Kathleen Kennedy Renews Lucasfilm Deal, Will Remain President For Three More Years
Never believe what you hear on YouTube. Despite swirling rumors in the wake of the box office disappointment ofSolo: A Star Wars Story,Kathleen Kennedyhas just re-upped her deal to remain President of Lucasfilm for at least three more years. Kennedy will remain in charge of all-things-Star Warsthrough 2021, and she will help expand theStar Warsgalaxy into television.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news that Kathleen Kennedy will continue to run Lucasfilm. AfterSolo: A Star Wars Storygrossed $392 million, resulting in a $50 million to $80 million loss for Lucasfilm, speculation cropped up that Kennedy’s days were numbered. Adding fuel to the fire was the minor but vocal backlash againstStar Wars: The Last Jedi. But as THR states, “The move is a vote of confidence in Kennedy, who took command of Lucasfilm after Disney’s $4 billion acquisition from George Lucas in 2012 and has overseen the relaunch ofStar Wars.”
While the majority of the other newStar Warsfilms have been box offices smashes, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. BothRogue One: A Star Wars StoryandSolounderwent major reshoots, with theSolosituation leading Kennedy to fire original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. But Kennedy’s grasp on Lucasfilm remains intact, and will do so for t least the next three years.
Star Wars: Episode IXis currently filming, and is set to be the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga. From there, the world ofStar Warsmovies rests in the hands of projects being planned byStar Wars: The Last Jedidirector Rian Johnson andGame of Thronescreators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. ButStar Warsisn’t limited to the world of films. Kennedy and Lucasfilm are beginning to direct theirStar Warsfocus to the small screen, as well, particularly when it comes to Disney’s upcoming streaming service, which may or may not be called Disney Play. From the THR story:
BeforeSolo, Lucasfilm had been planning moreStar Wars Anthologyfilms, including an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie and a Boba Fett film. In the wake ofSolo’s box office, however, Kennedy and Lucasfilm are retooling their approach, and making a bigger commitment to television. Lucasfilm is also working on the upcomingIndiana Jonesfilm as well, due out onJuly 9, 2021.Star Wars: Episode IXopensDecember 20, 2019.
