Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins is helming a Star Wars movie and it’s a huge deal

After bringing DC’s Wonder Woman to life on the big screen, director Patty Jenkins is moving on to Star Wars.

This year’s Disney Investor Day revealed plans to expand the Star Wars universe going forward — like, by a lot. Plans for multiple series following fan-favorite characters were announced, as was a film called Rogue Squadron. Slated to arrive at the end of 2023, Rogue Squadron is exciting for a lot of reasons — but none more than the fact that Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins will be taking the reins on the project.

Jenkins directing Rogue Squadron is a huge deal because it will make her the first woman to direct a Star Wars movie. Although The Mandalorian has had its share of women in the director’s seat, the films have always been led by men. This new one will change that, making it a big win for those hoping to see more women directors, both in Star Wars and in general.

As Variety points out, Jenkins was also the first woman to direct a blockbuster superhero film with 2017’s Wonder Woman. She’s keeps breaking down barriers in the film industry, and honestly, we love to see it.

From what we know so far, Rogue Squadron will take place in the future, presumably after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. It will follow starfighter pilots “as they earn their wings and risk their lives,” but what exactly they’ll be up against remains to be seen. (No doubt the Empire or First Order or whatever we’re calling it these days will find a way to regroup.)

“It’s been a lifelong dream as a filmmaker to one day make a great fighter pilot film,” Jenkins said in a statement on StarWars.com. She went on to explain why the movie’s subject matter means so much to her:

"“As the daughter of a great fighter pilot myself, some of the best memories of my life are of seeing my father’s squadron take off in their F4s every morning, and hearing and feeling the awe-inspiring power and grace. When he passed away in service to this country it ignited a burning desire to one day channel all of those emotions into one great film. When the perfect story arrived in combination with another true love of mine, the incomparable world of Star Wars, I knew I’d finally found my next film. I’m extremely honored and excited to take it on, and grateful to Lucasfilm, Disney, and the fans for extending that thrill to me.”"

Knowing how much it means to her — and how Jenkins always manages to bring her all to her films — we’re looking forward to this project. So, how many more days until 2023?

Are you excited to see Patty Jenkins take on the Star Wars franchise? Tell us why in the comments below!