Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is currently in charge of shaping the next chapter in the galaxy far, far away. Kennedy was at the helm of affairs at the studio and worked extensively on producing the sequel trilogy of Star Wars movies under Disney. However, with the sequels in the rearview, Kennedy is looking at the future and provided some exciting updates for fans.
During an interview, Kennedy spoke about the franchise’s future and that of legacy characters such as Luke and Leia Skywalker within it. The producer stated that the studio would only look to recast actors Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher on one very strong condition. Here is what Kennedy had to say about the potential recasting of Luke and Leia and the future of Star Wars.
Kathleen Kennedy Reveals the Condition to Recast Mark Hamill or Carrie Fisher in Star Wars
Kathleen Kennedy, the head of Lucasfilm is currently shaping the next phase of the epic space opera franchise Star Wars. In 2022, Kennedy sat down for a detailed conversation with GamesRader, where she discussed the franchise’s future.
During the interview, the producer was asked about the possible recasting of legacy characters such as Luke Skywalker and Leia. Kennedy stated that while she wasn’t ruling out the possibility of recasting the roles played by Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher, the studio did not have any immediate plans for the same.
I don’t think we would intentionally just look back at some of the characters like Luke and Leia and whatnot and decide arbitrarily to do a story. There would have to be a really strong reason why.
Kennedy made the above statement explaining that the recasting of the legacy characters would strictly depend on the possibility of a strong story idea.
From Kennedy’s words, it is safe to deduce that Lucasfilm is currently not looking forward to revisiting the characters any time soon. However, should an opportunity like Luke’s appearance in The Mandalorian present itself, the studio might consider recasting the role.
Kathleen Kennedy Wants to Explore Star Wars Beyond the Skywalker Saga
During the same interview, Kennedy was also asked about the future of the franchise, particularly because no new films had been announced back then since the release of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
In response, Kennedy stated that the studio wasn’t opposed to movies that are set outside of the Skywalker saga, which concluded with the sequel trilogy.
We need to create a whole new saga. That takes a lot. There’s a lot of conversation around that.
Kennedy made the above statement reiterating that the studio wasn’t hesitant to move beyond the Skywalker family’s story. However, she noted that the creation of an entirely new saga would take some time.
The slate of upcoming Star Wars films also reaffirms Kennedy’s statement as three new films set in three different eras of the franchise were announced in 2023, without a Skywalker character featuring in the lead role. Therefore, it is safe to say that the franchise is truly ready to move beyond the Skywalker saga.
The Star Wars movies and TV shows are streaming on Disney+.
