Kathleen Kennedy just dropped two very clean, very quotable Star Wars updates in a Variety interview — one about Grogu, and one about Lucasfilm’s leadership shift. And both are the kind of details that quietly tell you what era of Star Wars we’re walking into next. Grogu is going big-screen… and still won’t say a word Asked what it was like the first time she “heard Grogu speak,” Kennedy flipped the premise and used Grogu as the perfect example of a character that has to emote without dialogue. Her answer is blunt: audiences are going to fall even deeper in love with him on the big screen, and he never speaks a word. She also explicitly confirms Grogu won’t suddenly gain speech in The Mandalorian & Grogu — despite Yoda’s famous broken-English cadence. In other words: no “Grogu talks now” twist. No “cute sidekick monologue.” The character is staying in…
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Kathleen Kennedy Is Picking Up Another Major Industry Honor — and Whatever You Think of Modern Star Wars, That Part Is Not Debatable
Kathleen Kennedy is adding another major industry honor to a résumé that was already ridiculous. At the 73rd Annual Golden Reel Awards on March 8, 2026, Kennedy is set to receive the MPSE Filmmaker Award, one of the honorary awards handed out by the Motion Picture Sound Editors. The event listing from MPSE names Kennedy as the Filmmaker Honoree, with sound editor Mark Mangini receiving the Career Achievement honor. That is the dry version. The more interesting version is this: whatever arguments people want to keep having about modern Star Wars, Kennedy’s status inside the film industry is still massive. Variety reported the honor back in December, noting that the MPSE Filmmaker Award goes to someone outside the sound community whose work has had a meaningful impact on the art of sound in film. That makes the award less about fandom discourse and more about the size of Kennedy’s overall…
THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Is Bringing Star Wars Back to Theaters — and Filoni Calls It a “Different Era” Than The Force Awakens
It’s been seven years since Star Wars last hit the big screen. The franchise closed the Skywalker Saga in 2019 with The Rise of Skywalker — and since then, the galaxy has lived on streaming. Now, Star Wars is officially pivoting back to cinemas with The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Empire’s new cover story frames it as a very different kind of theatrical comeback. Dave Filoni’s core point: this isn’t another “Episode VII moment.” It’s a film built around characters the audience already knows — and loves. “We’re in a completely different era of Star Wars now.” Filoni compares the theatrical return to The Force Awakens — but says the situation isn’t the same Filoni directly compares the scale of returning to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu to the cultural impact of The Force Awakens, while also stressing that Episode VII carried a unique weight: it was the start…
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Is Now an Emmy Award-Winning Series
The Star Wars universe just added another major victory to its trophy shelf. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lucasfilm’s coming-of-age space adventure on Disney+, has officially taken home multiple awards at the 2026 Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards — including Outstanding Young Teen Series and top technical honors for visual effects and sound. This marks a huge milestone for the show, cementing it not just as a fan favorite, but as one of the most acclaimed entries in the franchise’s recent television lineup. Here’s everything Skeleton Crew won. 🏆 Skeleton Crew’s Emmy Wins (2026 Children’s & Family Emmys) At the 2026 ceremony, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew earned four wins — a testament to both its storytelling and technical excellence. ⭐ Outstanding Young Teen Series The series took home the top honor in its category, recognizing it as the year’s standout live-action program aimed at young teen audiences. 🎬 Outstanding Editing for…
Disney Insiders Concerned About The Mandalorian & Grogu Buzz — But Ryan Gosling’s “Starfighter” Is Getting Strong Early Praise
There’s growing chatter inside Disney about the future of Star Wars on the big screen — and not all of it is centered on The Mandalorian & Grogu. According to new reporting, some Disney staffers are concerned that the film’s unconventional Super Bowl marketing push didn’t generate the level of excitement the studio had hoped for. At the same time, early buzz around Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is reportedly much more optimistic, with insiders praising Ryan Gosling’s performance and the film’s tone. Let’s break down what’s happening behind the scenes. Disney Reportedly Concerned About Super Bowl Reaction Disney used the Super Bowl to spotlight The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first Star Wars movie headed to theaters in years. Instead of a traditional trailer, the studio opted for a short, nostalgic-style commercial that leaned into humor and parody. While the creative approach stood out, it may not have delivered…
