The Surprising Omission in James Mangold's New Star Wars Film

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny director, James Mangold, is set to helm his own Star Wars film, but he is determined to venture into unexplored territory. Two key terms will be absent from his upcoming movie, which is set thousands of years prior to the saga films.

Reportedly, the film will delve into the origins of the Jedi Order, introducing force-sensitive characters before the creation of familiar terminology. During an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, the host inquired about the inclusion of the words "Jedi" or "Midi-chlorians."

"I cannot provide any definite assurances, but it will occur prior to Jedi, implying that you may encounter something that could potentially evolve into Jedi," replied Mangold. "While others may approach filmmaking differently, I personally believe that individuals should establish their identity before labeling their organization. Therefore, there is no need to come up with a name for your entity.”

Mangold explained that the Jedi Order's cult wouldn't use that name yet and wouldn't understand how the force worked. The director's primary interest lies in this aspect. Although he appreciated George Lucas's work, he aimed to create a story with emotional depth and wasn't overly concerned about continuity errors due to setting the film in the distant past.

This is where Mangold feels most comfortable. His fans know that he enjoys deviating from mainstream storytelling. Instead of catering to a broad audience, he tends to explore more mature themes in his narratives. The success of Andor indicates that it's the right time for these types of stories. His expertise lies in focusing on characters and telling emotionally impactful tales. The result will undoubtedly be a Star Wars film unlike any other seen by fans.

Mangold's ability to think outside the box has always set him apart. Instead of immediately immersing himself in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, he first delved into the world of X-Men. However, he did not aim to create a typical ensemble film. In 2017, he directed Logan, which marked Hugh Jackman's final appearance as Wolverine. The film told an emotionally resonant story of fatherhood and redemption, reminiscent of Westerns. It received critical acclaim and was hailed as the highest-ranked X-Men film, propelling Mangold's career and opening the door for him to take on a new Star Wars project. Yet, true to his style, Mangold was determined to create something unique and distinct from his previous work in other franchises.