Future and potential Star Wars films - news and speculation

pixelburp

Kevin Feige reveals that his Star Wars movie isn't going ahead; sighs of relief all round?

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kevin-feige-confirms-his-star-wars-movie-is-not-moving-forward-1235343066/

UI_Paddy

Not surpring really. The MCU is a long term commitment, Feige has invested a lot of time and energy into it and the current phase arguably needs him more than ever.

I'm still not going to believe any of the planned or reported movies are going ahead unless I hear they're filming them. How many has Kennedy scrapped at this point?

pixelburp

Dave Filoni has been promoted to "chief creative officer" at LucasFilm; it does read like his role will be at the development stage. So I guess he might direct the broad direction of the universe in future.

Hopefully he'll push for more Andor level material, but his past form has shown a preference for toybox storytelling over coherency.

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/11/star-wars-ahsoka-dave-filoni

Tony EH

Did Filoni have anything much to do with 'Andor'? I got the impression he wasn't all that involved.

Brief_Lives

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121397958#Comment_121397958

The clone wars, Rebels amd The Mandalorian were quite good

Bookof Bobba Fett, not so much..

MisterAnarchy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121397958#Comment_121397958

He wasnt involved in Andor in any aspect I believe.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121397958#Comment_121397958

AFAIK no not at all, but if Feloni is now in charge of overall direction ala Kevin Feige, you'd hope he'll think to ringfence aspects to work like Andor - aka, stuff not written for fanboys or kids.

Theboinkmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121397463#Comment_121397463

Don't think thats good news - they need some young fresh talent not another kathleen kennedy/kevin feige clone.

Penn

I think it's fine news. My only worry is now I'll definitely have to watch all the animated stuff in order to understand anything that happens in Star Wars from now on.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121399849#Comment_121399849

There does seem to be an absence of young voices on Star Wars and the MCU these days - but this announcement could go either way.; if it means the franchise becomes even more "it's all connected!" then that'll be a bummer IMO.

Tony EH

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121398182#Comment_121398182

Hmmmm...I'd beg to differ. I thought 'The Clones Wars' was a confusing mess, 'Rebels' was twee kiddie fodder and 'The Mandalorian' dropped off a cliff (especially the third series which was chronic). As for 'The Book of Boba Fett', that was one big fat mistake AFAIC.

Tony EH

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121398291#Comment_121398291

There's some folk out there that think Filloni is some sort of saviour for some reason. I've never seen him that way myself. What Filloni thinks Star Wars should be and what I think it should be appear to be two very different things indeed. Plus I'm super tired of him pushing his creation into everything. Ahsoka has never been anything more than an irritation. Even when older, she's nothing more than the usual stoic, tedious, Jedi cliche. And if the series 'Ahsoka' is any indication of where Star Wars is going to go under Filloni's handling, well that certainly doesn't bode well.

Brief_Lives

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121401151#Comment_121401151

to be honest, i don't think i have read anything positive from you on this site, when i see your comments pop up on different threads. So yea, we probably do differ.

Rebels was good, most of the characters went from Zahn's and Lucas' ideas to cartoon to live action tv series.

we do agree on The Book of Bobba Fett

Tony EH

to be honest, i don't think i have read anything positive from you on this site,

Wow.

🤣

Homelander

Not gonna say anything about Clone Wars or Rebels as I've not seen them but by all accounts friends that have do rate them fairly highly.

But I agree that while Filoni has definitely done some good stuff, equally I think he's made a fairly bad job of others

Mandalorian S1 + S2 are genuinely good. But S3 dropped sharply in quality and became an overly childish live-action cartoon versus what it was previous. I'm not saying there isn't entertainment or watchability in it, but the shift is extremely obvious.

Book of Boba Fett I thought was embarrassingly bad despite initial promise. Ahsoka wasn't awful but suffered from the cartoon-like qualities evident in Mando S3 as well.

I know he was nothing to do with Obi-Wan but that was another show that felt like it was written to be a cartoon rather than live-action. Some decent moments, but an awful lot of the clunky, awkward action, bad writing and weak dialogue as well.

Andor and Mandalorian S1 stand out as really good shows. Everything else is kinda a mixed bag overall at the best of times for me personally, just really inconsistent, often within the same episodes.

It's not that I expect everything to be adult and gritty. I just find the execution of most of these shows hugely inconsistent, almost like an identity crisis as to what they're trying to achieve and who they're aimed at.

