AsStar Warsgears up for future films, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy explains whycreator George Lucaswill no longer be involved.
Among trailers and sneak peeks at upcoming shows likeAndorandAhsoka,Star WarsCelebration 2023 hyped fans up with the announcement of three new films.Indiana Jones and the Dial of DestinydirectorJames Mangold is filming the first, set thousands of years before the originalStar Wars.The second film announced is led by Dave Filoni and will tie the Disney PlusStar Warsshows together. The third and perhaps most exciting is Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey Skywalker as she tries to rebuild the Jedi Order.
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Throughout mostStar Warsstories, Lucas' ideas and storytelling have been the franchise’s cornerstones. However, Kathleen Kennedy toldGamesRadarthat futureStar Warsfilms would no longer follow Lucas' vision. Kennedy says of the new films, “It offers just tremendous opportunity to introduce new characters and start with something fresh, because we culminated with what George [Lucas] was creating, and now we take all of that and move it to the next chapter."
While Lucas' absence fromStar Warswill shock some, many fans are excited about howStar Warscan evolve. Fans complained thatStar Warsfollows the Skywalker family too closely, limiting the stories that can be told. Franchises likeAmazon Prime Video’sRings of Poweroften struggle to explore their lore, but that’s not the case withStar Wars.The first twoMandalorianseasons drew in record viewers and maintained high ratings, whileAndoris considered some of the bestStar Warscontent ever created.Star Warshas a lot of stories it can tell, and fans are anxious to explore the galaxy with new characters.
Kennedy has assured fans that the story Lucas was trying to tell is complete, and the franchise will move to its next phase. Future films can develop new heroes and villains, and explore novel worlds and cultures while re-establishing the themes that madeStar Warsso beloved in the first place.
As for Lucas, he may appreciate Kennedy’s commitment to exploring new stories. Lucas criticized the sequel trilogy for rehashing his original films and bringing nothing new. With the freedom to leave the original storyline behind, Lucas and his fans might finally get a whollyoriginalStar Warsfilm.
