We are officially two months away from the theatrical return of Star Wars, and while the marketing for The Mandalorian and Grogu is ramping up with shiny Empire Magazine covers and LEGO reveals, a new development behind the scenes is giving some fans a reason to pause.
A new listing from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has finally confirmed the screenwriting team for the May 22 release. While Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni are the expected architects, a third name has appeared on the masthead: Noah Kloor.
The Boba Fett Connection
For those of you who don’t spend your nights memorizing the production credits of the Mandoverse, Kloor’s name carries a specific weight. He was a staff writer on every single episode of The Book of Boba Fett—a series that remains the most divisive entry in the New Republic era.
While Kloor‘s involvement is not necessarily an indicator of anything treacherous, Star Wars fans are Star Wars fans, after all. Kloor’s presence suggests that the movie may feel more like an event miniseries than a standalone cinematic epic and for a film that fans are already waxing negatively about, it may not be the way. On the other hand, bringing Kloor onto a project set to feature the Hutt twins–who debuted in The Book of Boba Fett–could simply be a smart move intended to ensure attention to continuity
For nearly three years, the promise of a “Biblical Epic” set 25,000 years before the Skywalker Saga has been the north star for Star Wars fans seeking something truly original. James Mangold, fresh off Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, was set to explore the very origins of the Force.
However, speaking on The Hot Mic (via SFFGazette.com), Jeff “the In” Sneider didn’t mince words when asked about the film’s status:
I heard this week actually. I just heard it. That’s like dead. I can’t say that conclusively, but it doesn’t sound good. I think Mangold is focused on that Timothée Chalamet heist movie is what I think. I think Swamp Thing could be after that.
-Jeff “The In” Sneider
If the report holds true, the primary culprits for the film’s demise would seem likely to ne creative differences and scheduling.
Mangold has spent the last year riding a massive wave of momentum following the Oscar-winning success of his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. Mangold and star Timothée Chalamet have officially reteamed for a motocross heist thriller titled High Side. The project, described as “Heat meets Hell or High Water,” was picked up by Paramount in a massive bidding war. With High Side now moving into active production, it appears the timeline for a galaxy far, far away has simply run out of room. And, of course, there’s Mangold’s Swamp Thing lurking in the background.
Willimon’s involvement was seen as a guarantee of quality, bringing the same stylings to the Jedi origins that he brought to the Narkina 5 arc in Andor. However, news recently broke that Willimon has moved on to write a major Game of Thrones feature film for HBO, which, in hindsight, may have been the first major that the Jedi project was on life support.
For Star Wars fans, this story feels all too familiar. From Patty Jenkins‘ Rogue Squadron to the Kevin Feige-produced project, Lucasfilm has a documented history of announcing high-profile director-led films that never make it to the screen…or even into production. The studio’s pivot toward the Mandalorian and Grogu as their primary theatrical return signals a retreat to safe IP, which seems to be the way of things at the House of Mouse. A 25,000-year-old prequel about the origins of the Force was always a high-risk gamble. In a 2026 landscape where Disney is prioritizing guaranteed hits, a risky, mold-breaking epic like Dawn of the Jedi may have simply been too unconventional for Filoni.
For a year, Lucasfilm has tried to tell us that Ewan McGregor was only on the Ahsoka set to visit his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Following a recent revelation, it looks as though the visitor excuse may be running out of steam.
A YouTuber who worked on the Season 2 stunt team recently shared a look at official crew merchandise. When pressed about his favorite on-set moments, he dropped the bombshell: “When Ewan let me hold Ahsoka’s lightsaber.”
This lines up with long-standing rumors from Kristian Harloff that McGregor filmed scenes alongside Hayden Christensen and Ariana Greenblatt. We aren’t just getting an Anakin reunion; we are getting the full Clone Wars Trinity.
With Season 2 potentially leaning heavily into Mortis mythology, a Force-ghost reunion between Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka feels less like fan service and more like a narrative necessity to bring balance to Peridea.
This would be a big swing by Dave Filoni. By bringing Ewan back, Ahsoka Season 2 is positioning itself as the true spiritual successor to The Clone Wars finale.
