What is Lucasfilm’s new vision for Star Wars—and how will it shape the future of the franchise?

Star Wars is an iconic franchise that has been growing for several decades. What started out as an epic space opera film by George Lucas has, over the years, become a pop culture phenomenon.

Lucasfilm, which is the production banner behind the franchise and which was headed by Lucas himself, eventually became a Disney subsidiary. Kathleen Kennedy, who heads the production house, recently revealed the new vision of the studio and how it will shape the franchise's future. There are multiple films and shows under the brand name that have come out over the years. So, let us find out what Kennedy has said.

Lucasfilm boss reveals the new vision for Star Wars franchise

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Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy spoke at the BFI Film on Film Festival, where she talked about the vision for the Star Wars franchise. She said,

"I really think that now we’re in a position where it’s broadened the possibility of stories and filmmakers we can bring in to tell stories that mean something to them– it doesn’t necessarily have to connect to every little thing that's been done in Star Wars; it can actually be a standalone story that then builds into many many other stories."

Her comments come at a time when the production company is gearing up for The Mandalorian & Grogu, as well as Shawn Levy's Starfighter. The latter will begin shooting in September this year in the United Kingdom. In the past few years, the franchise has shifted towards streaming television shows from theatrical films. It will be changing with the above-mentioned two titles.

Kennedy's comment highlights that the franchise will shift its focus towards more standalone films instead of referential stories.

Starfighter has Ryan Gosling as well as Mia Goth as the protagonist and antagonist, respectively. Its events will take place nearly five years post Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and it's touted as a standalone film. The film will mark Gosling's foray into the franchise.

Earlier in February 2025, Variety had reported that Kennedy would be retiring from her post as Lucasfilm president at the end of 2025. She will be stepping down once her contract comes to an end. However, she refuted these claims and said that these are just speculations. George Lucas had sold his company to Disney for $4 billion in 2012, after which he stepped down and Kennedy was installed as its president.

Rise of Skywalker was the last Star Wars film to get a theatrical release. Since then, the studio has been trying to get a film on the big screen. Several projects were announced with directors like Taika Waititi and Patty Jenkins which were shelved. The Mandalorian & Grogu will be released theatrically in 2026.