Nine years after The Last Jedi hit theaters and permanently split the Star Wars fandom into factions, Kathleen Kennedy isn’t backing away from it. In a new Deadline exit interview, the outgoing Lucasfilm president not only praises Rian Johnson’s film — she calls it one of the best Star Wars movies — but also suggests the online backlash left a lasting impact on Johnson’s future in the franchise. Why this matters now This isn’t just “old Star Wars drama” being rehashed. Kennedy is stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership, and these interviews are essentially her final on-the-record reflections on the modern Star Wars era — including the moments that shaped it, and the projects that changed the studio’s relationship with fans. And no movie defines that tension more than The Last Jedi. What Kathleen Kennedy said about The Last Jedi Kennedy didn’t hedge her opinion. She directly praised Rian Johnson’s work:…
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Kathleen Kennedy Gives Major Updates on Star Wars Movies — Including Mangold “On Hold” and Kinberg’s “New Trilogy”
Star Wars isn’t short on announced projects — it’s short on clarity. But Kathleen Kennedy just delivered one of the most direct “here’s what’s actually happening” updates we’ve had in a while, giving status checks on multiple major in-development films. Some projects are alive. Some are stalled. And at least one is being framed as the next real centerpiece of Star Wars on the big screen. Why this matters now With Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership and the studio shifting into a new structure (Filoni on creative direction, Brennan on business), fans are asking a simple question: Which Star Wars movies are real — and which ones are just names on a whiteboard? Kennedy’s answers don’t confirm release dates across the board, but they do confirm what’s moving forward, what’s paused, and what’s still possible. The big update: Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi is “on hold” Kennedy confirmed that…
Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Sexism in Star Wars Fandom: “They Unfairly Get Targeted”
Kathleen Kennedy’s exit interview tour isn’t just about movies, shows, and leadership structure. It’s also about something Star Wars has wrestled with for years — and too often refuses to talk about directly: the harassment and sexism aimed at women in the franchise, both on-screen and behind the camera. In her new Deadline interview, Kennedy speaks candidly about what female Star Wars actors and filmmakers face, and why she doesn’t sugarcoat it when new women enter the franchise. Why this matters now Lucasfilm is in the middle of a major transition — Kennedy stepping down, a new leadership structure forming, and Star Wars preparing for its next big era. But as that next era arrives, one thing hasn’t changed: women who become visible in Star Wars projects are still disproportionately targeted online. Kennedy putting that reality into words matters, because it’s not a fan theory or a vague PR statement….
ScreenRant Ranks Every Kathleen Kennedy Live-Action Star Wars Project — From Worst to Best
Now that Kathleen Kennedy’s time leading Lucasfilm is coming to a close, we’re officially entering the “let’s look back at the entire era” phase of Star Wars discourse. And like clockwork, rankings are starting to drop. This one comes from ScreenRant, which published a full list ranking every live-action Star Wars movie and Disney+ show produced during the Kennedy era — from worst to best. Not surprisingly, it’s already sparking debate… because it’s basically a summary of everything fans have argued about since 2015. Why this matters now Whether you loved the sequels, hated them, or just want Star Wars to stop fighting itself for five minutes — the Kennedy era is now being treated as one complete chapter. And when an era ends, people don’t just remember moments. They start building lists. This ranking is interesting because it doesn’t only judge movies. It puts theatrical releases and Disney+ shows…
Kathleen Kennedy Names the Lowest Point of Her Lucasfilm Era — and It’s About Fan Expectations
Kathleen Kennedy has said a lot over the years about Star Wars, leadership, pressure, and the sheer chaos of steering one of pop culture’s most emotionally-owned franchises. But in her latest Deadline interview — released as her Lucasfilm exit becomes official — she finally puts words to what she considers the low point of her time running the studio. And it’s not a box office number. Not a cancelled movie. Not a particular show. It’s the impossible math of trying to satisfy everyone. Why this matters now Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm isn’t just a management shuffle — it’s the end of a defining era for modern Star Wars. So every line from her exit interview matters, because this is the version of the story that will stick: what she felt went right, what went wrong, and what she believes the franchise actually struggled with. And her answer here touches…