The wait is officially over. Marvel Comics’ Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 hits shelves today, and if you were expecting a typical Sith-heavy power trip, you’re in for a surprise. Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Madibek Musabekov are using this five-issue prequel series to build a world that feels more Andor than Skywalker Saga.
Welcome to Janix
Percy has described the setting as “one part Gotham, one part Metropolis,” and the first issue doubles down on that noir aesthetic. We’re introduced to Captain Brander Lawson—a single-dad ex-bounty hunter turned cop—and his droid partner Two-Boots. It’s a police procedural with a lightsaber-shaped threat looming in the background.
Why This Isn’t “Just a Comic”
You don’t spend this much time and capital building a hyper-detailed, multi-layered city like Janix—with its own distinct law enforcement and political ecosystem—just for a 10-episode animated run and a comic tie-in.
Buzz has begun to circulate that Janix is being developed as a permanent fixture for the underworld corner of the galaxy. If the Maul: Shadow Lord series–premiering April 6–lands with fans, don’t be surprised if we see Janix transition into live-action sooner rather than later.
Fans should pay close attention to the background syndicates mentioned in Issue #1. Rumors suggest that names dropped here will tie directly into the live-action Shadow Council seen in The Mandalorian. Perhaps, By grounding the story in a police procedural format, Lucasfilm is testing the waters for more mature, gritty storytelling in animation.
In 2019, Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian debuted on D+, launching the studio’s streaming era. The Jon Favreau-led franchise introduced a pair of characters who were quickly embraced by fans and allowed for many characters from beloved animated series to make the jump to live-action. Through three seasons, the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu have carved out a significant corner of the galaxy far, far away and six-and-a-half years later, Lucasfilm is returning Star Wars to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu.
The Mandalorian–with help from The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka and Skeleton Crew–has revealed that the New Republic is far from a peaceful era but rather a transitional one in which disparate Imperial remnants sow discord, the Shadow Council seeks to consolidate power and, most terrifyingly, Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned from exile, ready to claim his title as Heir to the Empire. As if that wasn’t fertile enough narrative ground, Din Djarin’s past as a bounty hunter will also play a major role in the film as two ghosts of the Clone Wars have re-emerged from the Outer Rim to appear in the film: Rotta the Hutt, the only legitimate heir to Jabba’s fallen empire, and Embo, the legendary Kyuzo hunter.
Between a growing number of adversaries and a new galactic war stands the Clan of Two. To understand the collision course set for May 22, 2026, fans must look back at the scars of Mandalore, the secret cloning projects of the Empire, and the blood-soaked history of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild. Truly, The Mandalorian and Grogu looks to be one of the final of nearly two decades of Dave Filoni-era storytelling. And so, to help you fully embrace and enjoy the first Star Wars story to hit the big screen since 2019, we present The Ultimate List of What to Watch Before The Mandalorian and Grogu…
📂 Intelligence Dossier: The Path to The Mandalorian and Grogu
Subject: Tactical Prep for the May 22, 2026 Premiere
Briefing: The collision of Mandalorian Creed, Hutt Succession, and New Republic Jurisprudence.
The core narrative of Din Djarin and Din Grogu establishes the father/son dynamic of the Clan of Two.
Series / Chapter
Chapters
Thematic Notes
Runtime
The Mandalorian Season 1
1–8
The Creed, the Client, and the discovery of Grogu.
4h 55m
The Mandalorian Season 2
9–16
The search for the Jedi and the return of the Darksaber.
5h 15m
The Book of Boba Fett
5–7
The Reunion How Din got his N-1 and why Grogu is back.
2h 20m
The Mandalorian Season 3
17–24
The Siege of Mandalore and the official adoption of Din Grogu.
5h 50m
TOTAL PHASE I
18h 20m
To understand the movie, you must know the history of Din Djarin and his foundling, Grogu. This includes all three seasons of The Mandalorian as well as the “hidden” Season 2.5 found in The Book of Boba Fett.
The Mandalorian: Season 1
The Child and the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in THE MANDALORIAN, exclusively on Disney+
Chapters 1–8: The discovery of Grogu, the betrayal of the Guild, and the first showdown with Moff Gideon.
Analyzing the lethal history of the movie’s primary hunter.