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Finally Opening This September — A New Home for Star Wars History and Pop Culture
After years of delays, speculation, and massive anticipation, the long-awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art finally has an opening date: September 22. For Star Wars fans, art lovers, and pop culture historians alike, this isn’t just another museum launch. It’s the culmination of a decades-long vision from George Lucas — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unique storytelling spaces ever created. A Museum Built on Storytelling The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park and aims to celebrate storytelling across all mediums — from film and comics to painting, illustration, and digital media. The museum has been described as a “temple to the people’s art,” designed to showcase narrative storytelling as one of humanity’s most powerful cultural forces. Visitors can expect an enormous collection curated by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, featuring: The collection reportedly includes tens of thousands of items…
Martin Scorsese Officially Joins Star Wars — As an Ardennian in The Mandalorian & Grogu
In a twist nobody saw coming (but everyone secretly loves), legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is officially stepping into the Star Wars galaxy. The iconic director will voice an Ardennian alien in the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu, marking his first-ever appearance in a Star Wars project — even if it’s behind the mic. Yes, that Martin Scorsese. Taxi Driver. Goodfellas. The man who once famously critiqued superhero movies… now part of a galaxy far, far away. And honestly? This is kind of amazing. From Film Legend to Star Wars Cameo According to reports, Scorsese will lend his voice to an Ardennian — the same multi-armed alien species as Rio Durant from Solo: A Star Wars Story. The role is expected to be a voice cameo, but the significance is huge. Bringing in one of cinema’s most respected directors adds another layer of prestige (and fun crossover energy) to The…
Robert Duvall, George Lucas’ First Leading Man, Has Passed Away at 95
Hollywood has lost one of its most legendary actors. Robert Duvall — a towering presence in film for more than seven decades — has passed away at the age of 95. And while many will remember him for The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, Star Wars fans have a unique reason to reflect on his legacy: Duvall was George Lucas’ very first leading man. Before lightsabers, before the Death Star, and long before a galaxy far, far away took over pop culture, there was THX 1138. George Lucas’ First Leading Man Released in 1971, THX 1138 was George Lucas’ first full-length feature film and a bold, experimental entry into science fiction cinema. At its center was Robert Duvall, who played the film’s titular character — a worker in a dystopian future society stripped of identity, emotion, and freedom. The film wasn’t a mainstream blockbuster, but it became a cult…
The Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Arrives Tomorrow — And It Already Looks Cinematic as Hell
Star Wars fans, clear your schedules. The first full trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu officially drops tomorrow, and if the early footage is anything to go by, this might be one of the most cinematic Star Wars projects we’ve seen in years. After dominating Disney+ with three seasons of The Mandalorian, Din Djarin and everyone’s favorite tiny Force user are heading to the big screen. And based on the preview clips floating around online, Jon Favreau and company are aiming big — very big. A True Big-Screen Star Wars Experience The early visuals from the upcoming trailer tease something that feels much closer to a full theatrical Star Wars film than a streaming spinoff. Wide landscape shots, detailed ship interiors, and large-scale action sequences all point toward a production designed specifically for cinema. We’re seeing sweeping planetary environments, cinematic lighting, and detailed close-ups that go well beyond the usual…
George Lucas Ranked 4th on Forbes’ List of America’s Greatest Innovators