Kathleen Kennedy Releases Statement on Leaving Lucasfilm: “A True Privilege”
Lucasfilm’s leadership transition just became a lot more personal. After Disney CEO Bob Iger offered an official corporate tribute, Kathleen Kennedy has now released her own statement regarding her exit from Lucasfilm — and it reads like exactly what it is: a goodbye letter to a studio she helped define for more than a decade. It’s reflective, grateful, and quietly forward-looking. Why this matters now Kennedy stepping away isn’t just a behind-the-scenes reshuffle. It’s the closing of a chapter that shaped modern Star Wars — from the sequel trilogy to Disney+ to Lucasfilm’s biggest recent creative pivot: television. That’s why her own words matter. This isn’t press speculation or a quote filtered through Disney PR. It’s Kennedy directly framing her legacy — and setting the tone for what she intends to do next. What Kathleen Kennedy said Kennedy confirmed the personal weight behind the moment by pointing straight back to…
Bob Iger Breaks Silence on Kathleen Kennedy Leaving Lucasfilm: “Deeply Grateful”
If you’re looking for the official Disney tone on Kathleen Kennedy’s exit from Lucasfilm, it’s here — and it’s exactly the kind of statement that carries more meaning than it seems at first glance. Disney CEO Bob Iger has now commented publicly on Kennedy’s departure, offering a glowing, carefully-worded tribute that positions her tenure as both historic and foundational to Lucasfilm’s modern era. Why this matters now Leadership changes at Lucasfilm always trigger speculation — not just about what happened behind closed doors, but about where Star Wars goes next. That’s why Iger stepping in matters. When Disney’s CEO addresses this kind of transition directly, it signals that Kennedy’s departure isn’t being framed internally as damage control or controversy. It’s being framed as a respected, planned shift — and Disney wants the public narrative to match that. What Bob Iger said In his statement, Iger emphasized two key points: Here’s…
Hayden Christensen Reveals He Wore Wigs While Playing Anakin in Revenge of the Sith
Every Star Wars era has its behind-the-scenes secrets. Some are massive lore decisions. Some are wild production challenges. And some are… hair. At a recent appearance, Hayden Christensen revealed that he wore wigs while portraying Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith — and he even kept one of them. “I kept one of the wigs from Episode III,” Christensen said, before adding: “Full disclosure, that’s not my real hair.” That’s the kind of Star Wars fact that’s both hilarious and completely believable. Why this matters now Hayden Christensen has been having a major Star Wars renaissance in recent years. Between his return as Anakin and his growing presence at fan events, there’s been a noticeable shift: he’s not just revisiting the role — he’s owning it. And moments like this are part of why. Fans don’t just love new story content. They love the human details — the kind…
Hayden Christensen Says Robert De Niro Visited the Revenge of the Sith Set During the Mustafar Duel
Some Star Wars behind-the-scenes stories sound like the kind of rumor that would normally live forever in the “no way that happened” category. And then Hayden Christensen casually drops one that’s so specific it becomes instantly believable. According to Fan Expo New Orleans (FANEXPONOLA), Christensen recently shared that Robert De Niro once visited the set of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith — and it happened during one of the most iconic filming moments in the entire prequel trilogy: Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar. “Is that Robert De Niro?” — Hayden remembers the moment clearly Hayden told the story like it was just another normal day on set… except it wasn’t. He says: The idea of De Niro watching lightsabers swing in front of lava is already wild. But then the story gets even better. The push-up moment that made Hayden’s day Hayden also shared…
Farewell to Michael Henbury, the Ewok Who Helped Bring Return of the Jedi to Life
