Kathleen Kennedy Calls Star Wars Movie Scrutiny ‘Frustrating’

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy expressed her concerns regarding the extensive scrutiny faced by Star Wars movie development, calling it "troubling and frustrating." Despite the lack of a new Star Wars film since 2019's poorly received Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker, several new projects are on the horizon. Lucasfilm is working on three major films: a New Republic film directed by Dave Filoni, a Dawn of the Jedi movie by James Mangold, and a New Jedi Order feature with Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey. Despite ongoing changes, Kennedy remains optimistic about three to four projects that she believes will reach production.

Following the recent cancellations and delays of various Star Wars projects, fans are eager to know the future of the franchise. The Mandalorian & Grogu is currently set for release in May 2026, with other projects underway from notable directors like Taika Waititi and Shawn Levy. Kennedy acknowledged the challenges of securing top talent, which requires a significant time commitment, making it difficult to align schedules.

Yes, there are several Star Wars films currently in development, including projects directed by Dave Filoni, James Mangold, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, among others. Lucasfilm aims to create films that resonate with audiences while navigating the scrutiny of public expectations.

The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, originally debuted in 1977 and has since expanded into a multi-billion dollar media empire. Over the decades, it has produced numerous films, animated series, novels, and comics, constantly evolving to cater to new audiences. The original trilogy laid the foundation for a beloved saga, while the prequels and sequels introduced new characters and storylines, though with mixed receptions among fans. With Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the franchise has seen a resurgence, but also challenges in maintaining quality and fan engagement across its vast universe.