Filoni at the Helm: How the New Lucasfilm CCO is Reviving Star Wars
Dave Filoni’s ascent to Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer role marks a significant turning point. Filoni, renowned for his animation expertise with acclaimed series like “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” began his journey in the “Star Wars” universe in 2006, closely collaborating with George Lucas. His latest achievement, the Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” not only brought animated characters to life but also expanded the lore of the New Republic. Filoni’s promotion is a nod to his deep understanding of the “Star Wars” world and his ability to bring coherence and depth to its storytelling​​​​.
The significance of Filoni’s new role cannot be overstated, especially considering the challenges faced by Lucasfilm in recent years. Post-Disney acquisition, the development of new “Star Wars” stories had been muddled, evidenced by the mixed reactions to the sequel trilogy. This was partly due to the lack of a unifying vision, a gap that Filoni’s leadership is poised to fill. As Chief Creative Officer, he is expected to provide the franchise with the narrative consistency it has been lacking. This move parallels the role George Lucas once held, positioning Filoni not only as Lucas’ protégé but as the guiding force behind the franchise’s future​​​​.
Filoni’s approach to “Star Wars” has been both celebrated and critiqued. His fondness for the old Expanded Universe and his interpretation of Force mysticism have been divisive among fans. However, his universal acclaim within the “Star Wars” community is undeniable. With Filoni at the helm, there’s anticipation for the expansion of beloved elements and characters like Ahsoka Tano, Ezra Bridger, and Sabine Wren. Filoni’s storytelling has often revisited the mythic dimensions of “Star Wars,” and his propensity for bringing elements from the Star Wars Legends continuity into the mainstream narrative suggests exciting possibilities for the future. Fans speculate about potential returns to iconic story arcs or explorations of new territories like the Old Republic era. Filoni’s leadership promises more cohesion across the expansive “Star Wars” universe, spanning movies, shows, comics, books, and video games​​.
As Dave Filoni steps into his new role, the “Star Wars” saga stands at a crossroads. His deep reverence for the universe, combined with a creative vision honed under George Lucas’s tutelage, positions him uniquely to steer the franchise into a future that balances fan expectations with narrative innovation. The Force, it seems, is strong with this one.
As for what’s to come for Star Wars, here’s what’s currently in the works:
- Rey Skywalker’s New Jedi Order Movie: Set 15 years after “The Rise of Skywalker,” this film will follow Rey as she establishes a new Jedi Order. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and written by Steven Knight, it represents a fresh chapter in the Star Wars saga. Although the exact release date is not confirmed, it is speculated to be around May 22, 2026​​.
- Dave Filoni’s The Mandalorian Movie: Directed by Dave Filoni, this film will serve as the culmination of “The Mandalorian” saga and its spin-offs. It focuses on the conflict between Grand Admiral Thrawn and the New Republic. Key cast members from the series are expected to return, with a potential release date of December 18, 2026​​.
- James Mangold’s Dawn Of The Jedi Movie: Directed by James Mangold, this film will explore the origins of the Jedi Order 25,000 years before the Skywalker Saga. It’s described as a “biblical epic,” delving into the philosophical and religious aspects of the Force. Production could start around 2025/2026, with a potential release date of December 17, 2027​​.
- Lando: Transitioning from a Disney+ series to a feature film, “Lando” will see Donald Glover reprising his role as Lando Calrissian.
- Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Movie: Directed by Shawn Levy, this film is currently in a holding pattern due to Hollywood strikes, with production scheduled to commence after Levy completes work on “Deadpool 3″​​.
- Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy: Announced in 2017, this trilogy is separate from the Skywalker saga and is currently not in active development. Both Lucasfilm and Rian Johnson have expressed a desire to return to this project in the future​​.
- Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie: Announced in May 2020, this project is being written by Taika Waititi, who is also in talks to star in the film. While the scriptwriting process is ongoing, the project’s future remains uncertain​​.
On the TV front, Disney+ will host several series:
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: Set in “The Mandalorian” era, this series, featuring Jude Law, is about a group of children lost in space.
- The Acolyte: Set in the High Republic era, this series by Leslye Headland explores the dark side of the Force.
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3: The animated series returns for its final season.
- Andor Season 2: Following the success of the first season, this series continues the story leading up to “Rogue One.”
- The Mandalorian Season 4: The continuation of the popular series is already in preproduction
i liked ahsoka so i like what he is doing so far