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…
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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….
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…
From George Lucas’ Apprentice to Lucasfilm President: Dave Filoni’s Unlikely Rise
Dave Filoni didn’t just climb the Lucasfilm ladder. He basically became the ladder. With Filoni officially moving into the Co-President role at Lucasfilm in 2026, Star Wars is now being steered creatively by someone who started at the company in the most Star Wars way imaginable: as George Lucas’ apprentice. Not figuratively. Literally. And when you line up his career milestones, it’s hard not to see the shape of a story Lucas himself would’ve approved of. Why this matters now For years, Filoni has been treated by fans as the “keeper of the lore.” But this new role turns that unofficial reputation into an official mandate. Star Wars isn’t just being guided by a committee, or by shifting creative teams. Lucasfilm is putting its creative leadership into the hands of someone whose entire professional identity has been built inside the galaxy far, far away. And Filoni’s rise didn’t happen through…
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…
Leia Is Bringing Her Battlefront II “Adventure” Look to Galaxy’s Edge — Starting April 29
Galaxy’s Edge is already getting a major identity shift on April 29 — and Lucasfilm is clearly not treating Leia Organa like a simple “meet-and-greet checkbox.” Instead, Disneyland’s version of Galaxy’s Edge will introduce Leia in a brand-new (but very familiar) outfit: her Star Wars Battlefront II “Adventure” appearance, complete with the crown braid. And yes: this is the first time this look has been brought to life in live-action form. Why this matters now The April 29 change isn’t just about swapping Kylo Ren for Darth Vader. This is Lucasfilm quietly rewriting how Galaxy’s Edge works as an experience: less “locked timeline,” more “Star Wars museum you can walk through”—but still with storytelling rules. Leia’s new costume is one of the clearest signs that this isn’t random nostalgia. It’s intentional, curated nostalgia. The kind that actually respects canon and what fans want to see. What Lucasfilm actually said In…
Disneyland Is Quietly Rewriting Galaxy’s Edge — Sequel Era Timeline Shelved Starting April 29
For years, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been Disney’s boldest Star Wars swing. Not because it had the most characters. But because it tried something far more ambitious: an in-universe Star Wars land where you were the main character — not a visitor waiting in line for a photo with Darth Vader. Now Disneyland is changing course. According to the Los Angeles Times, Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland will no longer be primarily set in the sequel trilogy era, and starting April 29, the land will shift toward a more “classic” Star Wars lineup — including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. And yes: that means Kylo Ren is being shelved as a walk-around character in the land. Why this matters now This is one of the biggest philosophical changes Disneyland has made to Galaxy’s Edge since it opened. The land’s original identity was built on a very…
Star Wars Outlaws Is Now on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
If you’ve been curious about Star Wars Outlaws but didn’t feel like dropping full price just to see if the galaxy’s first open-world(ish) scoundrel adventure is your thing… This is your moment. Star Wars Outlaws is now available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, meaning subscribers can jump in right away across console, PC, and cloud. And yes — it also supports cross-save, letting you continue your progress on other platforms if you want to bounce between systems. Why this matters right now Game Pass drops aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re effectively a second launch. A game going to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass means: For Outlaws specifically, this matters because the game thrives when people talk about: More players = more momentum. What’s included with Game Pass Here’s the important part: you’re not limited to one device. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate,…
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…
Hasbro Star Wars Fanstream Reveals New Black Series and Vintage Collection Figures (Scar Squadron Returns)
Hasbro is back with another Star Wars Fanstream, and if you’re a collector, you already know what that means: A few minutes of excitement… followed by a lot of “okay but do I really need this?” budgeting. In the latest stream (posted to YouTube), Hasbro revealed a fresh lineup of upcoming releases for both The Black Series (6-inch) and The Vintage Collection (3.75-inch) — including some seriously collector-friendly picks like Scar Squadron returning in Black Series form. The big theme of this Fanstream: collector-focused packs This wasn’t just a “here’s another repaint” kind of show. Hasbro leaned into what collectors actually react to right now: Basically: you can feel the strategy. The Vintage Collection reveals (3.75-inch) The Vintage Collection segment delivered exactly what you’d expect from a Hasbro stream that wants to keep OT collectors happy. Highlights include: It’s a really solid mix:You get the “classic shelf” upgrade pieces (Veers,…
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…
Disney’s Millennium Falcon Ride Was Supposed to Have Five Different Missions — But Guests Only Got One
For years, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has had one major problem: It’s fun… but it’s also weirdly easy to “solve.” After a few rides, you know the beats. You know the mission. You know what happens. And for an attraction built around interactivity, that’s a replayability issue. Now we finally know why. According to reporting highlighted by WDWNT — drawing from a recent Wall Street Journal feature on Walt Disney Imagineering — the ride was originally designed to include five different missions, but opened with only one due to budget and time constraints. And yes… it explains a lot. Why this matters right now This isn’t just a “fun Star Wars trivia” detail. It matters because Disney is finally upgrading Smugglers Run with a new mission featuring Din Djarin and Grogu, launching May 22, 2026. So suddenly, the idea of “multiple missions” isn’t hypothetical anymore. It’s a concept Disney is…
