Dave Filoni, now at the helm of Lucasfilm, has articulated a mission to unify the diverse Star Wars fanbase, encompassing original trilogy, prequel, sequel, Clone Wars, and Expanded Universe enthusiasts. While this aim to please all demographics is a stated goal, it also suggests a potentially risk-averse approach to future storytelling.
This strategy appears to be shaping the upcoming slate of films, beginning with a new trilogy starting with "Star Wars: Episode X." Reports indicate that Jon Watts, known for his work on the Spider-Man "Home" trilogy and "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," will direct, with Simon Kinberg, whose credits include "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and "Star Wars Rebels," set to write. The choice of Watts and Kinberg, while possessing Star Wars credentials, has raised concerns that Lucasfilm is prioritizing established talent over more daring creative voices.
Watts previously demonstrated an aptitude for balancing big-budget intellectual property with engaging narratives in "Skeleton Crew," a series praised for its blend of whimsy and lore expansion. However, Kinberg's involvement has drawn criticism, particularly due to the perceived safety and lack of innovation in his past writing for the X-Men franchise. While "Rebels" is a fan favorite, its scale and pacing differ significantly from that of a blockbuster film, leading to questions about his ability to deliver a compelling trilogy.
This creative direction comes after a period of significant fan division, most notably following the release of Rian Johnson's "The Last Jedi." The film received critical acclaim but faced a strong negative reaction from a segment of the audience, reflected in its low Rotten Tomatoes audience score. Criticisms ranged from narrative choices, such as the handling of Luke Skywalker and the resolution of Supreme Leader Snoke's arc, to broader issues that some fans felt undermined the franchise's core elements. The intense backlash may have influenced subsequent decisions, including the trajectory of "The Rise of Skywalker."
Given this history, Filoni's decision to continue with the Skywalker saga for "Episode X," "XI," and "XII" is seen by some as a safe bet to recapture a broad audience, leveraging familiar characters and narratives. This approach aligns with Disney's need for commercially viable projects, even as more experimental Star Wars content like "Andor" and "The Acolyte" finds success on television. The studio appears committed to its blockbuster films being rooted in the established Skywalker lineage, potentially at the expense of exploring new frontiers within the vast Star Wars universe.