Star Wars creator George Lucas has earned another major accolade — this time from Forbes. The renowned filmmaker, storyteller, and media pioneer has been ranked #4 on Forbes’ prestigious “America’s 250 Greatest Innovators” list for 2026, placing him alongside some of the most influential innovators shaping modern culture and technology. See the list in full here. A Ranking Rooted in American Innovation Forbes launched the “America’s Greatest Innovators” ranking as part of a special series marking the United States’s 250th anniversary. The list honors leading figures who have not only introduced groundbreaking ideas but also transformed industries and cultural landscapes in lasting ways. To compile the list, Forbes editors tapped expert judges from fields including technology, business, and innovation. They were tasked with assessing nominees based on creativity, commercial impact, breadth of influence, disruption, and engagement — and then fed the results into ranking models to determine the final placement. Behind…
Jon Favreau Says Directing The Mandalorian & Grogu Is Like Playing With Star Wars Toys
Jon Favreau isn’t just a director — he’s a storyteller who learned his craft the same way many fans did: by playing with toys. In a new interview, Favreau explained his approach to directing The Mandalorian & Grogu by comparing it to those early imaginative play sessions many of us had with action figures. “That’s how I learned how to tell stories. You take these characters. You’re talking with your friends, and you’re acting things out [with the toys]. My job is not that different from that.” That one sentence says a lot about how Favreau views his work — with creativity rooted in play, imagination, and character interaction. From Toy Box to Director’s Chair Favreau’s comparison isn’t just cute nostalgia — it reveals a storytelling philosophy. Growing up with toys, you didn’t have scripts. You had: It’s the same bones of narrative structure directors use today — only with…
Jon Favreau Calls The Mandalorian & Grogu a “Culmination” of His Star Wars Work
Seven years in the making. In a new interview, Jon Favreau described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a personal milestone — calling it a “culmination” of his time working in the Star Wars galaxy. “I’ve been working on Star Wars now for seven years and to be able to step up to doing it as a film feels like a culmination of what I’m working on.” That’s not casual phrasing. From Streaming Gamble to Theatrical Event When The Mandalorian launched in 2019, it wasn’t just a new Star Wars show — it was the flagship title for Disney+. It introduced: Now, Favreau is taking those characters to the big screen. Calling it a “culmination” suggests this isn’t just a spinoff movie.It’s the payoff of an entire creative era. Seven Years of World-Building Favreau has helped shape: Moving from streaming to theatrical format feels symbolic. It’s the franchise saying:This era matters….
Jon Favreau Confirms Din Djarin Gets the Same Model Razor Crest in The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Razor Crest is back. Well… almost. In a new interview, Jon Favreau confirmed that in The Mandalorian & Grogu, Din Djarin is flying the same model of Razor Crest he originally had in the Disney+ series. “He’s in a Razor Crest now, which is the ship that he originally had. He’s in the same model of ship.” That wording matters. Not The Razor Crest — But the Same Model Fans will remember what happened to Din’s original Razor Crest in Season 2. It was obliterated. What Favreau is clarifying here isn’t a resurrection of the exact same vessel — but a return to the same ship class. In other words: Just not the exact same hull. And that distinction is important for canon consistency. Why Bring Back the Razor Crest Design? After Din briefly piloted the N-1 Starfighter, the aesthetic shift was noticeable. The N-1 was fast. Sleek. Almost…
Jon Favreau: “We Gotta Up Our Game” for The Mandalorian & Grogu — and Grogu Has Leveled Up
The jump from Disney+ to cinema isn’t being treated casually. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Jon Favreau explains that The Mandalorian & Grogu required a fundamental shift in scale and ambition. “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater,” Favreau said. And he meant it literally. Built for IMAX, Not for Pausing Favreau made it clear the film isn’t just a stretched-out TV episode: “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of…. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time when so much is competing for your attention, that you’re gonna stop what you’re doing and you’re gonna go to a movie theater, and you’re gonna sit down…
Lucasfilm Clarifies The Mandalorian & Grogu Super Bowl Ad: A Playful Nod to Classic Big Game Spots
