Disney adds four extra weeks to sci-fi spin-off’s production schedule after executives judge early cut as feeling too much ‘like a war movie’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Disney is set to begin “expensive” reshoots this summer for the reportedly troubled new Star Wars chapter, Rogue One.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – five things learned from the first trailer Read more

The shooting of the latest film, which is set just before the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, has been the subject of speculation after a report in the New York Post claimed it was in crisis and four weeks of additional production was needed.

The Hollywood Reporter has supported this claim by reporting an anonymous source who says that the reshoots are to “lighten then mood, bring some levity into the story and restore a sense of fun to the adventure”.

It was reportedly screened for Disney executives who felt the film’s tone – apparently reminiscent of a war movie – jarred with the “classic” Star Wars feel.

Director Gareth Edwards, known for Monsters and Godzilla, will now head back into shooting this summer in order to meet the film’s December release date.

The film, one of a number of spin-offs to be set within the Star Wars universe, will focus on a plot to steal the plans for the Death Star. It stars Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker and Diego Luna.

Last year’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens has made more than $2bn (£1.4bn) worldwide, and analysts are tipping Rogue One to be one of 2016’s biggest box office hits. Production is already underway on Star Wars: Episode VIII, the next chapter of the central franchise, and a Han Solo origins film will be the next spin-off.