The Force of Change: Why It's Time for a Woman to Direct a Star Wars Movie

The Impact of Women in the Star Wars Franchise

Since the beginning of a galaxy far, far away, women have played a significant role in shaping the Star Wars franchise. From iconic characters to influential staff members, their contributions have been instrumental in defining the essence of this beloved universe. It is against this backdrop that the prospect of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directing a Star Wars movie marks a pivotal moment in the franchise's history.

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia standing among the X-Wing pilots in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Obaid-Chinoy's upcoming movie, Star Wars: New Jedi Order, is set to take place 15 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. The narrative will focus on Rey Skywalker as she endeavors to rebuild the Jedi Order, offering a new chapter in the saga that promises to captivate audiences. In expressing her enthusiasm for the project, Obaid-Chinoy articulated the significance of a woman shaping a story in a galaxy far, far away, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in storytelling.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) surrounded by celebrating Rebels in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The Unseen Influence of Women in Star Wars

The perceived novelty of a woman directing a Star Wars movie has sparked controversy, particularly in light of the rich history of female influence on the franchise. Notably, women have long been integral to the creative fabric of Star Wars, with their impact transcending the boundaries of on-screen characters. One prominent figure is Marcia Lucas, George Lucas' ex-wife and an editor on the original trilogy. Her editorial prowess and creative input played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and emotional depth of the films.

Ahsoka Tano uses the Force to connect with the purrgil space whales in Star Wars' Ahsoka

Marcia's influence extended to preserving poignant moments, such as Leia's iconic kiss in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and advocating for the inclusion of endearing interactions, like Chewbacca's interaction with a small droid. Her legacy, alongside that of Leigh Brackett and numerous other women, underscores the enduring legacy of female contribution to the Star Wars universe, challenging the notion that Obaid-Chinoy's role represents a groundbreaking first for women in the franchise.

Qi'ra abandons Han at the end of Solo A Star Wars Story

Pioneering Women in Star Wars TV Shows

While the spotlight often shines on the cinematic realm, it's essential to recognize the significant impact of women in shaping Star Wars TV shows. Kiri Hart and Carrie Beck, among others, have played pivotal roles in bringing the galaxy far, far away to the small screen, contributing to the rich tapestry of storytelling. However, the underrepresentation of female directors in Star Wars TV shows highlights the need for greater diversity and representation behind the camera, a sentiment echoed in the anticipation of Leslye Headland's role as the first female showrunner on a Star Wars TV show.

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The dearth of female directors in Star Wars movies is a point of contention, especially considering the impressive strides made in the realm of TV shows. As exemplified by the success of directors like Bryce Dallas Howard, Deborah Chow, and Steph Green, the absence of a woman at the helm of a Star Wars movie is a missed opportunity for the franchise to embrace a more inclusive and diverse creative vision. The upcoming release of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's New Jedi Order movie presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of storytelling and representation within the Star Wars universe.

Bo-Katan holding a flame in The Mandalorian season 3 finale