Ever wondered how much it really costs to bring a galaxy far, far away to life? The financial secrets behind Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker have finally been unveiled, and the numbers are as epic as the film itself. But here’s where it gets controversial: Disney didn’t just spend a fortune—they spent nearly $593.7 million, making it the third most expensive movie ever created. That’s right, only The Force Awakens and Jurassic World: Dominion outrank it in the history of blockbuster budgets.
Released in 2019, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (also known as Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) marked the final chapter in the sequel trilogy, following The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). Co-written, produced, and directed by J.J. Abrams, the film grossed approximately $1.077 billion globally, cementing its place in cinematic history. But the question on everyone’s mind is: Was it worth the cost?
According to Forbes, the budget for The Rise of Skywalker ballooned by $10.1 million during production, pushing the total expenditure to that staggering $593.7 million. And this is the part most people miss: Movie budgets are often shrouded in secrecy, with studios bundling costs into their overall expenses. However, films produced in the U.K. tell a different story. Studios filming there can claim a reimbursement of up to 25.5% of their spending, provided at least 10% of the film’s core costs are incurred in the country. To qualify, studios set up separate companies for each U.K.-based production and file legally-binding financial statements, which eventually become public record.
This transparency is how we know the exact cost of The Rise of Skywalker. But it also raises a thought-provoking question: Does the U.K.’s reimbursement policy give it an unfair advantage in attracting blockbuster productions? Or is it a fair incentive for boosting local economies?
Starring Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, and John Boyega as Finn, the film is now available to stream on Disney+. While fans continue to debate its place in the Star Wars canon, one thing is clear: The Rise of Skywalker is a testament to the sheer scale and ambition of modern filmmaking.
What do you think? Was the nearly $600 million price tag justified, or could Disney have achieved the same impact with a smaller budget? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this galactic financial saga!
