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Kathleen Kennedy shared major updates on upcoming Star Wars projects, including Taika Waititi’s film, Lando, and the future of stand-alone stories. She outlined what’s moving forward and what remains uncertain.

Kathleen Kennedy gives update on multiple new Star Wars movies

In an interview with Deadline, Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray, was created as a stand-alone film. “This was designed as a real stand-alone,” Kennedy stated, adding, “We could just make a movie and tell a story.”

While not originally intended as a series, she acknowledged the possibility of more due to Gray’s performance: “You cannot ignore the fact that this young actor is so good. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t go on and we don’t try to see if there might be future stories.”

Kennedy confirmed the next Star Wars theatrical release will be the Mandalorian movie directed by Jon Favreau. “That comes out in May,” she said. “As soon as I get back into town, I’m sitting down with Jon and looking at that.” Kennedy noted the film finished shooting in November and she will oversee effects work in post-production.

Regarding other projects, Kennedy stated, “Taika [Waititi] has turned in a script that I think is hilarious and great.” She added, “Donald Glover has turned in a script. And… Steve Soderbergh and Adam Driver turned in a script written by Scott Burns. It was just great.” She emphasized that final decisions would not be hers alone: “It’s not just my decision, especially when I’ve got a foot out the door.”

Kennedy also commented on the impact of fan reactions on filmmakers. “I do believe [Rian Johnson] got spooked by the online negativity,” she said. “Every filmmaker and actor says to me, ‘What’s going to happen?’ They’re a little scared.” She noted, “I’m honest, especially with the women that come into this space because they unfairly get targeted.”