Kennedy Addresses Toxicity in the ‘Star Wars’ Fandom

Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm, has announced her resignation, marking a significant shift within the organization. She will be succeeded by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan as co-Presidents. Kennedy’s tenure has spanned over a decade, coinciding with the Disney era of the “Star Wars” franchise.

Kennedy Reflects on the Challenges in the ‘Star Wars’ Fandom

In a recent interview with Deadline, Kennedy discussed the highs and lows of her leadership. She revealed that some of the toughest moments in her role stemmed from a vocal segment of the fan base. This minority of fans often holds very high expectations for the franchise and typically desires a continuation of the original themes.

Understanding Fan Expectations

Kennedy acknowledged that meeting everyone’s expectations is an impossible task. She stated, “You can’t please everybody,” emphasizing that the focus should remain on storytelling and maintaining the essence of George Lucas’s original vision.

Addressing Toxicity in the Fandom

Throughout her career, Kennedy has faced hostility, notably misogynistic attacks, that have not only affected her but also other women in the industry, like actresses Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran. She candidly informs new female entrants in the “Star Wars” universe about the potential challenges they may encounter.

“I emphasize that it’s a very small group of people, with loud megaphones,” Kennedy explained. She believes that while a minority creates a toxic environment, they do not represent the majority of “Star Wars” fans. She noted the significant role that social media and bots play in amplifying these negative voices.

Reflections on ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

Regrets from her time at Lucasfilm include the handling of “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Kennedy expressed disappointment over the challenges faced during the film’s production, particularly regarding the portrayal of Han Solo. She acknowledged that replacing such an iconic character was a daunting task.

Despite the difficulties, Kennedy praised Alden Ehrenreich’s performance but recognized that they may have pursued the project too soon. The film ultimately underperformed at the box office, marking a notable shift in the franchise’s critical reception.

• Kennedy’s resignation as Lucasfilm President
• New leadership by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan
• Challenges faced from a vocal segment of the fandom
• Misogyny encountered by women in the franchise
• Reflection on “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

As Kennedy steps down, the future direction of Lucasfilm under new leadership will be closely watched, especially regarding fan engagement and storytelling in the vast “Star Wars” narrative. Fans and industry professionals alike anticipate how the new co-Presidents will navigate these challenges.