Lucasfilm has cleared up confusion surrounding the recent Super Bowl commercial for The Mandalorian & Grogu, and the explanation reveals the spot was designed as a deliberate tribute to iconic ads of the past. According to Ryan Stankevich, Lucasfilm’s marketing brand lead, the creative team intentionally leaned into a familiar Super Bowl advertising style — one that longtime viewers of the Big Game would instantly recognize. “Our creative and marketing team landed on a unique concept that gave a nod to classic Big Game spots of years past. It captured the warmth, humor, and emotional connection between these two beloved characters and was the perfect next step for our campaign as we lead up to their big screen debut this summer.” Rather than focusing on plot reveals or spectacle, the ad centered on the heart of the franchise’s most popular duo: Din Djarin and Grogu. The goal wasn’t to expand…
Rogue Squadron Screenwriter Matthew Robinson Updates Fans on Movie’s Future
The long-anticipated Star Wars: Rogue Squadron film continues to languish in uncertainty, according to comments from the movie’s screenwriter Matthew Robinson. In a recent interview, Robinson revealed that he currently has no clear direction from Lucasfilm on what will happen with the project — and that the studio’s leadership changes have added to the ambiguity surrounding its theatrical future. “Lucasfilm Is in a Pretty Big State of Flux” Robinson didn’t mince words when describing the situation. Asked about where Rogue Squadron stands, he said: “I don’t currently know what Lucasfilm wants to do with it. They’re in a pretty big state of flux at the moment, after Kathleen [Kennedy] leaving, and who knows what the future holds for them theatrically.” Those candid remarks highlight just how unsettled Lucasfilm’s movie slate has become. After the departure of longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, many of the company’s planned theatrical projects — including…
Star Wars Scores Big at the Saturn Awards with Andor Leading the Charge
The nominations for the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards are out, and Star Wars is very much in the spotlight. Between Andor, Skeleton Crew, and Tales of the Underworld, the franchise picked up multiple nominations across major television categories — plus recognition for actors and Industrial Light & Magic in the film awards. Here’s how the galaxy far, far away is showing up. Andor Dominates the TV Nominations Andor leads the Star Wars pack with recognition in top-tier categories, reinforcing its status as one of the franchise’s most critically respected series. Nominations include: That’s a strong showing for a series that leaned into political tension, grounded storytelling, and character-driven drama rather than traditional space fantasy spectacle. Skeleton Crew Breaks Through as a New Series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew made its mark in the genre newcomer space and acting categories: It’s a sign that Lucasfilm’s newer storytelling directions are getting attention beyond…
Disney and Lucasfilm Bring Star Wars to Kids’ Mindfulness and Movement with GoNoodle
Disney, Lucasfilm, and GoNoodle are teaming up on a new initiative designed to introduce Star Wars characters and themes into everyday life through movement, mindfulness, and play for children. The collaboration blends GoNoodle’s popular developmental content with beloved figures and storytelling elements from the Star Wars galaxy in a way that parents, educators, and young fans can use together — in classrooms, at home, or in learning spaces. Mindfulness and movement with the Force The first video in the series, titled “Balanced Breathing with Grogu,” is now available. It features Grogu, the fan-favorite character from The Mandalorian series, guiding kids through a playful breathing exercise rooted in Jedi-style training. In the video, Grogu leads children through mindful breathing and simple motion, helping them slow down, focus, and build self-regulation skills — abilities that can support emotional control, attention, and healthy daily routines. GoNoodle content has long been used in schools…
Kelly Marie Tran Calls Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit From Lucasfilm “Such a Loss”
As Lucasfilm prepares for a new chapter, Kelly Marie Tran has shared her thoughts on Kathleen Kennedy stepping away from the company she led for more than a decade. Speaking in a recent interview, Tran described Kennedy’s departure as “such a loss,” while also expressing happiness for the personal changes Kennedy is making in her life. “Historic” leadership at Lucasfilm Tran emphasized the importance of Kennedy’s role not just as a producer, but as a long-standing leader in an industry where women at that level have historically been rare. She highlighted Kennedy’s career as both exceptional and historic, noting that her presence at the head of Lucasfilm represented more than a single executive position — it symbolized longevity, capability, and visibility in a space often dominated by men. For Tran, that context matters as much as the films themselves. A measured response, not a political one Notably, Tran’s comments were…
