Outline:
Key Updates on Star Wars Projects
Kathleen Kennedy, who has played a significant role in shaping the Star Wars universe, has confirmed her departure from Lucasfilm. In a recent interview with Deadline, she provided an update on several ongoing projects within the franchise. While some films are still in limbo, others are progressing through different stages of development.
Kennedy highlighted that the script written by James Mangold and Beau Willimon, which focuses on the Dawn of the Jedi, is "definitely breaking the mold" but is currently on hold. She praised it as "an incredible script." Meanwhile, the Taika Waititi film, initially announced in 2020, remains active. Kennedy described Waititi’s script as "hilarious and great."
Donald Glover has submitted a script for a Lando film, and Steve Soderbergh and Adam Driver collaborated on a project written by Scott Burns, which Kennedy called "just great." However, she noted that some projects, such as Mangold’s and Soderbergh’s, are "on the back burner." The status of other previously announced films, including Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey movie and Dave Filoni’s Heir to the Empire project, remains unclear, as they were not mentioned during the interview.
Simon Kinberg’s New Trilogy
Positive developments include Simon Kinberg’s new Star Wars trilogy. Kennedy shared that Kinberg is currently working on the project. She explained:
“[Kinberg] is working right now. 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 so he is expected to give us something in March.”
She also confirmed that Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are fully on board with Kinberg’s vision. This collaboration suggests that the trilogy could be a major addition to the Star Wars lineup.
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Kennedy mentioned that projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu will continue this year. The next major release, Star Wars: Starfighter, is set for next year. However, she emphasized that future movie decisions will now rest with the new Lucasfilm leadership.
“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,” she said.
Kennedy also addressed concerns about the ending of the franchise, noting her reluctance to create sequels that might conflict with the events of her yet-to-be-completed Ice and Fire saga. She stressed that while some projects are on hold, many are still possibilities if the right risk is taken.
A Transitional Phase for Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm is entering a transitional phase, and it will be interesting to see how the new leadership prioritizes these projects. While Kennedy leaves big shoes to fill, her insights suggest that a mix of creative risk-taking and franchise-building is still very much alive.
Fans of Taika Waititi and Donald Glover have reason to be excited, while those waiting for James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi or Rey-centered stories may need to be patient. As the franchise moves forward, the balance between honoring its legacy and embracing new creative directions will be crucial.
What do you think about these updates? Share your thoughts in the comments.