Some Star Wars roles are loud. Some are legendary. And some are the kind you only fully appreciate when you grow up — when you realize how much of the original trilogy’s magic was built by real people in costumes, on real sets, doing real physical work to make the galaxy feel alive. Today, Star Wars fans are saying goodbye to one of those people. Michael Henbury — best known to Star Wars fans as Ewok Taboo in Return of the Jedi — has passed away at the age of 67. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Star Booking Management (@starbookingmgmt) Why this matters right now It’s easy to focus on the “big names” when we talk about Star Wars history. But Star Wars has always been bigger than its headliners. The original trilogy wasn’t built only by stars, directors, or composers — it was built by…
Mia Goth on Star Wars: Starfighter: “It Was Incredible”
There’s a kind of joy that can only come from being part of a big, collaborative movie set — and Mia Goth says Star Wars: Starfighter delivered exactly that. Speaking with Collider about her experience working on the film, Goth didn’t hold back when describing what it was like to step into the Star Wars galaxy. She called it “incredible” and “the most fun on a film set” she’s had — high praise from an actor with a wide range of acclaimed roles. Not just another gig What makes her comments stand out isn’t just enthusiasm — it’s specificity. Goth highlighted director Shawn Levy as a big part of what made the experience special. She described him as “electric,” praising his energy, his connection with the cast and crew, and how that vibe shaped the atmosphere on set. That kind of rapport isn’t always visible to audiences, but it’s often…
Hayden Christensen Is Heading to Emerald City Comic Con in 2026
Some convention announcements feel routine. This one doesn’t. Hayden Christensen is officially attending Emerald City Comic Con on Saturday, March 7, 2026, bringing one of the most era-defining Star Wars performances directly to the show floor. For a generation that grew up with the prequels—and another that rediscovered Anakin Skywalker through recent Star Wars series—this appearance lands at exactly the right moment. What’s happening at ECCC Christensen will be at ECCC for photo ops and autographs, with multiple purchase windows already locked in. Superfan photo op and autograph presales begin Thursday, January 8 at 11:00 AM PT, followed by general onsale on Friday, January 9 at 12:00 PM PT. Fans looking to attend in person can secure tickets ahead of time, with a delivery cutoff set for January 18 at 11:59 PM PT. For those unable to travel, official mail-in autographs will also be available through the convention’s authorized partner,…
Kathleen Kennedy Pushes Back on the Shawn Levy Narrative
For a franchise that lives under a microscope, who gets hired can matter almost as much as what ends up on screen. That’s why Kathleen Kennedy’s recent comments about Shawn Levy landed with more weight than they might first appear. Levy, now attached to direct an upcoming Star Wars film, has faced familiar criticism: that his background in family-friendly and crowd-pleasing movies somehow makes him a “lightweight” choice. Kennedy doesn’t buy that framing—at all. What Kennedy actually said Speaking to The New York Times, Kennedy addressed the criticism head-on. She noted that Levy’s work in family comedies has been routinely misinterpreted, saying it’s “completely unfair” to treat that genre as creatively shallow. Her reasoning was blunt and revealing: making films that work for broad audiences is hard. Not technically flashy hard, but emotionally precise hard—balancing tone, pacing, humor, and sincerity without losing the audience along the way. That skill, she…
Tom Cruise Visited a Star Wars Set — and Helped Film a Lightsaber Duel
When Tom Cruise shows up on a film set, people assume he’s there to act. That’s not what happened on the set of Star Wars: Starfighter. Cruise visited the production and filmed one of the movie’s lightsaber duels. He did not appear on screen, did not portray a character, and was not acting in the scene. According to The New York Times, his involvement was behind the camera, not in front of it. That distinction matters—and it makes the story more interesting, not less. What actually happened Cruise was present on set during production and took part in filming a lightsaber duel sequence. The reporting is specific: he filmed the scene. There has been no indication of a cameo, a secret role, or any on-screen appearance. Lightsaber duels are among the most technically demanding sequences in a Star Wars production. Camera movement, timing, choreography, and spatial awareness are tightly synchronized….
