Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Kathleen Kennedy is currently in charge of shepherding theStar Warsfranchise into its next phase. The Lucasfilm president was deeply involved with the sequel trilogy movies, which were the first mainline installments produced without input from franchise creator George Lucas. The reception dwindled with each installment, with fans agreeing thatThe Rise of Skywalkeris arguably the worst.
The final installment in the sequel trilogy was initially supposed to be helmed by director Colin Trevorrow. However, Trevorrow later exited the project with J.J. Abrams returning to conclude the sequels era. In an interview, Kennedy reflected on bringing Abrams back after Trevorrow’s departure. Here is what she had to say about the studio’s decision to switch directors for the final installment.
Kathleen Kennedy revealed why J.J. Abrams returned to helmThe Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalkerwas released almost five years ago and marked the conclusion ofthe lacklusterStar Warssequel trilogy. Initially,Jurassic Worldfilmmaker Colin Trevorrow was tapped to helm the project but exited after having completed a rough draft of the script.
J.J. Abrams, who directedThe Force Awakensreturned to direct the final installment. In a conversation withRolling Stone, Kennedy addressed replacing Trevorrow with Abrams for the ninth entry in the Skywalker saga. She said,
There’s no source material. We don’t have comic books. We don’t have 800-page novels. We don’t have anything other than passionate storytellers who get together and talk about what the next iteration might be.
Kennedy explained that since the franchise does not have source material to draw from, the executives depend on the filmmaker’s passion for the space opera saga to craft each subsequent installment.
However, Kennedy admitted that there are very few directors who have the sensibility to helm such a large-scale film and even then filmmakers might realize the process is too arduous.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Salary Will Look Small When You Learn How Much Did George Lucas Pay an Oscar Winner For Star Wars
As a result, Kennedy implied that Trevorrow likely wasn’t that passionate or simply could not commit to the time and effort required to make aStar Warsmovie. Therefore, given the small pool of directors to choose from the Lucasfilm director decided to bring Abrams back for the final installment.
Kathleen Kennedy reacted to Rian Johnson’s controversialStar Warsmovie
In the same interview, Kennedy was also asked about the controversial second installment in the sequel trilogy. Directed by Rian Johnson,The Last Jediis arguablythe most garbage movie in the franchise, with many fans displeased with its handling of legacy characters.
However, Kennedy admitted that the original approach for the second installment was always to challenge fan expectations. As a result, Kennedy defended some of the polarizing creative choices Johnson made with the movie, which indirectly affected the third installment.
I love what Rian did. It’s an absolutely wonderful movie. I think he’s an extraordinary filmmaker. And I really appreciated the bold moves that he did make.
Kennedy made the above comment, comparing Johnson’s movie withThe Empire Strikes BackandTemple of Doom.
“I’d be afraid to touch it!”: Christopher Nolan Would’ve Never Let Himself Direct One of the Most Divisive Star Wars Movies of All Time
The Lucasfilm president argued that when telling a story across a trilogy, the second installment is always the one with the most conflict. As a result, it is natural for it to have a darker tone and themes, adding that despite the polarizing reactions, she enjoyed the fan discussion around the movie.
TheStar Warsmovies are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
