Over the past several years, the lack of diversity behind the camera at Lucasfilm has been brought up time and time again by fans. Throughout the history of the “Star Wars” franchise, it’s hard to miss that the feature films have all been directed by white men, with any hint at diversity being on the small screen in the recent ‘Mandalorian’ TV series. But according to Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy, that’s going to change. At some point.
READ MORE: Taika Waititi Being Sought By Lucasfilm To Make A ‘Star Wars’ Movie
Speaking on the red carpet at the BAFTAs this weekend, Kennedy was asked about when fans might see a female director tackle the “Star Wars” universe. She answered that question by pointing out the recent Disney+ series mentioned above.
“Oh, we already got’em,” she said. “We’re doing ‘The Mandalorian’ [and] we’ve got two or three fantastic women working with ‘Star Wars’…we’re cultivating a lot of great talent,” Kennedy said.
Of course, she’s referencing Deborah Chow and Bryce Dallas-Howard, who worked with Lucasfilm on “The Mandalorian.” Chow, also, is set to direct the upcoming “Obi-Wan” series…if that ever happens.
But what about a female director of a full-length “Star Wars” film? Will fans ever see a female director actually get a shot at a feature film?
“Oh, absolutely! Without question,” replied Kennedy.
To be fair, it’s important to understand that there is quite a bit of female representation behind-the-scenes at Lucasfilm. And we’re not just talking about Kennedy, either. She has surrounded herself with multiple women that are part of the Lucasfilm brain trust, specifically when it comes to the “Star Wars” universe. It’s just that her commitment to inclusivity hasn’t quite extended to directing films. Yet, at least.
That being said, Kennedy’s track record with her white male directors hasn’t been completely smooth either, with multiple filmmakers being fired or leaving “Star Wars” projects over the last several years. Just ask Lord & Miller, Benioff & Weiss, Gareth Edwards, Colin Trevorrow, and Josh Trank, to name several.
Now, with Deborah Chow being the sole filmmaker behind “Obi-Wan,” and the status of that series being, uh, unknown at this time, perhaps we can see her transition to a feature film? “Star Wars” definitely needs a new director soon, if Lucasfilm expects to make that 2022 release date.