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Guillermo Del Toro’s Canceled Star Wars Film Was Jabba The Hutt’s ‘Scarface’ Origin

Famed director Guillermo Del Toro, known for his works such as Pan’s Labyrinth, Pacific Rim, and the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water, once had a vision for a Star Wars film. Del Toro divulged details of his shelved project on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in a recently resurfaced clip from 2015, where he expressed his desire to portray Jabba the Hutt’s rise in the crime syndicate, mirroring the ascent of Tony Montana in the 1984 film, Scarface.

“I would love to do a Jabba the Hutt Scarface, his ascension in the crime family. But it’s not a plan. I’m not announcing it. Don’t pick it up.” Del Toro also joked about his connection with Jabba, saying, “I just love monsters, and Jabba is a.) basically my same shirt size, and b.) I love him, man.” He continued to share the profound impact the original 1977 Star Wars movie had on him, admitting to watching it multiple times in a single day.

Although Del Toro’s vision for a Jabba the Hutt story remains unrealized, the expanding Star Wars universe on Disney+ might still hold potential for such a project. For context, Scarface traces the journey of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, rising through Miami’s crime ranks. Noteworthy performances in the film also include Michelle Pfieffer, Steven Bauer, and F. Murray Abraham.

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Despite not venturing into the Star Wars realm, Del Toro’s career has seen no shortage of accolades. In 2017, he clinched the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars for The Shape of Water. By 2021, he directed Nightmare Alley, and a year later, won Best Animated Feature for his rendition of Pinocchio.

While Del Toro’s current filmmaking inclinations might not align perfectly with Disney’s Star Wars vision, fans can anticipate exciting projects in the pipeline. Notably, forthcoming Star Wars films include James Mangold’s tale about the Force’s origins, a venture by Dave Filoni (Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), and another starring Daisy Ridley as Rey, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.