Hot off the heels of reportedcreative differencesbetweenRogueSquadrondirectorPatty Jenkins, Lucasfilm has extended its contract with presidentKathleen Kennedy. This extension will have Kennedy running Lucasfilm until 2024. There are severalStar Warsprojects in various stages of development, as well as anotherIndianaJonesfilm, and this news will certainly arouse mixed reactions from fans.
Kennedy was the handpicked successor of Lucasfilm fromGeorge Lucaswhen the studio was acquired by Disney in 2012. While theStar Warsuniverse has brought forth a new trilogy, two spin-off films, and Disney+ flagship seriesTheMandalorian, creative differences have marred several of the projects and further intensified the divisions of the galaxy far, far away’s fanbase. The most recent issues have come about with Jenkins. Her filmRogue Squadronhad been announced nearly a year ago at Disney’s Investor Day celebration in December.
Solo: A Star Wars Story’s production problems are the most well-documented, with Kennedy and Lucasfilm unable to develop creative cohesion withPhil LordandChris Miller(21 Jump Street,The Lego Movie). The differences ultimately led to bringing in veteran directorRon Howard, who helped bring home a film that lacked the specialStar Warssheen for fans. There are several other films in development, namely ones fromTaika Waititi(Thor: Ragnarok) andKevin Feige. Given the nature of Feige and Waititi both playing in the interconnected studio sandbox with Marvel (also owned by Disney), it’s a bit easier to imagine them playing by Kennedy’s rules than someone like Jenkins.
RELATED:‘Star Wars’ Editor Marcia Lucas Criticizes Disney Sequel Trilogy, Says J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy “Don’t Get It”
The lack ofStarWarsnews at this past week’s Disney+ Day makes Kennedy’s extension all the more interesting. Aside fromThe Book of Boba Fettand somebehind-the-scenes stills and artfor the upcomingObi-Wanseries, announcements, and recognition about other series such asAndor,Ahsoka, andThe Acolytewere absent. Marvel gave a clear spotlight to their content withMoonKnight,Ms. Marvel, andShe-Hulk, whereasStar Warslacked that prominent presence.
Kennedy has served as a producer and executive producer on countless major Hollywood films, from fan favorites likeGremlinsandThe Gooniesto critically-acclaimed fare such asThe Color PurpleandLincoln. She’s collaborated numerous times withSteven Spielberg, and she has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. The bulk of her upcoming projects center on Lucasfilm properties being made for Disney+.