Shawn Levy Recalls How a Stranger Things Scene Led to His First Contact With Lucasfilm
Careers don’t always intersect with major franchises through formal pitches or long-planned meetings. Sometimes, they cross paths because of a single creative question that needs an answer. For Shawn Levy, that moment came during the making of Season 1 of Stranger Things, years before he became attached to a new Star Wars project. The scene that raised a problem While developing the first season of Stranger Things, the creative team planned a scene in which Eleven uses her telekinetic powers to levitate the Millennium Falcon. It was meant as a brief but recognizable pop-culture reference. That idea immediately ran into a legal and rights issue. Levy explained that Netflix informed the production they would need permission to reference the Millennium Falcon. The response came back quickly—and decisively. The answer was no. The show would need to replace the object with something else. Reaching out directly At that point, Levy had…
Mark Hamill Names the One Actor He’s Always Wanted to Work With
Sometimes the most interesting Star Wars moments happen far away from a movie set. In a recent interview, Mark Hamill was asked a deceptively simple question: which actor has he always wanted to work with? His answer didn’t involve a new collaboration or an unexpected pick from another franchise. Instead, Hamill pointed backward. “Well, in the sequel trilogies, Harrison Ford.” It’s a line delivered without irony, and it carries more weight than it might first appear. Context matters here Hamill and Harrison Ford are inseparable in the public imagination. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo helped define Star Wars together, and their on-screen chemistry shaped the original trilogy’s tone as much as the story itself. But the sequel era didn’t really give them a shared runway. Ford returned as Han Solo in The Force Awakens, and later appeared again in The Rise of Skywalker—not in a sweeping reunion, but in an…
A new leadership structure at Lucasfilm — and what it means going forward
With Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping into roles as co-presidents of Lucasfilm, the studio enters a new phase defined less by abrupt change and more by structural refinement. The transition represents a formal realignment of responsibilities that have, in many ways, already existed behind the scenes. Filoni’s appointment consolidates a creative role he has effectively held for years. His influence across animation, live-action television, and long-term narrative planning has positioned him as one of the central figures shaping modern Star Wars. Moving into a presidential role does not introduce a new creative philosophy so much as it formalizes an existing one, anchoring it within Lucasfilm’s top-level leadership. Importantly, this does not signal a narrowing of creative scope. While Filoni is closely associated with specific corners of the Star Wars mythology, Lucasfilm’s recent output demonstrates a deliberate commitment to tonal and thematic range. Projects that emphasize mythic storytelling continue to…
Dave Filoni and Lywen Brennan will replace Kathleen Kennedy as the new Co-Presidents of Lucasfilm.
A significant leadership change is coming to Lucasfilm. According to Puck News, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will take over as co-presidents of Lucasfilm, replacing Kathleen Kennedy. Under the reported new structure, Filoni will lead all creative development across the studio’s projects, while Brennan will oversee executive and operational responsibilities. The move formalizes a division of duties that, in many ways, has already been taking shape behind the scenes. What’s changing at Lucasfilm Filoni has long been the public-facing creative voice of modern Star Wars. Rising from animation into live-action, he has become closely associated with the franchise’s storytelling direction, particularly on Disney+ series that connect animation-era characters with the post–Original Trilogy timeline. Brennan, by contrast, has been deeply involved in the production and business side of Lucasfilm. Her background centers on managing large-scale productions, budgets, and logistics—work that is less visible to audiences but critical to keeping a studio…
Daisy Ridley Says the New Jedi Order Movie Will Be “Wonderful”
Speaking recently with ComicBook.com, Daisy Ridley offered an update on the long-gestating New Jedi Order film—and her words land somewhere between optimism and caution. Ridley described the story as “wonderful,” but the more telling part of her comments wasn’t the praise. It was the restraint. “I am six years older. I am in a different moment,” Ridley said.“I think the wait will be worthwhile. I think it will be a discovery, as all roles are, of where Rey is when we meet her again.” That doesn’t sound like someone promising a victory lap. It sounds like someone aware of how much has changed—both personally and within Star Wars itself. A Return That Carries Real Risk Bringing Rey back is not a neutral decision for Lucasfilm. Rey remains one of the most debated figures of the sequel era, praised by some as a symbol of hope and criticized by others as…
Bryce Dallas Howard Says Directing Ahsoka Season 2 Was “The Most Fun” of Her Adult Life
When Bryce Dallas Howard describes a job as “fun, fun and more fun,” Hollywood usually listens politely and moves on. When she adds that directing episodes of Ahsoka Season 2 was “the most fun that I have had in my adult life”—and calls the experience “magical”—that’s a different signal entirely. This isn’t hype. It’s a seasoned filmmaker talking about a creative high point inside one of the most closely watched productions on Disney+. And for Star Wars fans, it offers a revealing look at why Ahsoka continues to feel both confident and playful as it expands its corner of the galaxy. A Director Who Knows This Galaxy Howard isn’t a guest passing through Star Wars. By now, she’s one of the franchise’s most reliable behind-the-camera voices. Her work on The Mandalorian—including fan-favorite episodes like “Sanctuary” and “The Heiress”—earned her a reputation for balancing emotional character beats with clean, readable action….
