Departing Lucasfilm executive Kathleen Kennedy recently shed light on the current state of various Star Wars film endeavors during an exit interview. Several highly anticipated projects, including James Mangold’s ambitious exploration of the Jedi’s origins, titled Dawn of the Jedi, are currently stalled despite having completed scripts. This film, intended to delve into the genesis of the Force and the first Jedi millennia before the established saga, is described as groundbreaking but has been put on indefinite hold, mirroring the fate of other innovative concepts like the Ben Solo narrative from Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver.
Kennedy also confirmed the existence of completed screenplays for Donald Glover’s Lando Calrissian feature and Taika Waititi’s long-anticipated contribution. While these two films are considered to have a slightly better chance of progressing compared to the Mangold and Soderbergh projects, their ultimate production rests with the incoming leadership team at Lucasfilm, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan. Kennedy praised Waititi’s script as both humorous and exceptional, emphasizing that the decision to advance these projects would no longer be hers. Furthermore, Simon Kinberg's new trilogy, promising fresh characters and storylines, appears to be the most immediate prospect following upcoming releases, signaling a preference for more conventional narratives within the franchise.
The distinction between these projects highlights a discernible tension between creative risk-taking and studio comfort levels. While filmmakers like Mangold, Soderbergh, Glover, and Waititi are lauded for their unique approaches, their unconventional visions have reportedly caused apprehension within the studio. This suggests that the future direction of Star Wars under new management might lean towards narratives that are perceived as less disruptive to the established formula. The creative journey of storytelling, particularly in expansive universes, often navigates the intricate balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation. The evolution of the Star Wars cinematic universe will undoubtedly be shaped by how its new stewards choose to reconcile these forces, fostering new tales that resonate with audiences while expanding the rich tapestry of its lore.