Series / Episode
Title
Thematic Notes
Runtime
The Clone Wars Season 2, Episode 17
Bounty Hunters
Intro to the shield-hat and pet Anooba.
22m
The Clone Wars Season 3, Episode 4
Sphere of Influence
Establishes Embo as a high-level political mercenary.
22m
The Clone Wars Season4, Episodes 15-18
Obi-Wan Undercover Arc
Survival training alongside Cad Bane. Peak tactical feats.
1h 28m
The Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 20
Bounty
Working with a young Boba Fett as part of Krayt’s Claw.
22m
The Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 22
Revenge
Underworld alliances and high-stakes melee combat.
22m
The Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 1
Revival
Tracking the shift in criminal power during the Sith rise.
22m
The Clone Wars Season 6, Episode 5
An Old Friend
The Scipio snow-chase vs. Anakin.
22m
TOTAL PHASE II
4h 00m
As rumored last year and confirmed in the trailer, the deadly Kyuzo bounty hunter Embo will be featured as one of the film’s primary antagonists. Embo isn’t just a villain; he’s a veteran who has been active since the Clone Wars. These key episodes from the beloved animated series show why he is a physical match for a Mandalorian.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Animated Series
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 2, Episode 17 “Bounty Hunters” (21 BBY)
Embo makes his first appearance in an episode dedicated to the memory of legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, admired greatly by George Lucas and whose work significantly inspired The Creator’s vision for Star Wars.
After a crash landing on Felucia, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka seek aid from the local spice farmers only to learn that the villagers are the ones who are in real need. Beset by Hondo Ohnaka and his band of pirates, the farmers have contracted four bounty hunters to protect them.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
The death toll rises! As the battles intensify, and threaten a growing number of Republic worlds, planets are left to survive on their own. While the Jedi struggle to fight a war on many fronts, a series of medical stations have been established as a lifeline for those in need, but the facilities are easy prey for Separatist attacks. After losing contact with the medical station orbiting Felucia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano are sent to investigate…
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 3, Episode 4 “Sphere of Influence” (21 BBY)
Though it’s just a cameo appearance, the episode establishes Embo’s decades-long relationship with the Hutts.
Chairman Papanoida’s daughters, Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe, are kidnapped and held for ransom and it’s up to Ahsoka Tano and the Senator from Pantora, Riyo Chuchi, to aid the new chairman and his son in recovering their family members.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Pantora in peril! The newly elected Chairman of Pantora, Baron Papanoida, is caught in a deadly political game. The Trade Federation has blockaded Pantora and suspended all commerce with the system. Isolated from the rest of the Republic, the people of Pantora are beginning to rally against the Senate, who have seemed unsympathetic to their plight.
To make matters worse, Count Dooku has come forward offering aid if Pantora joins the Separatist Alliance. Chairman Papanoida has dispatched Senator Chuchi to Coruscant with the hope that she can motivate the Senate to act in favor of Pantora before Lott Dod can legitimize the blockade….
In addition to those individual episodes, a classic arc also helps to establish Embo’s status among the galaxy’s hunters.
Obi-Wan Undercover
Though he only appears in two of them, this four-episode arc establishes Embo as one of the galaxy’s preeminent bounty hunters.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 15, “Deception” (20 BBY)
When the Jedi learn of a Separatist plot to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine, one of them must go deep undercover as a hardened criminal to extract information from the conspirators.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
A terrorist threat! Moralo Eval, mastermind of a Separatist plot to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine, has been captured by Republic forces. But even with the criminal behind bars, rumors swirl in the underworld of Coruscant that Moralo’s plot has already been set in motion.
With precious time running out, the Jedi Council hatches their own plot to keep the Chancellor safe….
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 16, “Friends and Enemies” (20 BBY)
Fleeing across the galaxy with criminal fugitives, a disguised Obi-Wan, Cad Bane and Moralo Eval are tenaciously pursued by Anakin and Ahsoka, who have no idea they’re chasing their friend.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Fugitives on the run! Disguised as Jedi killer Rako Hardeen, Obi-Wan Kenobi works undercover to solve a Separatist plot against Chancellor Palpatine. Obi-Wan meets the plot’s mastermind, Moralo Eval, breaking him out of jail to gain his trust. But now Kenobi faces another obstacle: bounty hunter Cad Bane.