The original trilogy, prequel trilogy, and to an extent TFA and TLJ walk the middle ground perfectly (regardless of what you think about them); movies made for everyone to enjoy and take different things from. The same is true of franchises like Shrek or Toy Story; obviously kids are front at the creative decision making, but they're not just for kids.

johnny_ultimate

The problem with Filoni’s storytelling is he mistakes ‘lore’ for interesting narrative. Fine for some who’ve followed along, but frustrating for anyone who doesn’t have dozens of hours of various TV shows under their belt.

Mandalorian season 3 was barely watchable IMO for its obsession with uninteresting backstory - whereas it worked absolutely fine as a lightly serialised ‘adventure of the week’ kind of show.

Penn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121401906#Comment_121401906

So long as you provide viewers with enough relevant info that they know what's happening or why something is important, it's fine. Marvel have fallen into this trap a few times since the TV shows on Disney+ where they then don't give enough info to people who only watch the movies, and suddenly some characters are completely different. It's fine if it's just references or a side character here and there, but for character motivations you have to bring all viewers along with you.

With Ahsoka especially, Filoni just gave no help to people who hadn't watched the animated shows. And funnily enough, about 12 seasons of animated shows is too much for people to now try catch up on.

pixelburp

Yeah, that's basically the foundation of my frustration with Filoni too: he's borderline obsessed with Lore and Canon to the expense of storytelling; but it probably doesn't help that his predominance in children's TV hasn't given him the breadth in skillset to write something adults could digest.

Before dropping out of Ahsoka, aside from its arrogant dismissal of viewers who mightn't be following on from Rebels, the quality of dialogue and general motivation was just infantile. It had the energy of a kid's show, rendered in live action. So my primary concern with Filoni as head honcho would be if get still has access to the Writer's Room.

Relikk

I wouldn't put the blame on Filoni for all of the "watch that show to see why this happens in this show" guff, that's on Disney and their obsession with tying all of the events within their acquired IP's together. It was tiresome with Marvel even 5 years ago, now it's insufferable. Star Wars will be no different, but at least someone is at the helm. He can intervene at the developmental stage and either approve or object to specific elements in a story, rather than just giving carte blanche to subpar writers. No doubt he still keeps in touch with George, as well. It really should have been done before starting production on the sequel trilogy, because Lucasfilm's internal story group never seemed to have a clue about what they were doing based on the amount of rubbish we've seen in film, TV, comics and books over the past 10 years.

pixelburp

Chad Stahelski puts his hand up to work a Star Wars movie; obviously nothing close to official but as directors go, it'd have some potential for fun to see him fashion action scenes in this universe.

“John Wick” director Chad Stahelski says he wants to “take a swing” at making a “Star Wars” film.

In a recent interview with “Happy Sad Confused” host Josh Horowitz, the action-thriller director opened up about a potential franchise he wants to be a part of in the future, bringing up the sci-fi favorite.

“I’m a ‘Star Wars’ guy, like, the first ‘Star Wars’ changed my life,” said Stahelski. “Maybe someday out there. Disney, if you’re listening, hit me in a couple of years and I have a couple of takes for ‘Star Wars.'”

“I’d take a swing at that. I challenge you … see if Disney could survive me,” he added

https://variety.com/2024/film/news/john-wick-director-wants-to-make-star-wars-movie-1235863245/

Tony EH

Mmmmm...while the first John Wick movie was an ok romp, it was as empty as used can of beans. Can't say that I'm all that enthused.

Mind you, I have no idea who would make for a good director of a Star Wars movie these days.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121582602#Comment_121582602

I dunno, I think whatever else it was John Wick 4 both had fabulous action choreography and genuinely stunning cinematography; the script might be thin but damn, it could look good. And when you think about it, Star Wars doesn't really have any memorable action scenes that stand out

As to directors? Good question cos I'm not immediately sure either? James Cameron maybe? The man knows how to film clean, well staged action. Avatar Way of Water was broadly pants but that last act on the ship was fantastic.

Agent Coulson

I doubt it would be his cup of tea however I wouldn't mind seeing Paul Greengrass have a swing at a Star Wars story.

I could imagine he would go the way of Andor storytelling with some good action rolled in.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121582789#Comment_121582789

I never thought Spider-Man would but we know there's a Cameron script out there, and he was trying to make a Spidey film for years, so who knows?

Tony EH

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121582745#Comment_121582745

No memorable action scenes in Star Wars? Did read that right?

The whole beginning is very memorable. The entire attack on the Death Star. In Empire you have the Imperial attack on Hoth and Solo trying to outrun Imperials in the asteroid field, in Jedi there's the Sarlacc scene and the whole space battle at the end. Just off the top of my head, they're all very memorable action scenes.

I think people tend to forget just how energetic Star Wars was, because action sequences in movies are just so common place these days.

