Lucasfilm Boss Dave Filoni Only Got His Star Wars Job Because This Legendary Animator Passed

Dave Filoni landed his key position at Lucasfilm shaping Star Wars animation after Genndy Tartakovsky turned down a leadership role in 2005, opening the door for Filoni’s influential work on series like The Clone Wars.*

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Genndy Tartakovsky created the acclaimed Star Wars: Clone Wars microseries from 2003 to 2005, bridging Episodes II and III with bold 2D animation.

• George Lucas offered Tartakovsky a top role at Lucasfilm Animation, but he declined due to restrictions on pursuing non-Star Wars projects.

• Lucas then recruited Dave Filoni, fresh from Avatar: The Last Airbender, to helm the 3D The Clone Wars series.

• Filoni’s tenure introduced fan-favorite elements like Ahsoka Tano and expanded the franchise through Rebels, The Bad Batch, and live-action crossovers.

• Today, Filoni serves as Lucasfilm’s President & Chief Creative Officer, guiding the future of Star Wars storytelling.

Who Is Genndy Tartakovsky and How Did He First Shape Star Wars?

Genndy Tartakovsky, born in Moscow and raised in the U.S., built his reputation with Cartoon Network hits like Dexter’s Laboratory and Samurai Jack. His style emphasized fluid action, minimal dialogue, and striking visuals.

In 2002, George Lucas approached Tartakovsky to create short animated segments set during the Clone Wars era. These evolved into Star Wars: Clone Wars, airing from 2003 to 2005 on Cartoon Network.

The show ran for 25 episodes, mostly three to five minutes long, depicting intense battles and character moments that filled gaps between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

It introduced elements like General Grievous and showcased Anakin Skywalker’s growth into a formidable Jedi Knight.

What Made Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars Stand Out in the Franchise?

Tartakovsky’s series brought an anime-inspired flair to Star Wars, with dynamic fight scenes and atmospheric storytelling. Lucas praised its “slight anime feel,” noting it diverged from previous franchise animation.

Critics and fans lauded the microseries for revitalizing interest amid the prequel trilogy’s mixed reception. It won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program in 2004 and 2005.

The show’s influence extended to visual effects in later Star Wars projects, affecting lighting and character movement in the CGI era. Tartakovsky’s work proved animation could deepen the saga’s lore without relying on live-action constraints.

Why Did Genndy Tartakovsky Turn Down the Lucasfilm Leadership Role?

By 2005, Lucas envisioned expanding Star Wars animation and wanted Tartakovsky to lead Lucasfilm Animation, similar to John Lasseter’s role at Pixar.

Tartakovsky was developing a Viking-themed feature film and other original ideas. Lucas required exclusivity to Star Wars, which would have canceled those projects.

Faced with that ultimatum, Tartakovsky walked away to maintain creative freedom. He later pursued Primal, an adult-oriented series about a caveman and dinosaur, earning critical acclaim for its raw, dialogue-free narrative.

How Did This Decision Lead Directly to Dave Filoni’s Hiring?

With Tartakovsky out, Lucas sought another animator skilled in action and storytelling. He discovered Dave Filoni through his work on Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, where Filoni directed episodes and contributed storyboards.

Lucas recruited Filoni in mid-2005 to oversee the new 3D-animated The Clone Wars series. Filoni, a lifelong Star Wars fan from Pennsylvania, jumped at the chance despite initial nerves about working with Lucas.

This pivot marked the start of Filoni’s ascent, blending animation expertise with deep franchise knowledge.

Who Is Dave Filoni and What Was His Background Before Star Wars?

Dave Filoni grew up idolizing Star Wars, sketching characters and dreaming of involvement. He studied animation at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and began his career on shows like King of the Hill.

His major breakthrough came on Avatar: The Last Airbender in 2005, directing early episodes that established the show’s epic tone. His work featured intricate choreography and strong character arcs, skills that caught Lucas’s attention.

Filoni has often credited his time as a hockey goalie for teaching focus and quick decision-making, traits that served him well in high-pressure production environments.

What Challenges Did Filoni Face in Launching The Clone Wars?

The Clone Wars debuted in 2008 as an animated feature film followed by a television series on Cartoon Network. Early reactions were mixed, with some critics calling the animation stiff.

Working closely with Lucas, Filoni absorbed deep lessons about Jedi philosophy and Force mechanics. Over seven seasons, the series evolved into a darker, more complex exploration of war and morality.

The show concluded in 2020 with a final Disney+ season that directly intersected with Revenge of the Sith. Along the way, Filoni introduced Ahsoka Tano, now one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

How Has Filoni Expanded Star Wars Beyond The Clone Wars?

Following The Clone Wars, Filoni created Star Wars Rebels in 2014, chronicling a small resistance cell prior to A New Hope.

The series introduced Ezra Bridger and expanded Force mythology with ancient Jedi lore and mystical creatures. It balanced accessibility with emotional depth.

Filoni later executive produced The Bad Batch and crossed into live action with The Mandalorian, eventually co-creating Ahsoka. In 2023, he was promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm.

Could Genndy Tartakovsky Ever Return to the Star Wars Universe?

Tartakovsky has expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the saga. When asked about Star Wars: Visions, he noted he was never contacted but harbored no resentment.

He recently participated in interviews for a forthcoming book on his Clone Wars work, reportedly encouraged by Lucas himself. Still, Tartakovsky remains focused on original storytelling rather than franchise returns.

Fans continue to speculate about what a Tartakovsky-led Star Wars project might look like, but for now, his creative path lies elsewhere.

What Legacy Does This Passing of the Torch Leave for Star Wars Fans?

Tartakovsky’s decision preserved his independent voice while opening the door for Filoni’s rise, resulting in an expanded and emotionally richer Star Wars canon.

This moment underscores how individual creative choices can reshape massive franchises. As Filoni guides the future of the galaxy far, far away, fans can appreciate both the stories told and the alternate paths left unexplored.

Hat Tips

• Fandomwire, “Dave Filoni Might Have Never Led Star Wars if George Lucas…,” January 20, 2026

• The Wrap, “Meet Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s New President,” January 20, 2026

• Polygon, “Star Wars: Clone Wars creator never got a call to work on Visions,” October 12, 2025

• SYFY Wire, “Star Wars needs to acknowledge Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars,” May 4, 2020

• Inverse, “Star Wars Wouldn’t Be the Same Without Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars,” May 4, 2024

Article Compiled and Edited by Ivy Adams.