Can Obi-Wan Kenobi overcome Bane’s suspicions? Or will the ruthless criminal see through his disguise and expose the Jedi? Only time will tell….
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 17, “The Box” (20 BBY)
The disguised Obi-Wan accompanies Cad Bane and Moralo Eval to Count Dooku’s home planet of Serenno, where they enlist in a brutal competition with other bounty hunters from around the galaxy to determine who will participate in a plot to kidnap the Chancellor.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Obi-Wan Kenobi in disguise! Working undercover as assassin Rako Hardeen, Obi-Wan leads a secret mission to uncover the Separatist plot against Chancellor Palpatine. Using cunning and courage, he gains the trust of bounty hunter Cad Bane and criminal mastermind Moralo Eval, earning him entrance into the stronghold of Separatist leader, Count Dooku. Now, it is here, on the beautiful planet of Serenno, that a barbaric contest will determine the fate of Obi-Wan Kenobi and possibly the Republic itself….
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 18, “Crisis on Naboo”
The Chancellor travels to Naboo to preside over a public ceremony, guarded by Jedi Knights. Dooku and his bounty hunters — including an undercover Obi-Wan Kenobi — launch their kidnapping plot.
-Official synopsis via Star wars.com
Supreme Chancellor in peril! After surviving the ordeals of the Box, Obi-Wan Kenobi — working undercover as assassin Rako Hardeen — is invited to join Count Dooku’s plot against Chancellor Palpatine. Working with a team of deadly bounty hunters, Obi-Wan travels to the planet of Naboo, where the Chancellor will preside over the Festival of Light. Now, as the Jedi Council and Count Dooku finalize their respective plans, a deadly confrontation seems inevitable….
Embo makes two more brief appearances in Season 4 that reveal his association with Boba Fett and Tatooine’s hive of scum and villainy, Mos Eisley.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 20, “Bounty” (20 BBY)
Forced into exile, an aimless Asajj Ventress joins a team of bounty hunters under the leadership of young Boba Fett. On an alien world, they undertake a dangerous but profitable mission that tests the strength of Asajj’s character.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Abandoned! After an assassination attempt by his forsaken apprentice, Asajj Ventress, Count Dooku launches a brutal counterattack against the Nightsisters, massacring the entire clan. Forced into exile, Ventress wanders far into the Outer Rim, among the castaways and vagabonds of the galaxy, seeking her new life that was foretold by Mother Talzin….
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episode 22, “Revenge” (20 BBY)
Savage and Maul, now reunited, pursue Obi-Wan Kenobi in search of revenge, and the Jedi Knight finds himself forced to unite with a surprising ally to defend himself.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Brothers reunited! Darth Maul, the sinister Sith thought to have been destroyed so many years ago by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, was found alive by his brother, Savage Opress, and taken back to Mother Talzin on Dathomir.
Though Darth Maul’s memory has yet to be fully restored, his need for vengeance has awakened, more powerful than ever….
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 5, Episode 1, “Eminence” (19 BBY)
Hired by the Hutts to take out Maul, Embo also tangles with Mandalorians and the Shadow Collective, deepening his ties to the action in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Savage and Maul forge an alliance with Death Watch to target a common enemy: Obi-Wan Kenobi.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
Evil alliance! Darth Maul and Savage Opress escape Obi-Wan Kenobi’s assault once again. With their plan to build a crime organization in peril, the brothers’ fate is about to be changed forever as they drift barely alive, through unknown space…..
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 6, Episode 5, “An Old Friend” (19 BBY)
Embo is the primary physical threat in this episode and the “Scipio Snow Chase” is widely considered one of his best moments in the entire series. Embo is hired to assassinate an old friend of Padme’s, Senator Rush Clovis, on the planet Scipio to prevent him from exposing the Banking Clan’s corruption. He manages to kill Padmé’s aide, Teckla Minnau, with a sniper shot and then engages in a high-speed chase with Anakin, Padmé, and Clovis. Using his hat as a snowboard/sled to pursue their speeder down a mountain, Embo actually survives a direct confrontation with Anakin–a rare feat for any bounty hunter.
