Outgoing president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down after 14 years leading Lucasfilm, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan set to take over as co-presidents of the studio. In her final major interview before the transition, Kennedy offered significant updates on several upcoming Star Wars film projects.
In an exit interview with Deadline, Kennedy discussed the status of various in-development movies, emphasizing that Lucasfilm has recently completed production on two new films without major issues. She will continue as a producer on the next two theatrical releases, The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, before transitioning to independent producing work. Kennedy highlighted ongoing efforts across multiple creative directions, with some projects advancing more actively than others. She stressed the importance of bold risks in storytelling amid an industry increasingly cautious about innovation.
Simon Kinberg's Star Wars Trilogy
Lucasfilm tapped Simon Kinberg in late 2024 to develop and produce a new Star Wars trilogy. Kennedy noted that Kinberg submitted an initial script draft last August, describing it as "very good, but not there." The team subsequently restructured the story significantly, leading to a detailed 70-page treatment completed about four weeks ago. "He is expected to give us something in March," she said. Kennedy added that the incoming leadership is supportive, positioning this as the next major production following current films, with a timeline extending well into the 2030s. This project represents one of the more concrete steps forward in the studio's theatrical slate, reflecting a commitment to long-term storytelling that builds on the franchise's legacy while exploring new narrative territories.
Taika Waititi's Star Wars film
Director Taika Waititi has completed a script for his standalone Star Wars movie. Kennedy praised the work, calling it "hilarious and great." She noted that final decisions on moving forward will involve the new leadership team, as her tenure concludes. "It’s not just my decision, especially when I’ve got a foot out the door," she explained. The project's tone promises a distinctive comedic take within the galaxy far, far away, aligning with Waititi's signature style seen in other blockbuster franchises.
Donald Glover's Lando film
Donald Glover has delivered a script for a Lando spinoff film, building on his portrayal of the character from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Kennedy acknowledged the submission but reflected on timing concerns, stating, "I just think that conceptually, we did it too soon." The project remains in consideration as part of the broader development slate, with potential to revisit the charismatic smuggler's adventures at a more opportune moment in the franchise's expansion.
The Hunt for Ben Solo
A project tentatively titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, featuring a script by Scott Burns and involving director Steven Soderbergh and actor Adam Driver, has been placed on the backburner. Kennedy described the script positively: "It was just great." She emphasized the value of risk-taking in creative decisions, saying, "Anything’s a possibility if somebody’s willing to take a risk."
I remember when I came into this job, the first thing Bob Iger said to me was, ‘Be bold.’ I’ve always liked that because I think you have to be bold and you have to be willing to take risks with people and with ideas. Otherwise you are just doing the same thing. Right now we’re in an era where companies are so risk-averse, and I get it. I hear all the conversations. They’ve got Wall Street to please, and I get it, but I also believe that that’s what contributes to things disappearing, ultimately. I just think you have to take those chances.
Though currently not prioritized, the concept's intriguing exploration of Kylo Ren's origins underscores Kennedy's philosophy of embracing daring ideas.
Rian Johnson's Star Wars trilogy
Rian Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, was previously attached to a new Star Wars trilogy. Kennedy expressed admiration for his work, calling him "a brilliant filmmaker" who made "one of the best Star Wars movies." However, progress has stalled as Johnson has focused on his Knives Out series. She suggested that online negativity may have impacted his enthusiasm, stating, "I do believe he got spooked by the online negativity... he got spooked." Despite the pause, Johnson's vision remains highly regarded within the studio.
James Mangold’s Jedi Origin Film
James Mangold's film, often described as exploring the dawn of the Jedi era, features an "incredible script" co-written with Beau Willimon. Despite its quality, Kennedy indicated it is on hold due to its unconventional approach. "It is definitely breaking the mold and it’s on hold," she said, grouping it with other backburner projects while noting the new leadership will determine next steps. This ambitious origin story could offer fresh mythological depth to the Star Wars universe if revived.
As Kathleen Kennedy transitions out of her role, her reflections underscore a legacy defined by both bold experimentation and pragmatic navigation of a changing entertainment landscape. With new co-presidents Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping in, the future of Star Wars films appears poised for continued evolution, balancing established fan expectations with innovative storytelling. The slate of projects—some advancing steadily, others awaiting the right moment—signals that Lucasfilm remains committed to expanding the galaxy far, far away in meaningful ways, even as the industry grapples with risk and reward in blockbuster filmmaking.
