As Star Wars prepares for its future films, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy elucidates the exclusion of creator George Lucas in the process. Alongside trailers and exclusive glimpses of upcoming shows like Andor and Ahsoka, Star Wars Celebration 2023 electrified fans with the revelation of three new movies. The initial installment, directed by James Mangold of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny fame, will delve into a narrative set millennia before the original Star Wars. The second film, spearheaded by Dave Filoni, aims to connect the various Star Wars shows on Disney Plus. Lastly, the highly anticipated third film involves Daisy Ridley's reprisal of her role as Rey Skywalker, navigating the challenges of rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Throughout most Star Wars stories, Lucas' ideas and storytelling have been the franchise's cornerstones. However, Kathleen Kennedy shared with GamesRadar that future Star Wars films would no longer adhere to Lucas' original vision. Kennedy emphasized the exciting prospect of introducing fresh characters and embarking on a new narrative journey, as they build upon the foundation that George Lucas established, propelling it towards the next chapter.
While Lucas' absence from Star Wars may come as a surprise to some, many fans are eagerly anticipating the evolution of the franchise. One common complaint among fans is that Star Wars has been too focused on the Skywalker family, limiting the potential for new stories. This is not the case with Star Wars, unlike other franchises like Amazon Prime Video's Rings of Power that often struggle to delve into their own lore. The Mandalorian's first two seasons garnered impressive viewership numbers and received consistently high ratings, while Andor is widely regarded as some of the best content ever produced within the Star Wars universe. With a wealth of untold stories at its disposal, Star Wars has captivated fans who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore new characters and the vast galaxy they inhabit.
Assuring fans that the story Lucas originally envisioned has reached its conclusion, Kennedy has promised that the franchise will enter its next phase. In the future, new films will introduce fresh heroes and villains, as well as dive into uncharted worlds and cultures, all while reaffirming the themes that initially endeared Star Wars to audiences worldwide.
Regarding Lucas, he might find Kennedy's dedication to exploring fresh narratives commendable. Lucas expressed dissatisfaction with the sequel trilogy, as it seemed to replicate his original films without introducing any innovative elements. By having the liberty to depart from the original storyline, Lucas and his supporters might finally witness the creation of a completely original Star Wars movie.