While on Scipio, Padmé Amidala is called upon by an old friend, Rush Clovis, to help uncover corruption in the Banking Clan. They must evade the bounty hunter Embo to escape the planet with the incriminating information.
-Official synopsis via StarWars.com
As the war between the Republic and the Separatists intensifies, many are driven from their home planets, and it is up to Senator Amidala to secure aid for them. All eyes turn to the Banking Clan and the planet Scipio. In an effort to remain independent from the Republic and the Separatists, all operations are divided, and money transactions are performed in a neutral zone surrouding the main vault. For operations to continue, there must be no war on Scipio. However, worry about the stability of the Banking Clan is brewing within the Republic as the wellspring of money may be in jeopardy….
The history of the Hutt throne and the lineage of the asset, Rotta.
Title
Source
Thematic Notes
Runtime
The Clone Wars
Film (2008)
Origin: Anakin and Ahsoka rescue baby Rotta.
1h 38m
Return of the Jedi
Episode VI
The Power Vacuum: The fall of Jabba the Hutt.
2h 11m
The Book of Boba Fett
Chapters 1-4
The Rivals: Introduction of the Twins and their claim.
3h 10m
TOTAL PHASE III
6h 59m
After 25+ years on the sidelines, the sole legitimate heir to the throne of Jabba the Hutt, his son, Rotta, returns to the Star Wars universe. Voiced by Jeremy Allen White, Rotta will appear much changed in The Mandalorian and Grogu and is rumored to be central to the plot. It is believed that Embo will be hired to take out Rotta and that Din Djarin will be stepping in to save Jabba’s Pedunkee Mufkin–though it isn’t exactly clear who either employs either hunter. However, with Boba Fett occupying his father’s palace and serving as the Daimyo of Mos Espa, Boba may have some role to play.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2008 film (22 BBY)
Rotta’s story begins here, as a pawn in the Confederacy of Independent Systems’ plot to use trade routes running through Hutt Space. Kidnapped by pirates at the order of Count Dooku and at the behest of his uncle Ziro, Rotta is rescued by Anakin and Ahsoka.
A galaxy divided! Striking swiftly after the Battle of Geonosis, Count Dooku’s droid army has seized control of the major hyperspace lanes, separating the Republic from the majority of its clone army. With few clones available, the Jedi generals cannot gain a foothold on the Outer Rim as more and more planets choose to join Dooku’s Separatists. While the Jedi are occupied fighting a war, no one is left to keep the peace. Chaos and crime spread, and the innocent become victims in a lawless galaxy. Crime lord Jabba the Hutt’s son has been kidnapped by a rival band of pirates. Desperate to save his son, Jabba puts out a call for help—a call the Jedi are cautious to answer…
Rotta’s only other appearance comes in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 3, Episode 4, “Sphere of Influence”, which is listed above.
Star Wars: Episode VI-Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
The death of Jabba left a void that Bib Fortuna, the Mining Collective and the Red Key Syndicate all tried to exploit. Should Rotta return to Tatooine and claim his throne, he could unite the Hutt Clans, making the Outer Rim less friendly to the Shadow Council.
The Book of Boba Fett also introduced the Hutt twins, who debuted alongside fan-favorite Wookiee bounty hunter Black Krrsantan. Chapter 2, “The Tribes of Tatooine”, and lay claim to their cousin Jabba’s empire. They eventually left the planet but they are set to return in The Mandalorian and Grogu and could have a fat hand in the plot against Rotta.
Though it’s not confirmed, Boba Fett may be intimately involved in the resolution of the main conflict in The Mandalorian and Grogu. By the end of The Book of Boba Fett, Din Djarin and Boba Fett are essentially brothers-in-arms. Any threat to one is a threat to both. And if the movie deals with a Hutt succession crisis on Tatooine, Boba is no longer just a cameo—he is the local sovereign. After serving as Fett’s lieutenant in Krayt’s Claw, Embo could find himself at odds with Boba in the film.
The background of New Republic heavy-hitter Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios.
Series / Episode
Title
Thematic Notes
Runtime
Rebels Season 1, Episodes 1-2
Spark of Rebellion
Introduction to the Bo-Rifle and Lasat combat style.
