Kathleen Kennedy Reveals Star Wars’ Future Amid Her Departure
Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm marks a significant transition for the Star Wars franchise. After years in leadership, she officially announced that she will step down as President, while continuing her role as a producer for select upcoming projects.
Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down
Kennedy’s exit has been anticipated for some time, with hints dropped during various interviews. She will remain involved as a producer for several notable projects, including The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Starfighter. Additionally, she plans to explore new opportunities as an independent producer.
New Leadership at Lucasfilm
Dave Filoni will take over as President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm. He will share leadership responsibilities with Lynwen Brennan, who will serve as Co-President. This new team will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Star Wars universe.
Future Star Wars Projects
- Kennedy discussed several upcoming films that remain in development.
- Jim Mangold and Beau Willimon’s innovative script is currently on hold, pending further decisions.
- Taika Waititi’s hilarious and creative script is under consideration, although it is unclear how many projects will move forward.
- Rian Johnson’s trilogy has faced delays due to his commitments with the Knives Out films and the impact of online criticism.
- Simon Kinberg is actively working on a treatment that should be completed soon, with a detailed outline expected by March.
Uncertainty for Filmmakers
Kennedy noted that the future of these projects will be at the discretion of Filoni and Brennan. While some scripts remain viable, others are more ambiguous. The landscape of filmmaking can be unpredictable, and many creators feel trepidation when considering their involvement in Star Wars.
Looking Ahead
Discussions surrounding a new trilogy are ongoing, with Filoni and Brennan committed to pursuing ambitious storytelling. As the new leadership takes a fresh look at existing scripts, fans can expect developments that may extend well into the 2030s.
The future of the Star Wars franchise is poised for revitalization as it welcomes new creative direction following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm.
