New Report Reveals STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Cost Disney Almost $600 Million
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker apparently took its production budget to a whole new level of insanity and is one of the most expensive films ever made.
According to a new report from Forbes, the “total cost” of the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga reportedly reached $593 million, making it the third most expensive movie ever made, just behind The Force Awakens and Jurassic World Dominion. That’s far higher than the previously reported $415 million figure.
That staggering sum includes everything from production costs and reshoots to post-production and marketing expenses. Yet, surprisingly, The Rise of Skywalker actually came in under budget. Disney even received over $100 million in reimbursements, softening the financial blow.
Of course, the high price tag doesn’t tell the full story of how turbulent the film’s journey to the screen was. Before J.J. Abrams returned to wrap up the trilogy, Episode IX was originally set to be directed by Colin Trevorrow, who had been developing his own version of the story titled Duel of the Fates. After creative differences led to his departure, Abrams stepped in to steer the finale of the Skywalker Saga.
Years later, Trevorrow spoke candidly about his complicated relationship with Star Wars, saying:
“My son and I have both decided that we are going to watch all of Andor this summer. But I do have to be honest; it has been a struggle for me to engage with anything Star Wars-related just on an emotional level. So, to the team that made Andor, I guess I can say that you’re the ones who’ve finally brought me back in.”
While The Rise of Skywalker marked the end of an era, the Star Wars franchise is finally moving forward on the big screen again. The next theatrical chapter will come with The Mandalorian and Grogu, featuring Pedro Pascal back in his iconic armor alongside everyone’s favorite little green guy, Grogu. It looks like they are going to find themselves on another wild adventure!
While The Rise of Skywalker divided fans, Star Wars remains one of the most ambitious franchises in Hollywood history.