Cameron as a Star Wars director? Mmmmmm, don't really see that. But then, I've never rated him as a director TBH. Sure, he can do spectacle due to his effects background no doubt. But his director of people he falls very short. Mind you, is that really needed for a Star Wars movie.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121583381#Comment_121583381

I explained it poorly. I meant in terms of ... I dunno, heightened balletic stuff that was once Hong Kong's forte and the likes of John Wick honed into something bordering on artistic. the Last Jedi throne room fight was the nearest it came - but generally Star Wars scenes have been very economical. Not a criticism mind you, just how they have been - hence James Cameron being a good fit 'cos he doesn't necessarily bring a style to his work. He's a master craftsman.

Like, imagine Stahelski shooting a lightsabre fight with his style and ability to choreograph complex set pieces; I've always felt saber fights too stale, bordering on tedious with lots of aimless swooshing - oh hello Ahsoka, didn't see you there. John Wick with Lightsabres? Yes please.

Tony EH

Oh right, you meant in a kinda John Woo sorta thing? No, there's nothing like that in Star Wars really (and by that I mean the OT). In any case, I'm glad of that because that kind of bullet ballet stuff never grabbed me.

As for lightsabers and whatnot, I've always said that the best lightsaber fight in any Star Wars thing was in 'Return of the Jedi. Not so much because of its choreography, but because it looks like a real fight. It's pure righteous anger that Luke beats his father with and it fuels the whole scene in a way that no other lightsaber fight has.

I absolutely hated the chorus line dance offs that were in the sequels.

Full_Circle_81

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121583581#Comment_121583581

There's a world of difference between the type of fight choreography on display in something from John Woo compared to John Wick though, just saying!

And I appreciate what you mean about the duel in Jedi, there was so much emotion between Luke and Vader in that fight, been building for 3 movies!

But the fight choreography in Star wars could definitely stand to have a bit more flair applied to it, hence the Wick reference with Stahelski at the helm.

EoinMcLovin

https://deadline.com/2024/01/mandalorian-grogu-movie-jon-favreau-lucasfilm-1235700326/

‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’: Jon Favreau To Direct And Produce ‘Star Wars’ Pic For Lucasfilm

johnny_ultimate

Disney in real ‘throw **** at the wall and see if anything actually enters production’ mode with regards to the Star Wars film franchise.

Loafing Oaf

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121593122#Comment_121593122

The title doesn't exactly scream inspiration & original ideas...

johnny_ultimate

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121593164#Comment_121593164

I’m somewhat surprised they didn’t just give in to the marketing team’s demands and put the words ‘Baby Yoda’ in the title instead of Grogu.

Penn

Ahsoka Season 2 also confirmed.

For the love of all that is good and holy put together a video package or prequel summary for things from the animated shows we need to know before the next season....

Mr Crispy

Disney in general are just so bereft of ideas right now.

pixelburp

Dear god I could give less of a shít at that news; I honestly would have thought Mando had worn out its welcome after that meandering nothing that was Season 3.

With each passing year Andor looks like a total fluke among a holding pattern of slop. Is Mando still the only true original idea (given technically Andor was a prequel)? I know Skeleton Crew is a new story, but the aversion to telling anything new is pretty pathetic if true.

johnny_ultimate

Mandalorian season 3 (and honestly even starting in season 2) was maybe the biggest nosedive quality wise I’ve seen a series make since something like Heroes. That they’re doubling down on the lore and interconnectedness - a Mando film before the Filoni-verse one - is extremely unappealing.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121593463#Comment_121593463

I'd love to know at what point in the past "Lore" overtook Star Wars' knockabout anything goes universe; cos I wanna know who to blame for this series becoming suffocated by man children taking their toyset far too seriously.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Since the force turned female Star Wars is unwatchable... Notable exceptions being Rogue One and The Mandalorian. Everything else is awful.

Tony EH

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121593122#Comment_121593122

It's been that way since they bought it, which is remarkable really.

McFly85

The Mandalorian/Grogu story finished at the end of season 2, season 3 and The Book of Boba Fett were dreadful unnecessary extensions to that, so of course Disney is ploughing on with it.

The Star Wars universe history spans thousands of years, so it’s really disappointing to see Disney insist with just looking at stories in the same time period over and over again while shoehorning in their own continuity. Suppose it’s too difficult for them to do fan service if they go that way.

silverharp

I could see the Baby Yoda movie doing well maybe, another Rey movie has got to a dud though

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121595266#Comment_121595266

What's enraging is that Synder's awful Rebel Moon was a bit of a cold-water reminder that Star Wars can easily entertain with rebranded tellings of standard or iconic stories - yet increasingly the franchise seems saddled with tedious Lore-driven series that are intractable entities full of Jedi standing in a room talking about Buhl'Sheet, legendary Master Artisan of the Force from the last era blah blah blah.

