What the heck is going on at Lucasfilm? Recently, Steven Knight left as the writer for the Rey trilogy, aka Episodes 10, 11, and 12. Now, Deadline has announced that Simon Kinberg will be taking over as writer and producer along with Kathleen Kennedy.
How many writers have the Rey films had so far?
Knight was brought in to replace the original writers, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Later, Lindelof publicly stated that he was asked to leave Star Wars. And now we have Kinberg.
Kinberg’s Star Wars and Marvel Experience
To his credit, Kinberg has “Star Wars” experience. He co-created “Star Wars Rebels” with Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck and was a consultant on “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.”
He has also worked on “X-Men” films and was the producer on the three “Deadpool” films.
The man has some solid work under his belt, but so did other writers announced for the films, even if he directed ‘X-Men: Dark Pheonix.”
Now we must wonder if he will stay or become another ex-writer on the project.
Clearly, there is an issue at Lucasfilm regarding this trilogy and their IP.
For whatever reason, the Rey movies can not get off the ground. Even more strange is the indication that Kinberg will produce these films alongside Kathleen Kennedy. Kennedy, who infamously has been in charge of Lucasfilm since Disney took over, has been blamed for tanking all three Lucasfilm legacy brands, including “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars,” and “Willow.”
Her contract as Lucasfilm president expires at the end of 2024, which suggests that she could possibly get another extension. Why?
Or would she simply be kept on as a producer?
Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm’s reputation.
Under Kennedy, Star Wars’ legacy has been film announcements that are later pulled, writer and director announcements that keep changing, and a long list of “creative difference” removals of talent.
Originally, it was believed that the Rey films would hit theaters first. Instead, Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” has moved into the first theatrical release spot for 2025. So far, there has not been a “Star Wars” theatrical release since 2019.
In recent years, the “Star Wars” franchise has been largely relegated to Disney+. The last show, “The Acolyte,” failed to win over audiences while costing far too much money.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” bombed at the box office, making $384 million globally. The estimated loss on the film is at least $130 million.
“Willow” was brought back for a Disney+ show. It did so terribly that Disney removed it from the streaming service and took a write-down on it. Later, it was discovered that the show cost over $150 million for eight episodes!
It makes no sense to keep Kennedy as the president of Lucasfilm or even as a producer. However, it does sound like Simon Kinberg would be a good choice as a writer and producer IF he is allowed to do his job and doesn’t end up gone, too.
Only time will tell.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Deadline
Pirates & Princesses (TM) (Stylized as PNP) is an independent, opinionated News and Information site focused on Travel, Entertainment, Fashion, the “Geek Girl” Lifestyle, and more. We focus heavily on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, and other themed entertainment and travel destinations. Our news staff includes former theme park and entertainment industry employees, journalists and dedicated pop culture and theme park enthusiasts. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of this site, our affiliates or our sponsors.