Lucasfilm Games Relaunched 5 Years Ago Today — and It Quietly Changed Star Wars Gaming Forever
Five years ago today, Lucasfilm did something that didn’t look dramatic at the time… but ended up reshaping the entire Star Wars gaming landscape. They relaunched Lucasfilm Games as their dedicated licensing brand — a modern banner for Star Wars games (and other Lucasfilm properties) moving forward. And honestly? In hindsight, it was one of the smartest moves the company has made in the post-Disney era. Not because it guaranteed instant masterpieces — but because it signaled something fans had been begging for: more variety, more studios, and more freedom. Why this matters right now Star Wars games used to feel like they were on one highway. Same publisher. Same pipeline. Same release rhythm. Since Lucasfilm Games returned, Star Wars gaming has felt much more like a living ecosystem — with multiple teams, multiple genres, and multiple bets happening at once. Even when not every project hits, the direction has…
Two New Key Operations Just Dropped for Star Wars: Shatterpoint — and They’re Not “Just More Objectives”
Atomic Mass Games just quietly made Star Wars: Shatterpoint a lot more interesting. Not with a new squad box.Not with a flashy trailer. But with two brand-new Key Operations — scenario-style missions that don’t just tweak scoring, but genuinely change how matches feel on the table. They’re called: And if you’ve ever thought Shatterpoint’s objective play can start to “solve itself” after enough games, this update is exactly the kind of shake-up the game needed. Why this matters right now Key Operations are where Shatterpoint becomes more than a skirmish game. They’re the part of the system that makes fights feel like scenes from Star Wars — chases, sabotage, hidden knowledge, last-second reversals, and objectives that aren’t just “stand here and score.” So when Atomic Mass Games drops two new operations at once, it’s not a minor rules PDF. It’s basically two new “game modes.” Quick context: what is a…
ANA’s C-3PO Star Wars Plane Has Been Officially Retired — End of a Flying Fan Favorite
Some Star Wars memorabilia sits behind glass. Some gets sealed in plastic. And then there was ANA’s C-3PO jet — a full-sized passenger plane that spent years turning airports into accidental Star Wars photo ops. Now it’s officially over. The C-3PO themed ANA aircraft has been retired and will no longer be used in service, marking the end of one of the most recognizable real-world Star Wars collaborations ever put into the sky. Why this matters now The Star Wars franchise has collaborated with everything from sneakers to luxury brands. But very few partnerships have been as public — and as weirdly iconic — as ANA’s Star Wars jets. Because this wasn’t a limited-edition collectible. It was something you could actually see at the gate. And with the C-3PO aircraft now retired, the era of Star Wars-themed ANA jets is effectively closing in a way fans can actually feel. What…
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,…
Third Volume of Star Wars: Visions Earns Two Annie Award Nominations
Star Wars continues to prove that there’s more than one way to explore a galaxy far, far away. The third volume of Star Wars: Visions has officially received two Annie Award nominations, further cementing the anthology’s reputation as one of Lucasfilm’s most creatively ambitious projects in recent years. The Annie Awards—widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in the animation industry—celebrate excellence across animated film and television. For Visions, these nominations are a strong signal that its experimental, creator-driven approach isn’t just resonating with fans, but with industry professionals as well. What Makes Star Wars: Visions Stand Out Unlike traditional canon-driven Star Wars series, Visions is designed as an anthology that invites animation studios from around the world to reinterpret the franchise through their own cultural and artistic lenses. From Japanese anime powerhouses in Volume One to globally diverse studios in later volumes, the series deliberately steps outside established continuity….
Star Wars: Starfighter Is Built Around a Father-Son Dynamic
Early reporting on Star Wars: Starfighter has been tantalizingly cautious—tight-lipped about plot specifics and character details. But one theme director Shawn Levy confirms is central to the story: it’s anchored in a father-son dynamic. That might sound simple on its face, but in a franchise defined by legacy and lineage, this choice resonates in a very Star Wars way. Building a Star Wars story on emotional grounding Levy has a long track record with emotionally centered adventure films, and his past work often circles relationships between adults and younger characters. That sensibility appears to be shaping Starfighter too. In a recent interview connected to his New York Times profile, Levy discussed how moments of intergenerational connection have drawn him back again and again in storytelling. While the full plot is still under wraps, the fact that Starfighter is described as being built around paternal bonds suggests we might see a…
The Las Vegas Sphere Is Becoming a LEGO Death Star — and You Can Fly the Trench Run
For years, Star Wars fans have joked about wanting to step inside the Death Star. Now, that idea is being taken seriously—at a scale that feels almost excessive in the best possible way. The Sphere is set to be transformed into a massive LEGO Death Star, as part of a new interactive experience developed by LEGO in collaboration with Lucasfilm. The concept allows visitors not just to look at the superweapon—but to climb inside it and take on the trench run themselves. And yes, that’s exactly as wild as it sounds. What’s actually happening The project reimagines the Sphere’s exterior and interior as a fully realized LEGO version of the Death Star, using the venue’s wraparound LED technology to create an interactive environment rather than a passive display. Inside, visitors will be able to move through sections of the station and participate in a trench run–style game experience. Instead of…
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…