Rebel Moon was 7 Samurai, in space - give us that in Star Wars! It's literally Geoge Lucas' own inspiration circling back into the modern-day.

Do Die Hard in Star Wars; do John Wick in Star Wars; do ... I dunno, 12 Angry Men in Star Wars, but the franchise seems utterly at sea. And probably won't get any better now Dave Filoni is driving the bus. At first I was totally disinterested in Skeleton Crew, but I'm suddenly desperate for it to be good - just 'cos it appears to be a new story of new characters, divorced from the Force.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121594898#Comment_121594898

It's so weird 'cos it's clear there's a lot of pushback with this slapdash approach. Star Wars should be the easiest property to translate into entertainment, yet they keep whiffing things spectacularly.

A Mando movie is just truly a case of who asked for this?? 'cos bar the merchandising aspect, I don't understand.

McFly85

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121595309#Comment_121595309

As soon as I heard of Stahelskis interest I immediately thought a high republic era film about a couple of Jedi on a mission gone wrong could be fantastic. Would it be Dredd/The Raid in a galaxy far far away? Sure. Would it be infinitely more interesting than the dead horse they repeatedly beat currently? Absolutely.

Tony EH

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121595266#Comment_121595266

Agreed that that Mandalorian's story ended when baby Yoda was handed over to Luke. That's the end of the story right there, but Disney have dragged it out to its death. S03 was absolutely awful.

But while this is true that Disney are persisting with a particular era, the main problem with other eras in Star Wars is that they're just bloody boring. The Imperials make for the perfect bad guys and the political situation re: Rebellion against the Empire is vastly superior to anything else that's on offer elsewhere. This is why Disney can't get out of that loop. Even their sequels were basically a Rebellion against an Empire version 2.0. And it absolutely sucked.

The simple fact is that you have the cleanest and most basic setting to place your story in with the Imperial period. It's the period George Lucas originally imagined in the first place and it's the most fleshed out allowing any audience to get into the story immediately.

Everything else is just a nebulous addition that has never sat well.

@pixelburp

It's so weird 'cos it's clear there's a lot of pushback with this slapdash approach. Star Wars should be the easiest property to translate into entertainment, yet they keep whiffing things spectacularly.

A Mando movie is just truly a case of who asked for this?? 'cos bar the merchandising aspect, I don't understand.

Well, it's 'Solo' again isn't it? Hey everyone knows this guy...let's run it into the ground.

Mickeroo

Missed opportunity not going with "Baby Yoda's Day Out"

Bacchus

Three Mandalorians and a Baby

Loafing Oaf

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121596545#Comment_121596545

Didn't really exploit Grogu's 'babyhood' to its full potential in the tv series did they?

MisterAnarchy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121594065#Comment_121594065

Careful now or you will be labelled a misogynist. 😀

Andor is also excellent, outstanding in fact.

Homelander

My problem with Filoni is that he started off making a show that appealed to people of all ages and seems to have ended up sliding heavily into the kiddy stuff and the idea of live-action cartoons.

I mean look at Mando S1 compared to Mando S3. You'd never think it was the same person in creative control.

That's not to say Mando S3 is totally devoid of any entertainment value or anything like that, but huge parts of Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, Mando S3 and Obi-Wan have this incredibly cartoon-ish, kiddy vibe to them that don't at all gel with the more adult parts.

Really not sure what to make of the movie announcement.

I don't expect everything to be Andor or Rogue One, for obvious reasons, but these shows are in desperate need of better tonal consistency. I mean the original, prequel and sequel trilogies manage this just fine, quality of, or issues with, individual movies aside.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121612059#Comment_121612059

That's not to say Mando S3 is totally devoid of any entertainment value or anything like that, but huge parts of Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, Mando S3 and Obi-Wan have this incredibly cartoon-ish, kiddy vibe to them that don't at all gel with the more adult parts.

Mando season 3 primary sin for me was its primary set of characters were a bunch of religious zealots, whose bucket heads meant nobody was even allowed be seen to emote as they spoke their cod-warrior code crap at every juncture. Pining for a homeworks singularly unappealing and meaningless to most outside of fans. As you say it was really cartoonish too, with the internal logic of something written for babies. The whole "this is the way" thing was cute at first but ye gods dedicating it to an entire season of people one would barely give a crap about? Amateur stuff.

And wasting the great Katie Sackhoff on a thanklessly self-serious role was itself a bit of a sin.