'Sometimes it just takes a ‘Solo’ mistake': Kathleen Kennedy reflects on Star Wars’ missteps and Box Office Failures
Kathleen Kennedy, the producer of Star Wars, opens up about the challenges and lessons learned from 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:26 PM ISTKathleen Kennedy, the producer of Star Wars, opens up about the challenges and lessons learned from 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'.
Kathleen Kennedy's Star Wars Saga: From 'Solo' Flop to the Thrilling Future
There was once a time, not too long ago, when the Star Wars universe took a misstep that shook the galaxies. Kathleen Kennedy, the dynamic producer behind the franchise, gives us a candid insight into those turbulent times.
"Sometimes it just takes a ‘Solo’ mistake to learn a franchise-long lesson," Kennedy told Vanity Fair, referring to 2018's "Solo: A Star Wars Story."
The Drama Behind 'Solo'
"Solo: A Star Wars Story" was meant to bring fans a tantalizing glimpse into Han Solo's origins. Instead, it became a cautionary tale.
A Chaotic Production
From unexpected exits by co-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller to a reportedly struggling lead actor Alden Ehrenreich, the film's production was anything but smooth.
Screenwriter Jonathan Kasdan described it as an "excruciating" process.
The result? A box office performance that trailed behind all other live-action Star Wars movies.
A Lesson Learned
Kathleen Kennedy's realization was stark. "Now it does seem so abundantly clear that we can't do that," she declared. The error in judgment in handling the Solo production had to become a turning point.
A New Star Wars Era: Beyond the Characters
Fast forward to Disney+ series like “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” where technology, innovation, and a pivot to fresh storytelling are making waves. Even Mark Hamill continues to grace screens, thanks to deepfake magic.
The adorable Baby Yoda's viral fame is just a testament to the series' triumph.
Future prospects look even brighter. The next series, “The Acolyte,” led by “Russian Doll” co-creator Leslye Headland, is stirring excitement. Headland's outlook, a century before “The Phantom Menace,” has fans at the edge of their seats.
Kathleen Kennedy's words resonate now more than ever: "What's unique about ‘Star Wars’ is that we're one story, basically."
With the franchise on a promising trajectory and more thrilling tales to unfold, Star Wars fans have every reason to buckle up for the ride ahead.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)
As reported by IndieWire on May 17, 2022.