With Star Wars fans quickly losing faith in Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy's vision for the franchise (and her apparent inability to get new movies into theaters), the news that Dave Filoni would serve as the studio's Chief Creative Officer was welcomed.
He was already a key figure in overseeing Disney+'s post-Return of the Jedi TV shows and, during last year's Star Wars Celebration, we learned that he'll also helm his own movie. That's expected to serve as a conclusion to this current era of streaming storytelling, with Din Djarin, Ahsoka Tano, and more assembling to battle Grand Admiral Thrawn.
During a recent chat with Josh Horowitz, Filoni shared an update on both that and his current plans for Ahsoka season 2.
"Because I've been writing [Ahsoka Season 2], things have clicked and I have a much better idea about where things are going to go," the creative teased. "I will say, I have an opening I really like quite a bit, I'm very excited about it for that picture. I'm excited about the potential of just doing it."
"Right now, my focus is clearly on [Ahsoka] as well as the rest of the galaxy and how it's spinning," Filoni added before confirming he's also been working on The Mandalorian and Grogu movie with Jon Favreau. He said that's been "fun to dive into" and said Lucasfilm is currently putting "one foot in front of the other" with upcoming projects.
Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the vast majority of Star Wars movies and TV shows have taken place slightly before, during, or after the original trilogy. The Acolyte has shaken things up by taking us to The High Republic Era, only to be review-bombed and heavily criticised for shifting focus to a new set of leads.
Asked whether the Galaxy Far, Far Away could further change by heading down the R-Rated route (similar to Marvel Studios with Deadpool & Wolverine), Filoni responded, "I think that it encompasses all types of styles, and the creatives of these particular stories driving it is kind of the most important thing, and they should do something that's within their comfort zone."
"Otherwise, just imagine that everyone's gonna come and pretend that they're George Lucas, and they're not."
"I learned from George Lucas - I'm certainly not the same as George Lucas when it comes from making movies, George is a one-of-a-kind, generational talent. And that's OK because there are principles about choices, and being a good person, and getting over your fears, and those are timeless no matter what style you're talking about."
We'd guess Filoni isn't overly keen on telling R-Rated Star Wars stories, though he at least sounds open to the idea of giving future filmmakers the creative freedom they need and want.
Check out the full interview with Filoni (who is joined by Hayden Christensen and Rosario Dawson) in the player below.