44m
Rebels Season 2, Episode 17
The Honorable Ones
Zeb’s moral core and his capacity for unlikely alliances.
22m
TOTAL PHASE IV
1h 06m
After making his live-action debut in Season 3 of The Mandalorian, Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios returns in a supporting role in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Zeb has been established as a pilot and soldier for the New Republic based out of Adelphi Outpost. His involvement in the film almost certainly coincides with the official government response to the Imperial Remnant’s activity. While everyone should watch Star Wars Rebels in its entirety, here’s a primer for those unfamiliar with everyone’s favorite Lasat.
Star Wars Rebels, Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2, “The Spark or Rebellion”
It is a dark time. The Jedi are no more, and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist — bringing tyranny to the Outer Rim world of Lothal. Their ominous presence is a cloud over the planet, squashing any hope of freedom or a better life, especially for 14-year-old orphan Ezra Bridger. But the young con artist soon finds that destiny has other plans for him, as he encounters a small band of rebels who dare to strike back against the Empire.
-Official description via StarWars.com
Star Wars Rebels, Season 2, Episode 17, “The Honorable Ones”
Zeb and Agent Kallus find themselves stranded on an icy moon of Geonosis after a failed Imperial ambush of the rebels. Bitter enemies, they must put aside their differences and work together in order to survive.
-Official description via StarWars.com
📉 Final Journey Metrics
Grand Total Runtime: ~30 Hours, 25 Minutes
Core Episodes: 43
Feature Films: 2
With the return of Rotta the Hutt and the relentless pursuit of Embo, The Mandalorian and Grogu is doing more than just continuing Din Djarin’s journey—it is reconciling the lawless legacy of the Clone Wars with the fragile peace of the New Republic. Since 2019, fans have watched the “Mandoverse” through the lens of individual survival. But should the Hutt Twins move to reclaim Jabba’s throne and the Adelphi Rangers continue to struggle to maintain order, the stakes have shifted, especially with the Heir to the Empire having returned. We are no longer just looking at a bounty hunter and his foundling; we are witnessing a fight for the soul of the Outer Rim and, by extension, the rest of the galaxy far, far away.
About The Mandalorian and Grogu:
Directed by Jon Favreau, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.
As was foretold, Kathleen Kennedy officially announced that she was stepping down as President of Lucasfilm, turning the keys over to Lynwen Brennan and Dave Filoni. Filoni, the creator behind a pair of beloved animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and the live-action streaming series Ahsoka, has served as Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Office since November 2023 and will remain in command of the “creative direction of the franchise in film, television, and any other platforms in the galaxy.” Brennan, who was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lucasfilm by Kennedy in 2015, is expected to continue coordinating the business side of things for the studio
Kennedy‘s career at Lucasfilm began in 2012 when she was handpicked by George Lucas to serve as co-chair before the company’s acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. Following the sale, she was promoted to President, overseeing Lucasfilm’s primary divisions, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound. Under her leadership, the studio revitalized the Star Wars franchise, launching a sequel trilogy that began with the record-breaking The Force Awakens (2015) and continued with The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Beyond the Skywalker Saga, Kennedy shepherded standalone “anthology” films such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) as well as the return of another iconic Lucasfilm property with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
In addition to her work in feature films, Kennedy spearheaded Lucasfilm’s expansion into streaming through Disney+. She served as executive producer on critically acclaimed and award-winning live-action series, most notably The Mandalorian, which debuted in 2019, and the Emmy-winning Andor. In an exit interview with Deadline, Kennedy gave a glimpse into the future of Star Wars, which looks quite different than it did three years ago.
Star Wars Celebration 2023 seemed to stand as a pivot point for Lucasfilm’s Star Wars brand. Films by Dave Filoni, James Mangold and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy were announced, promising an exciting return to theaters after an uncomfortable absence. The studio rolled out a brand new timeline which included two new eras (Dawn of the Jedi and New Jedi Order) set to be explored in upcoming films and an old fan favorite that has so far been absent from Lucasfilm’s live-action projects (The Old Republic). Nearly three years later, none of those projects have gone into production, having been passed in the queue by Jon Favreau‘s The Mandalorian and Grogu.
