A tremor just shook the galaxy far, far away. For us in the fanbase, the news that Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down and Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are taking the helm at Lucasfilm is more than a corporate reshuffle. It feels like a moment of potential—a chance to correct a course that has felt increasingly adrift. We have one humble, urgent request for the new captains of the ship: Give us a map we can believe in, and stop teasing destinations you’ll never reach.
The Kennedy Era: A Legacy of Light and Shadow
Let’s be fair. Kennedy’s tenure gave us incredible gifts. She helped bring Star Wars back from the cultural periphery with The Force Awakens, a film that made theaters feel like celebrations again. She championed Rogue One, a gritty war story that became an instant classic. And her biggest swing—betting on live-action TV—gave us The Mandalorian and the profound brilliance of Andor. For these, we are grateful.
But for every victory, there’s been a shadow. The Sequel Trilogy, for all its box office success, left the fandom divided and narratively unmoored. And the most frustrating pattern of all? The Graveyard of Announcements.
The “Will It Actually Happen?” Era Has to End
We’ve been hurt before. Remember the excitement for Rian Johnson’s trilogy? The intrigue around the Benioff & Weiss Old Republic series? The buzz for a Kevin Feige-produced film? All announced, all vanished into the ether.
The list of projects stuck in “development” feels like a cruel joke: Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, Waititi’s movie, Rogue Squadron, the Lando series. At this point, a new Star Wars movie announcement is met not with cheers, but with a tired, collective sigh. “I’ll believe it when I see a trailer” isn’t cynicism; it’s a defense mechanism built from years of letdowns.
This cycle of hype and abandonment has done real damage. It makes us hesitant to invest emotionally. It makes the brand feel unstable. And as the cancellation of The Acolyte showed, the Star Wars name alone isn’t enough anymore. The magic needs to be earned.
What We Need From You: A “Chapter One” for Star Wars
So, Dave and Lynwen, here’s what we’re pleading for as you take command. We don’t need a slate of 20 new movies tomorrow. We need clarity, commitment, and communication.
Look at what James Gunn did with DC Studios. From day one, he presented “Gods and Monsters”—a clear roadmap. He said, “Here is our plan for Chapter One.” He’s been transparent about what’s moving forward and what isn’t. That’s all we want.
- Give Us the Big Picture: Is the focus Rey’s New Jedi Order? Is it wrapping up the Mandoverse? Are we finally exploring the Old Republic? Tell us the story you’re most passionate about telling first.
- Under-Promise and Over-Deliver: Please, only announce projects that have a finished script, a committed director, and a firm start date. The era of the “vague attachment” needs to end. Let Shawn Levy’s Starfighter—which moved from rumor to production with stunning speed—be the new standard, not the exception.
- Talk to Us, Not At Us: Be transparent. If a project is shelved, tell us. If priorities shift, explain why (in broad strokes). Treat the fandom like partners in this journey, not just an audience to be marketed to.
The Force is With You—Now Focus It
Dave, your love for this galaxy is etched into every frame of The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. Lynwen, your operational expertise has kept the engine running for years. You are the perfect duo to combine visionary storytelling with logistical discipline.
We’re not asking for perfection. We’re asking for a plan we can trust. We’re asking to feel the excitement of a true “coming soon” without the nagging fear of cancellation. We want to board your ship with confidence, knowing it has a clear flight path.
The force is strong with this new beginning. Our hope is that you’ll focus it, guide it, and give us a saga worth believing in again. We’re ready. Just show us the way.
