Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy just revealed some great news for fans of the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy!
Although Kennedy’s contract ended in October 2021, she was granted a 3-year contract extension that didn’t exactly sit well with fans. Although there were some who loved the sequel trilogy, others were disappointed with its lack of cohesion, especially through all three films.
The first film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was directed by J.J. Abrams, who might have been too conservative with his approach to a galaxy far, far away. Rian Johnson swung a little too far in the other direction with “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which might be the Skywalker Saga’s most controversial film to date.
Although director Colin Treverrow was supposed to take over the third film, he split with Lucasfilm over alleged “creative differences” and Abrams was left to finish up “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which many considered a lackluster conclusion to what had once been a groundbreaking trilogy.
Kennedy took over as President of Lucasfilm ever since Disney acquired the studio from George Lucas in 2012. Since then, there has been a long history of “Star Wars” projects being canceled or showrunners being switched out mid-shoot. Even the recent Patty Jenkins film “Rogue Squadron” was wiped from the production slate. According to rumors, Kennedy and Jenkins could not see eye to eye with the project, which led to Jenkins walking away.
However disappointing that news may be to fans, Kennedy recently divulged that the creative forces behind “Star Wars” are not ready to say goodbye to the sequel trilogy characters just yet.
Another Look Back At The Famous Faces Of The ‘Star Wars’ Sequel Trilogy
It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since fans were rushing to theaters to see the ninth and final film in the Skywalker Saga, which hit theaters on December 20, 2019.
The sequel trilogy featured a mix of famous faces as well as some new ones. The sequel trilogy saw the veteran cast of characters like Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher) reprising their old roles.
The sequel trilogy also introduced the Jedi-in-training Rey (Daisy Ridley), the Force-sensitive ex-stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), the Resistance Black Squadron Commander Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and the villainous Kylo Ren/redeemed Ben Solo (Adam Driver).
Although Ben Solo used his life force to revive Rey at the end of the film and faded into the Force, it is possible that he could return as a Force ghost in some way, given how popular his character was with fans.
What Did Kennedy Say About Their Return?
In a new interview with Empire Magazine teasing the debut of “The Book of Boba Fett” on Disney+ this December, Kennedy revealed that conversations are still ongoing on how to bring back the sequel trilogy characters into the franchise, although she did not call out any of the actors by name.
“Certainly, those are not characters we’re going to forget,” Kennedy said. “They will live on, and those are conversations that are going on with the creative team as well.”
However, it is unclear in just what way these characters will return. In the 2021 Halloween special “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales,” a young Ben Solo, Poe Dameron, and the loveable droid BB-8 made their return in animated form; however, none of the cast reprised their roles. Jake Green voiced Poe Dameron and veteran sound editor Matthew Wood took over the voice of Ben Solo.
Driver’s career has only taken off since appearing in “Star Wars.” In 2019, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “BlacKkKlansman.” In 2020, he earned another Academy Award nom for Best Actor with Netflix’s “Marriage Story.” He also appeared in 2021’s “The Last Duel” and will also appear as Maurizio Gucci in “House of Gucci,” which is set to hit theaters this Wednesday.
The rest of the cast has also moved on to other projects. Isaac, who appeared in 2021’s “Scenes From a Marriage” and “Dune,” also has his schedule full taking on the role of “Moon Knight” in the new Marvel TV series.
Ridley, who recently starred in “Chaos Walking” opposite “The Amazing Spider-Man” Tom Holland, also has three films in pre-production, most notably “The Marsh King’s Daughter.”
After earning acclaim for his role in the TV mini-series “Small Axe,” Boyega has three films in pre-production, including the long-awaited sequel “Attack the Block 2,” in which Boyega will reprise his role as the main character of Moses.
All of the actors have remained non-committal about their return to a galaxy far, far away, with Isaac famously joking that he’d only return “if I need another house or something.” It seems fans will just have to wait and see!