In her interview, Kennedy updated the status of Mangold’s “Jedi Prime” film (it is not the update you were looking for) while Filoni and Obaid-Chinoy‘s projects went unmentioned.
“Jim Mangold and Beau Willimon wrote an incredible script, but it is definitely breaking the mold and it’s on hold,” Kennedy revealed. She also provided updates on a trio of projects that fans likely thought were long dead, including the recently revealed Kylo Ren film.
“Taika has turned in a script that I think is hilarious and great. It’s not just my decision, especially when I’ve got a foot out the door. Donald Glover has turned in a script,” said Kennedy. “And as you have read, Steve Soderbergh and Adam Driver turned in a script written by Scott Burns. It was just great. Anything’s a possibility if somebody’s willing to take a risk.”
However, Kennedy went on to clarify that fans should not expect any of those films to be starting down the production pipeline soon. “Mangold’s is really on the back burner as is Soderbergh’s. I think the ones by Taika and Donald are still somewhat alive. That’s going to really be up to the new team to figure out,” she said.
“He’s working right now. He wrote something that we read in August, and it was very good, but not there,” said Kennedy of Kinberg. “We’ve pretty much upended the story, and then spent a great deal of time on the treatment, which he finished literally about four weeks ago. And it’s a very detailed treatment, like 70 pages. And so he is expected to give us something in March.”
While that’s not exactly the vote of confidence fans were hoping for given the skepticism that met the announcement of Kinberg ‘s trilogy, it does sound as though the studio plans to go into production on the first film in the near-ish future while pushing the sequels out in relatively short order.
“I know that Dave and Lynwen are very much on board with what Simon’s doing, and that would be a new trilogy. In the timeline of things, that takes you well into 2030 plus. So that’s really what’s up next,” explained Kennedy.
Kennedy also revealed that a heavy dose of succession planning took up quite a bit of bandwidth over the last two years. With a plan now in place, perhaps Brennan and Filoni will find a way to get the franchise’s film studio running smoothly again.
Everything is proceeding as many have forseen. Following an extended period of speculation and rumors, a new report claims that the heir to George Lucas’ empire, Lucasfilm’s creative Grand Admiral Dave Filoni, will soon be named co-President of the company alongside Lynwen Brennan as Kathleen Kennedy steps down from the role.
The news comes from Matt Belloni who reports that Lucasfilm will confirm the moves in “the next week or two.”
Filoni, the creator behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka, has served as Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Office since November 2023 and will remain in command of the “creative direction of the franchise in film, television, and any other platforms in the galaxy.” Brennan, who was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lucasfilm by Kennedy in 2015, is expected to continue coordinating the business side of things for the studio.
Kennedy‘s career at Lucasfilm began in 2012 when she was handpicked by George Lucas to serve as co-chair before the company’s acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. Following the sale, she was promoted to President, overseeing Lucasfilm’s primary divisions, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound. Under her leadership, the studio revitalized the Star Wars franchise, launching a sequel trilogy that began with the record-breaking The Force Awakens (2015) and continued with The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Beyond the Skywalker Saga, Kennedy shepherded standalone “anthology” films such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) as well as the return of another iconic Lucasfilm property with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).
In addition to her work in feature films, Kennedy spearheaded Lucasfilm’s expansion into streaming through Disney+. She served as executive producer on critically acclaimed and award-winning live-action series, most notably The Mandalorian, which debuted in 2019, and the Emmy-winning Andor.
As Kennedy prepares to step away, Lucasfilm has rough 7,813,212 Star Was projects in development, none of which a large segment of fans believe will actually be made.
Star Wars fans were thoroughly underwhelmed by the first teaser for The Mandalorian and Grogu; however, to be fair, Star Wars fans are thoroughly underwhelmed by anything Star Wars-related. The pulpy teaser gave almost nothing away, showing only glimpses of new characters and a few solid looking action sequences but it was also accompanied by a first synopsis which teased the idea of Din Djarin and Grogu tracking down the Shadow Council in the film.
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.