98th Academy Award Nominations: ILM, Skywalker Sound, and Star Wars Alumni Show Up All Over the List
The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are in — and once again, Star Wars is all over the technical side of the industry… even when Star Wars itself isn’t the movie being nominated. Because when the Oscars get to categories like Visual Effects and Sound, two names keep showing up behind the scenes: In other words: Star Wars craftsmanship, still quietly carrying half of Hollywood on its back. ILM’s Presence at the Oscars Is Basically a Tradition Now Even when there isn’t a Star Wars film in the race, ILM is usually involved in multiple projects getting Academy recognition — and the 98th Oscars are no different. The Academy’s process for Visual Effects typically includes a shortlist/bake-off stage before final nominees are locked in, and ILM talent is involved across a wide range of major titles competing in the category. If you’ve ever watched a modern blockbuster and thought…
Dave Filoni Says He Doesn’t Lead Star Wars With a “Rule Book” — He Wants Artists to Surprise Us
Dave Filoni has become one of the most talked-about names in Star Wars over the past few years — not just as a writer/director, but as someone increasingly seen as the franchise’s creative compass. And according to Filoni himself, that job doesn’t look like what people assume. In a recent quote shared by ScreenRant, Filoni explained that creators sometimes expect to meet him and get handed some kind of canon compliance checklist. But that’s not how he works. “People get worried that they talk to me and I’m gonna have some Star Wars rule book. I know a lot of things about how things have been done, but I’m always curious about… what have you got? What do you want to do?… The biggest thing you want is to get artists to be expressive and express themselves in this time in ways that surprise us. Even if we’re using franchises…
Who Is Lynwen Brennan? The Lucasfilm Co-President Fans Are Suddenly Googling Like Crazy
If you’ve been online in Star Wars fandom lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have: People are not just talking about Dave Filoni anymore. They’re also Googling Lynwen Brennan like she’s a brand new character that just walked into the season finale and changed the whole power balance. And honestly? It makes sense. Because Brennan isn’t just “some executive.” She’s one of the two people now leading Lucasfilm at the very top — and she’s been quietly steering the ship for years. So who is she really? Let’s do a proper portrait: background, career, family (only what’s public), age, and the thing everyone always searches for… net worth. TL;DR (Quick Take) Lynwen Brennan’s Age (Yes, People Keep Asking) Lynwen Brennan was born in June 1967, which makes her 58 years old (as of 2026). And yes — “Lynwen Brennan age” is basically the #1 search query right now….
Kathleen Kennedy’s Lucasfilm Era Was Polarizing — But the Awards History Is Hard to Ignore
Kathleen Kennedy’s time as president of Lucasfilm will probably be debated forever — mostly on the internet, mostly loudly, and mostly with way too much confidence. But there’s one angle that cuts through the noise: Awards. Real ones. Industry ones. The kind you don’t win by having a loud fandom. And according to a new breakdown, the Kathleen Kennedy era at Lucasfilm has built a pretty serious awards track record — across Star Wars films, Disney+ series, and Lucasfilm’s broader output. So whether you view her as the architect of modern Star Wars or the reason your group chat still argues about The Last Jedi… This is what the awards history actually looks like. ✅ TV Shows — Total Awards Wins & Nominations (all award bodies) Here’s the scoreboard — total award wins and nominations across all major bodies during the Kathleen Kennedy era: TV Show Total Awards Wins Total…
Kathleen Kennedy Says Casting Han Solo Was “An Impossible Situation” for Alden Ehrenreich
Kathleen Kennedy has spent years defending Lucasfilm’s big swings — and to be fair, Star Wars requires big swings. But in her latest Deadline exit interview, the outgoing Lucasfilm president offered a rare moment of direct, personal reflection on one of the most debated choices of the Disney era: asking Alden Ehrenreich to replace Harrison Ford as Han Solo. And Kennedy doesn’t sugarcoat it. Why this matters now With Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership, these interviews aren’t just PR. They’re the closest thing we’ll get to an official post-mortem on modern Star Wars decision-making. And Solo: A Star Wars Story has always been one of the most interesting case studies: So Kennedy acknowledging regret here isn’t small. It’s a signal that Lucasfilm knows exactly what went wrong conceptually, even if the movie itself has aged better for many viewers. What Kathleen Kennedy said Kennedy praised Ehrenreich directly, but admitted…