rian Johnson, please, the kids need you back in the cockpit (aka the director’s chair).
Photo: Lucasfilm Ltd./Courtesy Everett Collection
What would it take to get Rian Johnson back to Star Wars? Johnson seems more content with seeing others tackle that franchise for now. While at this year’s Sundance Film Festival,Johnson
## Rian Johnson’s potential Return to *Star Wars* Delayed by Netflix Deal and Online Negativity
The future of a potential *Star Wars* trilogy helmed by Rian Johnson has been in limbo since the release of *The Last Jedi* in 2017 [[1]].Lucasfilm initially announced the trilogy, but the divisive reaction to Johnson’s *The Last Jedi* sparked a culture war that continues to impact the franchise [[2]].
Outgoing Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, in a recent exit interview with *Deadline*, revealed that Johnson’s subsequent commitments to Netflix – specifically the *Knives Out* films and *Stranger Things* through Shawn Levy’s involvement – significantly occupied his time [[3]]. Though, Kennedy also candidly admitted that Johnson “got spooked by the online negativity” following the backlash to *The Last Jedi* [[4]]. she stated that despite believing Johnson made “one of the best *Star Wars* movies,” he was frightened by the reaction, a sentiment she says is common among those entering the *Star wars* universe [[5]].
It’s official. Kathleen Kennedy is leaving Lucasfilm. And, in a new interview talking about the decision, the producer offered updates on several Star Wars movies that may, or may not, be coming in the future.
“Jim Mangold and Beau Willimon wrote an incredible script, but it is indeed definitely breaking the mold, and it’s on hold,” Kennedy told Deadline. “Taika [Waititi] has turned in a script that I think is hilarious and great. it’s not just my decision, especially when I’ve got a foot out the door.Donald Glover has turned in a script. And as you have read,Steve Soderbergh and Adam Driver turned in a script written by Scott Burns. It was just great. Anything’s a possibility if somebody’s willing to take a risk.”
The Mangold-Willimon script is the Dawn of the Jedi idea that was frist announced at Star Wars Celebration in 2023. The Taika Waititi movie is one Lucasfilm announced way back in 2020,and Glover’s script is about Lando and was first discussed in late 2023. As for the Soderbergh and Driver thing, well, we know.
Oddly, two films that Kennedy doesn’t mention are the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Rey movie and the Dave Filoni Heir to the Empire movie, both of which were announced along with Mangold’s film in 2023. That’s very discouraging.
More encouraging is what she has to say about Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy which, though being reworked, is still moving ahead.“[Kinberg] is working right now,” Kennedy said. “He wrote something that we read in August,and it was very good,but not there. We’ve pretty much upended the story,and then spent a great deal of time on the treatment,which he finished literally about four weeks ago. And it’s a very detailed treatment, like 70 pages. And so he is expected to give us something in March.”
So with The Mandalorian and Grogu coming out this year, and Star Wars: Starfighter (which Kennedy says was meant to be a standalone but could, perhaps, be sequalized) out next year, what movie is coming next? It won’t be Kennedy’s call anymore, but there are additional thoughts. “Mangold’s is really on the back burner as is Soderbergh’s,” she said. “I think the ones by Taika and Donald are still somewhat alive. That’s going to really be up to the new team to figure out.I know that [new Lucasfilm heads] Dave [Filoni] and Lynwen [Brennan] are very much on board with what Simon’s doing, and that would be a new trilogy. In the timeline of things, that takes you well into 2030 plus. So that’s really what’s up next.”
It seems like it’s good news for fans of Taika Waititi and Donald Glover, but bad news for fans of James Mangold and Rey skywalker. What do you make of the quotes?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm. While she will remain a producer on projects like the upcoming movie The Mandalorian and grogu, the company will now be led by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan. This marks a important shift for Star Wars and the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
Before lucasfilm, Kennedy achieved success as a producer on iconic films like E.T. and Jurassic Park. She became president of Lucasfilm in 2012, following Disney’s acquisition of the company. At the time, the Star Wars galaxy had been quiet for years, with Revenge of the Sith concluding the prequel trilogy in 2005.While The clone Wars animated series maintained a dedicated fanbase,it didn’t reach the widespread cultural impact of the original films.
Kennedy oversaw a remarkable revival of star wars. The Force Awakens in 2015 reignited the franchise, followed by standalone films like Rogue One and Solo. Lucasfilm expanded the universe with critically acclaimed live-action television series and new video games. The introduction of characters like Grogu captivated audiences worldwide, and long-awaited returns, such as Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, delighted fans. Kennedy successfully navigated the challenges of expanding a beloved franchise under the immense expectations of Disney, leaving a substantial legacy.
Dave Filoni’s appointment as President and Chief Creative Officer is a natural progression. He’s widely considered George Lucas’s creative heir,having served as showrunner on The Clone Wars and played a key role in recent series like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. His deep understanding of the Star Wars universe positions him well to guide the franchise’s creative direction.
Lynwen Brennan, appointed Co-President, will focus on the business side of Lucasfilm. Her long history with Lucas’s companies, starting at Industrial Light & magic in 1999, provides valuable experience. This division of responsibilities – Filoni handling creative vision and Brennan managing business operations – could prove effective, balancing artistic integrity with commercial success.
The transition at Lucasfilm signals a new chapter for star Wars.With a seasoned creative leader like Filoni at the helm and a business-savvy partner in Brennan, the franchise is poised to continue evolving and captivating audiences for years to come. The success of this new leadership will depend on their ability to collaborate effectively and maintain the delicate balance between honoring the legacy of Star Wars and forging a bold path forward.
