David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, renowned for their success with “Game of Thrones,” once embarked on a journey to expand the Star Wars universe with a film called “The First Jedi.” This article delves into:
- The Concept of ‘The First Jedi’: Exploring the origins and formation of the Jedi Order, and the story behind the first lightsaber.
- Lucasfilm’s Decision: Why the project, despite its potential, was shelved by Lucasfilm.
- Legacy and Future Projects: The ongoing impact of their vision on Star Wars storytelling and the current landscape of Star Wars projects, including new films and series in development.
A Shelved Star Wars Epic
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, renowned for their work on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” once embarked on a journey to expand the Star Wars universe with a film titled “The First Jedi.” Intended to explore the origins of the Jedi Order, this project promised to delve into uncharted territory of the beloved saga.
The Vision of ‘The First Jedi’
The First Jedi” aimed to uncover the genesis of the Jedi Order and the creation of the first lightsaber. Benioff and Weiss’s vision was to delve deep into the lore of Star Wars, exploring its foundational elements. Their concept, however, encountered an ironic twist when Rian Johnson titled his film “The Last Jedi,” humorously overlapping with the thematic focus of their project.
Next was their Star Wars movie. Fans were excited by the idea of the Thrones guys bringing their grounded-fantasy dramatics to a galaxy far, far away. Yet the movie was shelved along with Star Wars projects from other top creatives (like Kevin Feige, Patty Jenkins and Damon Lindelof).
“We wanted to do The First Jedi,” Benioff says. “Basically how the Jedi Order came to be, why it came to be, the first lightsaber …”
Why ‘The First Jedi’ Never Happened
Despite initial excitement, Lucasfilm decided not to pursue “The First Jedi” story. Benioff explained that although they had a specific story in mind, it ultimately did not align with Lucasfilm’s vision for the franchise’s future. This decision led to Benioff and Weiss stepping away from Star Wars, subsequently signing a multi-year film deal with Netflix in October 2019.
Reflections and Future Possibilities
Reflecting on their brief foray into the Star Wars universe, Benioff and Weiss expressed their enduring love for the saga and gratitude for the opportunity to discuss their ideas with George Lucas and the Star Wars team. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has left the door open for their potential return, acknowledging their storytelling prowess and expressing hope for their future involvement in the Star Wars journey.
Conclusion: A Star Wars Tale Left Untold
The First Jedi” remains a fascinating ‘what could have been’ in the Star Wars lore. While Benioff and Weiss’s vision for the film never materialized, their brief involvement in the universe leaves a legacy of speculation and wonder about the origins and mysteries of the Jedi Order.
FAQ: Benioff and Weiss’s Shelved Star Wars Movie, “The First Jedi”
- What was the concept of Benioff and Weiss’s Star Wars movie?
- Why was “The First Jedi” never produced?
- Was the title “The First Jedi” influenced by other Star Wars films?
- Did Lucasfilm consider a similar concept to “The First Jedi”?
- Lucasfilm seems open to exploring the origins of the Jedi, as indicated by the announcement of “Dawn of the Jedi,” a project by James Mangold. However, it’s unclear if Benioff and Weiss’s ideas will influence this new film.
- What happened to Benioff and Weiss after the project was shelved?
- After parting ways with the Star Wars project, Benioff and Weiss signed a deal with Netflix, which included TV and movie projects, reportedly worth $200 million.
- Are there any remnants of Benioff and Weiss’s ideas in current Star Wars projects?
- What was the reaction of the Star Wars community to the shelving of “The First Jedi”?