star Wars trilogy, continuing the studio’s commitment to expanding the galaxy far, far away.

With Ice Age 6 now officially taking the December 2026 spot, the future of Star Wars on the big screen remains uncertain—but Disney’s shift in focus to other established franchises, including Ice Age, shows that they are still aiming for big success in the coming years.