Star Wars: Rogue Squadron film to be directed by Patty Jenkins, the first woman to direct a Star Wars movie

Jenkins was announced as the film's director during a Disney Investor Presentation on Thursday. She also directed Wonder Woman 1984, starring Gal Gadot, which is set to release on Christmas 2021 and had a reported $200 million budget.

Jenkin's posted a video to Twitter sharing her story and announcing her involvement in the project. She explained how her father lost his life as a fighter pilot in service to the military, and how that has motivated her to create the best fighter pilot story of all time.

"When he lost his life in service to this country, it ignited a desire in me to turn all of that tragedy and thrill into one day making the greatest fighter pilot movie of all time," she said in the Twitter video.

"Patty has established herself as one of the top directors working in the film industry today," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said.

"She’s a visionary who knows how to strike the balance between action and heart, and I can’t wait to see what she does in the Star Wars galaxy," she continued.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is set to release Christmas 2023.