Finn Wolfhard Calls The Last Jedi “Underrated” in Recent Interview
Every few years, Star Wars: The Last Jedi finds a new defender. This time, it’s coming from someone who knows a thing or two about pop-culture pressure. Finn Wolfhard, best known for Stranger Things, recently spoke about his love for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, calling it “so good and underrated.” His praise wasn’t vague or polite, either. He singled out the film’s willingness to take risks. “I loved that movie,” Wolfhard said. “I think that movie is so good and underrated. At least there was a thing like let’s take a swing and try some new ideas.” The comments come via Vanity Fair, and they land in a familiar fault line of modern Star Wars conversation. Why this still matters Nearly a decade after its release, The Last Jedi remains one of the most divisive films in the franchise. Some viewers see it as a bold, character-driven shake-up. Others…
A Small Droid, a Quiet Tribute — and a Thoughtful Nod to Carl Weathers
Sometimes Star Wars honors its legacy in loud ways. Other times, it does so with restraint. This one falls firmly in the second category. Lucasfilm has confirmed that the copper assistant droid seen alongside Greef Karga in The Mandalorian carries the designation CW-24 — a deliberate tribute to the late Carl Weathers, who portrayed Karga across the series’ run. It’s subtle. Easy to miss. And exactly the kind of gesture that fits both the character and the man behind him. What Lucasfilm Has Done — and Why It Matters Now The naming choice comes as Star Wars continues to reflect on Weathers’ impact following his passing in early 2024. Beyond his on-screen presence, Weathers also directed several standout episodes of The Mandalorian, shaping the show’s visual language in its formative seasons. Rather than a title card or a public dedication, Lucasfilm opted for something woven directly into the universe. CW-24…
Tony Gilroy Pushes Back on Claims That Andor Is a Left-Leaning Show
Andor has often been described as one of the most politically grounded Star Wars series ever made. That framing has led some viewers to label it as explicitly left-leaning. According to Tony Gilroy, that interpretation misses the point. In a recent interview, Gilroy addressed the assumption head-on, making it clear that while his own political beliefs lean left, Andor was never designed to argue for a specific political program. Why This Conversation Keeps Coming Up Andor arrived at a moment when audiences are primed to read politics into everything. The show deals with authoritarian power, surveillance, bureaucracy, and rebellion—topics that naturally invite real-world comparisons. But Gilroy’s position is that Andor isn’t interested in policy debates. It’s interested in pressure. That distinction matters, especially as Star Wars storytelling has increasingly been filtered through modern political lenses rather than narrative intent. What Gilroy Actually Said Speaking on a podcast interview, Gilroy explained…
Ahsoka Season 2 Will Dive Deeper Into the Nightsisters of Dathomir
One of Ahsoka’s most intriguing elements wasn’t a Jedi, a Sith, or even a familiar legacy character. It was the Nightsisters of Dathomir—and Season 2 is set to take them much further. According to Jane Edwina Seymour, who portrays Mother Lakesis, the next season will explore the Nightsisters “more fully and deeply” than before. That’s not a throwaway promise. It hints at a shift in focus that could reshape how this corner of Star Wars mythology is understood on screen. Why This Matters Now Season 1 of Ahsoka introduced the Nightsisters less as background lore and more as active players with their own agendas. They weren’t relics of The Clone Wars or Rebels. They were alive, strategic, and clearly operating on a long game. Season 2 appears ready to pay that setup off. For fans who’ve followed the Nightsisters across animation, novels, and games, this is the first time live-action…