-Official synopsis for The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Shadow Council made its first canonical appearance in Chuck Wendig‘s 2017 novel Aftermath: Life Debt where, led by Admiral Gallius Rax, they planned to overthrow the New Republic. The machinations of the Shadow Council, which consisted of Rax, Rae Sloane, Brendol Hux, Ferric Obdur, Grand Moff Rand and Hodnar Borrum, were thought to be thwarted with their defeat at the Battle of Jokku, however, as seen in Chapter 23 of The Mandalorian, it has been reformed and included Moff Gideon.
The Shadow Council
Gideon has since been incinerated and the council has scattered but with Grand Admiral Thrawn making his way back from Peridea, they will still pose a major threat to the galaxy. Interestingly, a rumored new synopsis, discovered on a German Blu-ray site, explains that Din Djarin and Grogu will be hunting down the Imperial remnants, leading them to an powerful ancient artifact.
The Empire has been defeated and the remnants of its force scattered to the far corners of the galaxy. Yet some of the former commanders of this dark era cling to their power and have become dangerous warlords. Din Djarin together with his apprentice Grogu track down and neutralize these cells. Several clues lead them to Khar’Zuun where they not only manage to infiltrate an almost forgotten imperial facility but Grogu also discovers an ancient artifact that functions as an amplifier of his abilities.
-Rumored synopsis for The Mandalorian and Grogu
While there’s been no confirmation of the recently found synopsis being official, the idea that Grogu discovers an “ancient artifact that functions as an amplifier of his abilities” is incredibly interesting and does remain consistent with the type of Legends lore that Jon Favreau has consistently mined in craftingThe Mandalorian. From Dark Troopers to lightsaber-proof Beskar, Favreau has incorporated concepts from what was previously known as the expanded universe into the streaming series and, if he’s doing it yet again, there are plenty of options for what the artifact discovered by Grogu might be, including holocrons, the Great Crystal of Aantonaii or something else entirely. Whatever the case, it’s likely Favreau will use The Mandalorian and Grogu to once again dive deep into Legends lore.
According to social media scooper My Time To Shine Hello, Lucasfilm has provided a new hope for Rogue Squadron, choosing to redevelop the long-delayed project as a streaming series for D+.
While this isn’t the dead project fans are currently wishing will come together (that honor goes to The Hunt for Ben Solo), the project has always sounded relatively exciting and D+ might be the perfect place for it. Set to introduce a “new generation of starfighter pilots as they earn their wings and risk their lives in a boundary-pushing, high-speed thrill-ride, and move the saga into the future era of the galaxy,” Rogue Squadron is believed to be set AFTER the sequels and could serve as a companion piece to Star Wars: Starfighter.
With the New Republic Mando-verse projects nearing their narrative conclusion in the not too distant future, Lucasfilm is certainly looking for its next batch of stories and Rogue Squadron could have survived uncertainty and become part of the future.
Ryan Gosling was confirmed as the film’s star during Star Wars Celebration Japan, making good on months of rumors that the A-lister was set to join the franchise. Matt Smith, who joined the cast in August as “the next great villain in the Star Wars universe,”and Mia Goth, who was cast in June, are set to antagonize Gosling‘s character, who is rumored to be protecting his Force-sensitive nephew, played by Flynn Gray.
Billed as”an all-new standalone adventure,” Star Wars: Starfighter has been described as “an entirely original story set in a period of time never before explored in Star Wars.” Despite that description, there’s a growing belief online that Gosling‘s character will be tasked by Amy Adam‘s character with safely delivering his nephew to someone who can train him to use the Force and now a pair of new rumors have renewed hope that he’ll be delivered to a very familiar face.
According to My Time To Shine Hello, despite Lucasfilm’s designating Star Wars: Starfighter as a stand alone project, the film will include a “big cameo” and is meant to launch a new trilogy.
Given the rumors about the project, it’s easy to imagine that Gosling‘s mission in the film is to safely deliver his nephew to Rey Skywalker’s New Jedi Academy, which would allow Daisy Ridley to cameo, setting up a New Jedi Order trilogy.
Connecting the available dots, it begins to seem very reasonable that Starfighter might serve as a Rogue One-esque prequel to Ridley‘s trilogy, setting the stage for the New Jedi Order era. Of course, as Star Wars fans continue to grow increasingly frustrated with the franchise’s inability to bring ideas to fruition, nothing on that front will truly matter until production begins on Ridley’s project.
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